Lower Austria
Summer holidays between palaces, castles and wine

Lower Austria is Austria’s largest province and is divided into six regions, each distinct in location, culture, and economy:

• Weinviertel: Known for its vineyards.

• Waldviertel: Characterised by dense forests.

• Mostviertel: Known for its apple and pear orchards, and the production of cider.

• Industrieviertel: The economic heart of Lower Austria, with a strong industrial sector.

• Vienna Surroundings/Lower Austria Centre: Areas around Vienna offering both residential and recreational space.

• Danube-March-Thaya Wetlands: River landscapes along the Danube and the rivers March and Thaya.

As Austria’s largest province, with its capital St. Pölten, Lower Austria lies in the northeast along the Danube – a region rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty! The alpine, Pannonian, and northern and southern European influences blend the landscape into a harmonious whole. Farmland, forests, river valleys, and mountain peaks – these contrasting features give Lower Austria its unique character. As Austria’s leading wine-growing region, it is home to cosy "Heurige" wine taverns alongside magnificent castles, fortresses, and monasteries. A vibrant cultural and arts scene brings fresh energy to its historical charm.

Lower Austria boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Semmering Railway: Over 160 years old, the Semmering Railway regularly runs along the 41-kilometre track from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag. In 1854, it became the world’s first mountain railway and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

• Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area: As the largest remaining virgin forest in the Alps, this wilderness area has been a recognised UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site since 2017. Its protected forests, along with diverse species of wildlife, plants, and fungi, contribute to the preservation of ecosystems.

• The Wachau: One of the world’s most beautiful river valleys and wine-growing regions, the Wachau was first documented over 1,200 years ago. Economically significant since the early Middle Ages, it remains one of Lower Austria’s most important regions today.

Lower Austria’s rich history and strategic location have led to the construction of numerous castles and fortresses over the centuries. These served not only as military strongholds but also as residences, administrative centres, and symbols of power. Today, many of them stand as icons of Lower Austria’s cultural heritage and identity.

• Dürnstein Ruins

• Schloss Hof

• Rosenburg Castle

• Kreuzenstein Castle

• Grafenegg Castle

• Schallaburg Castle

First mentioned in 996 AD as "Ostarrîchi," Lower Austria reached its greatest extent as the Archduchy of Austria below the Enns a few centuries later. It was eventually named "Lower Austria" to distinguish it from "Upper Austria" based on the geographical location of the two regions. In 1920, Lower Austria was recognised as a separate province (excluding Vienna).