Posted in:

Springtime on the Mostviertel Panorama Road

© by Arnold Weisz

The thousands of fruit trees blossoming are one of many springtime highlights in Austria. A great place to see this wonderful natural spectacle is the Mostviertel region.

The Mostviertel region in the southeastern part of Lower Austria offers a wide range of activities and is an all-year travel destination. Notwithstanding, I especially love travelling in the region in early springtime. Mostviertel is a great place to hike, but if you visit only for a few days, I recommend driving.

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 the freshly green pastures with bright white and pink flowers. The Mostviertel benefits from both Atlantic and Pannonian climatic influences. Consequently, fruit, grapes, and vegetables thrive in this mild and sunny climate. The name Mostviertel is derived from the region’s traditional production of Perry (Most), which is just as complex as winemaking. Don’t forget to pick a bottle or two of the pear wine.

Scenic Mostviertel routes

To cover as much of the region as possible in a few days, I drove along the so-called Panoramahöhenweg (Panorama High Road). This is more than simply a road and a network of different scenic routes. The roads take you around the most beautiful and exciting parts of the Mostviertel region. The network of minor roads connecting all the farms and villages in the region is paved and in excellent condition. Therefore, ample opportunities exist to stop along the routes for photos and a picnic.

<< Click on the images to enlarge >>

Sonntagberg Basilica

I chose the Sonntagberg Basilica as our point of departure. The Basilica is a well-known pilgrim destination and an architectonic gem by itself. Its location on top of a hill gives you magnificent views over the region, from the Danube Valley in the north and right into the Alps in the south. In addition to the beautiful views, you will also find nice picnic spots, farms selling their produce, and eateries. If you plan, you can even order and pick up a picnic basket from a local delicatessen along the way. Next, I drove to the small village of St. Leonhard am Walde and went on Route 3 to Windhag.

Picnic with a view

Just beyond the hilltop hamlet Windhag, I found the perfect spot for a little lunch break. Leaving Windhag and its lovely views was not easy, but I also wanted to visit Waidhofen an der Ybbs for the day’s round. Situated on the river Ybbs, in a valley surrounded by green hills, Waidhofen has an idyllic historic centre and some interesting historic buildings, such as Palace Rotchild and the towers that used to be part of a defensive wall in the Middle Ages. There are also plenty of accommodations and eateries if you stay for a day or two.

ADVERTISEMENT

Fun for everyone

The Mostviertel is, of course, much more than beautiful nature and pear trees. The area offers lots of fun, from scenic flights by small airplanes to museums. So whether you prefer to stay on firm ground or enjoy more adrenalin-filled activities, there is something to be had for everyone. For family fun, you can visit a llama farm, game parks, a pleasure park with a miniature railway and much more.

Check out the Mostviertel Tourist Office website for more info.
  • Bregenz - seaside fun in the Alps, Vorarlberg, Austria

    Posted in:

    Bregenz – Seaside fun in the Alps

    Situated on the banks of Lake Constance, the town of 29.000 inhabitants is a world away from Vienna at the other end of the country. The westernmost state capital of Austria – Bregenz, is best known for its annual theatre festival. However, the city also offers visitors seaside escapes, mountain hiking, and innovative architecture. Nonetheless, […]

    Read more

  • Italian flagthrowers at the Medieval FEstival in Mauterndorf, Austria.

    Posted in:

    Medieval Festival in Mauterndorf

    Time travel a few hundred years back to the Middle age when the entire village was full of people dressed in historical costumes, and armed knights roamed the streets mingling with flame breathers. The Middle Ages come alive at what has become the legendary folk festival in Mauterndorf, an hour’s drive from Salzburg. Every July […]

    Read more

  • View of Gumpoldskirchen from the vineyards

    Posted in:

    4 delightful day trips from Vienna

    Going on a day trip from Vienna by public transport is easy. Whether you are in Vienna by plane or have driven here by car, you can quickly go on a journey of discovery just outside the city. We have been on 4 fantastic day trips with entirely different experiences, which you can do in […]

    Read more

  • Rosshütte funicular railway, Seefeld, Tyrol, Austria

    Posted in:

    5 fantastic places in Austria accessible by funicular railway

    Austria has short urban funicular railways and longer tracks that take you up the mountains. A funicular railway consists of two vehicles that counterbalance one another rather than independently operated railway cars. Furthermore, they are usually barrier-free and perfect if you are a wheelchair user or travel with a stroller. 1. Hallstatt – Salzbergbahn A […]

    Read more

  • Posted in:

    Discover Vienna’s colorful markets

    Markets always add life and colour to a city. Moreover, they are a great way to get to know a city’s people and culture. Vienna has made a conscious effort to preserve some of the traditional markets. Not only as points of sale but also as local meeting places. Nonetheless, a few markets, such as […]

    Read more

  • A family with a wheel cahir user in the Austrian Alps

    Posted in:

    Barrier-free holiday in the Austrian Alps

    Although barrier-free travel in Austria is not readily available everywhere, slowly but surely, more and more destinations offer at least some access for guests with restricted mobility or families with small children in strollers. Focus on mobility Whether hiking with a pram, wheelchair, or walker, or with other impairments, if you are looking for comfortable […]

    Read more

Advertisements

Share, , Google Plus, Pinterest,

Written by Arnold Weisz

Globetrotting multilingual communications specialist born in Vienna, Austria – with passion for scuba diving, golf and culinary delights! 15 years of experience as a scuba- and travel reporter for among others: X-Ray Dive Magazine and Dykking.