St. Pölten
Austria's youngest provincial capital, where Baroque meets modernity
A glimpse into the future
Austria’s youngest state capital is looking ahead. In the modern Festspielhaus – home to the Tonkünstler Orchestra of Lower Austria – classical and contemporary music, dance, and performance are showcased. The innovative government district, featuring the architecturally striking “Landtagsschiff,” also points to the future. The cultural district, with the Landesmuseum and Klangturm, completes this journey towards modern architectural design. The transformation of the Baroque Rathausplatz by architect Boris Podrecca further highlights this ability to evolve.
A capital of Baroque
St. Pölten is originally built on historic foundations. The city holds Austria’s oldest officially documented town charter, granted by the Bishop of Passau, Konrad, in 1159. At the same time, St. Pölten is a capital of Baroque architecture. After master builder Jakob Prandtauer moved here in 1689, a construction boom transformed the city, and numerous buildings from this period still stand as testament to that era.
Lower Austria Card
Purchase of the Lower Austria Card grants free entry to around 350 attractions across the province.
St. Pölten from every angle
Top highlights
Activities in and around St. Pölten
Tours
Top events
Food and Drink in Lower Austria: Enjoy good company between the Danube and the vineyards!
Recipes
Sustainability tip
Travelling to and from Austria by train.
Use public transport.
Borrow city bikes.
Take advantage of bike rentals at hotels.
Use refillable drinking bottles.
Dispose of waste carefully (tissues, packaging, single-use bottles, etc.).
Opt out of daily room cleaning and towel changes.
Book accommodations with environmental certification.
Lower Austria's top-restaurants
Lower Austria has a vibrant culinary scene—modern and a bit experimental, but always down-to-earth. The award-winning restaurants here are not just a treat for the eyes but a delight for the taste buds, from the Waldviertel to the Weinviertel and from the Wachau to the Vienna Woods. You'll find some amazing local specialities, with creative chefs really letting the region's best produce shine in their dishes.
The Lower Austrian inn is a real gem. Here, much comes together: hospitality, charismatic hosts, and outstanding regional dishes—think crispy pork roast, Marchfeld asparagus, and those delicious apricot dumplings from the Wachau.