Waldviertel Textile Road

Since time immemorial the history of the Waldviertel has been intricately woven with the textile industry. As early as in 1759, 72 guilds of linen weavers existed in this region. By the middle of the 19th century almost every household had its own loom and the population census of 1869 showed that more than two thirds of all employed in industrial businesses worked in the textile field - from the traditional sheep-wool production to weavers' guilds and spinning and weaving manufacturers. Hence, the textile industry is part of the history of the Waldviertel and has always left its imprint on its inhabitants and landscape.
The Waldviertel textile road invites to a discovery tour of the past and present times. On 40 different locations you get an insight into the broad range of technological facilities and manufacturing types reflecting also the working and living conditions at different periods of time.

Information:
Waldviertel Tourismus
Tel. ++43/2822/541 09-0

Highlight: First Waldviertel Weaving Museum / Waldviertel an der Thaya
The Waidhofen regional museum houses a representative collection of the textile machinerey used in this region. The new wing shows the development of technology and work from past to present giving an insight into the tight-weaving technology for the production of ribbons and wide-weaving technology for the production of fabrics. Preparations and the process of weaving itself are demonstrated at the simple hand-weaving loom and at different weaving machines. The museum shows the whole development of the weaving manufacture from a self-made loom to an 18th-century weaving mill to a ribbon weaving machine for special designs.

Address:
Moriz Schadekgsse 4
A-3830 Waidhofen an der Thaya

Opening times:
May 12 - September 30, Sundays and holidays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., July and August, Friday 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (guided visits for groups by prior arrangement).
Tel.: +43/2842/51500