Pleasant bike paths along the Danube River, great skiing on Schneeberg and idyllic villages in the wine region Weinviertel, as just a few of many highlights in Lower Austria (Niederösterreich).
Lower Austria is Austria’s largest state with its 19.177 km2. At a first glance, the state doesn’t have the same flair to it as alpine states of Tyrol or Salzburg. Nevertheless, Lower Austria offers an incredible variety of nature and culture.
Heartland
Lower Austria has always been the centre point of Austrian history. The original name of the state was Austria, and it was the heartland of the Habsburg Empire. The entirely enclosed the Austrian capital Vienna. The proximity to the country’s capital and seat of power has given it some advantages. 42 % of the state is agricultural land. Thus, providing a large share of the food production in Austria. In addition, Lower Austria is the largest wine grower of the country.
Culture and architecture
As a consequence of being the heartland of Austria and integral part of the political power house, you will find numerous palaces, castles and monasteries in Lower Austria. Nobles who wanted to get away from Vienna built their countryside retreats a day or two coach-rides away. Furthermore, no other states can showcase more astonishing holy buildings than Lower Austria. Just to mention a few of the most impressive; Stift Melk, Stift Göttweig and Stift Klosterneuburg, which have become important tourist magnets.
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Tourist magnets
One of the state’s most significant tourist region is the Wachau, which stretches out for about 30 kilometres along the Danube. Only a one-hour drive away from Vienna you find many picturesque villages separated by vineyards and fruit orchards. Add to that mediaeval castles and one of the mightiest rivers in Europe, Danube and you have a perfect mix for attracting tourists.
Ski resorts
The eastern most parts of the Alps lie within Lower Austria. Albeit not as spectacular as for example in Tyrol, the state still offers great skiing.
– Göstling-Hochkar
– Annaberg
– Lackenhof-Ötscher
– Mitterbach-Gemeindealpe
– Schischaukel Mönichkirchen-Mariensee
– St. Corona am Wechsel
– Zauberberg Semmering
– Puchberg am Schneeberg
This is not a complete list of the ski resorts in Lower Austria, but some of the most popular. Schneeberg (Snow Mountain) is easily accessible from Vienna, that is 115 km away by car. Most of the ski resorts have lifts that also run in the summer, giving access to a wide range of hiking terrain.
For more info, see Lower Austria Tourism
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Dürnstein is as taken out of a medieval novel. Dürnstein clings on narrow strip on the north bank of the Danube in Lower Austria. The small town has taken its name from the castle which occupies the cliffs above. The town is luckily much better preserved than the castle, which today only consist of a […]
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The region in the south-eastern part of Lower Austria, offers a wide range of activities and is an all-year travel destination. Nonetheless, we love travelling in the region in early spring. Pear tree blossom The pear trees usually blossom from mid- April to the beginning of May. It’s a fantastic sight, when the trees sprinkle […]
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Although Aggstein Castle is only partly restored it offers you an insight to life in the Middle Ages. Furthermore, the fantastic views of one of the mightiest rivers in Europe, the Danube, also makes it well worth the trip up the mountain. Most parts of the castle are open to visitors. Wooden stairs and walkways […]
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The Wachau takes up a 33 kilometre (20 mile) stretch of the Danube between Melk and Krems in Upper Austria. The unique blend of picturesque villages, river landscape, history, culture and regional delicatessen are main attractions. The mild climate, geology and good soil makes Wachau into one of the prime wine districts of Austria. The […]