The most beautiful sights in Lower Austria
The Danube defines the state of Lower Austria like no other river, flowing from west to east, right through its heart. But it’s not alone, as the region is rich in waterways. Numerous rivers, including the Kamp, Thaya, and Traisen, shape the valleys. The Thayatal National Park remains particularly untouched. Its wild, romantic landscape, with dense deciduous forests, creates a unique paradise—even for very shy animals like the European wildcat.
The fortified castles may have left the days of robber barons behind, but they still stand as reminders of the stories of the past. Some, like Rosenburg Castle or Schallaburg , were transformed into fairytale-like castles during the Renaissance, while others remain as ruins. The Aggstein castle ruins in the Wachau are one of the most popular among them. The baroque abbeys of Melk and Göttweig are seen as heavenly palaces on earth, radiating elegance and eternal beauty.
The collections at the Albertina Klosterneuburg, the Roman City of Carnuntum, and the Kunstmeile ("Art Mile") Krems offer fascinating insights into art, history, and science.
The capital of St. Pölten
St. Pölten only became the capital of Lower Austria in 1986, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this city on the River Traisen and highlighting its charm, blending Baroque and modern influences.
Austria's youngest provincial capital looks firmly to the future. The modern Festival Hall, home to the Tonkünstler Orchestra of Lower Austria, celebrates both classical and contemporary music, dance, and performance. The architecturally impressive "Landtagsschiff" in the government district is also future-ready. The Museum of Lower Austria and the Sound Tower further emphasize the city’s embrace of modern architecture.
What may come as a surprise is that St. Pölten rests on ancient foundations. The city holds Austria's oldest documented city charter, granted as early as 1159 by Bishop Konrad of Passau. At the same time, St. Pölten was a capital of the Baroque period. After master builder Jakob Prandtauer moved here in 1689, the city experienced a building boom that transformed its landscape.
Other sights in the city of St. Pölten
Castles and palaces in Lower Austria
In the castles and palaces, visitors can almost hear the echoes of days gone by: the mighty walls bear witness to brave knights, hidden chambers, and grand royal feasts. It's as if history comes alive as you stroll through the stone corridors, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a bygone era.
Each castle and palace has its own unique history and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Schallaburg, a magnificent Renaissance castle, captivates visitors with its ornate terracotta arcades and expansive gardens. History truly comes to life as you wander through its historic chambers and explore the intricately designed exhibitions.
More castles and palaces in Lower Austria
Abbeys and monasteries in Lower Austria
The smell of incense and the sound of choir chants echo through the church naves, as light streams through the medieval stained glass windows. Abbeys and monasteries are mystical places, often considered centers of spiritual energy.
The peace they exude invites reflection, while their impressive architecture and centuries of history captivate visitors. These are places to nourish both body and soul.
Founded in 1138, Zwettl Abbey holds the distinction of being the third oldest existing Cistercian monastery in the world!
Melk Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece, towers majestically over the Danube, captivating visitors with its grandeur. The stunning ceiling frescoes and impressive library bring centuries of history vividly to life.
More abbeys and monasteries in Lower Austria
Museums in Lower Austria
Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, Arnulf Rainer, Hermann Nitsch, and Bertha von Suttner are just a few of the renowned painters and writers with roots in Lower Austria.
To preserve and share the works of these great regional artists, the museums and galleries of the state open their doors to art lovers. Here, you’ll find a unique blend of history and modernity that reflects the diversity and creativity of Lower Austria. Each museum tells its own captivating story, inviting you to immerse yourself in the province's rich cultural heritage.
A prime example of preserving and presenting these artistic treasures is the new Albertina Museum Klosterneuburg. Here, visitors can explore an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art that highlights the region's rich artistic heritage.
More museums in Lower Austria
Open-air museums in Lower Austria
Immerse yourself in times past and experience rural life, traditional craftsmanship, and regional customs up close. From lovingly restored farmhouses to workshops, these open-air museums provide fascinating insights into cultural history. Here, nature and history combine to create an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Explore scenic landscapes while getting hands-on with history—perfect for a day trip filled with inspiration and discovery.
At Museum Niedersulz, the largest open-air museum in Lower Austria, families can explore over 80 historic buildings, marvel at traditional craft techniques, and discover the original way of life of the rural population.
More open-air museums in Lower Austria
Sights for families
Lower Austria offers a wide range of exciting destinations for children that spark curiosity and a sense of discovery. Here, kids can dive into imaginative worlds, enjoy adventures, and playfully explore nature. From outdoor experiences and fun activities to creative workshops, there’s something for every age and interest.
Discover the variety and enjoy unforgettable days filled with fun and learning. Perfect for families looking to explore new favorite places together!
A special highlight is the Roman City of Carnuntum. Here, families can step into the world of the Romans, explore meticulously reconstructed buildings, and experience daily life in ancient times firsthand.
More excursion destinations for children
Nature experiences in Lower Austria
The Danube shapes Lower Austria like no other river, flowing west to east through the heart of the province. However, it's not the only body of water here, as the region is rich in rivers such as the Kamp, Thaya, and Traisen, which carve through the valleys. Thayatal National Park is particularly untouched, with its wild and romantic landscape of dense deciduous forests providing a unique paradise, even for shy animals like the European wildcat.
Lower Austria's mountains offer not only relaxation and breathtaking panoramas but also a variety of sporting activities. Spectacular hikes lead into the gorges around Ötscher, while multi-day tours through the Viennese Alps (Schneeberg, Rax, and Semmering) promise diverse and scenic adventures.
Even though Thayatal National Park is the smallest in Austria, it is home to nearly half of all plant species found in the country.
More nature highlights in Lower Austria
Historic town centers in Lower Austria
Lower Austria impresses with a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture. Wander through the winding alleys of historic town centers and discover fascinating buildings from various eras.
Each town has its own charm, rich in history and culture, offering insights into the architecture of past centuries.
The city of Baden stands out, where imperial elegance seamlessly blends with contemporary architecture. Historic landmarks, such as the municipal theatre and Roman thermal baths, showcase the town's illustrious spa history. Meanwhile, restored facades and modern additions keep the region's rich heritage alive.
More historic towns in Lower Austria
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Melk Abbey
The Benedictine Melk Abbey is the landmark of the Wachau and, along with the region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site was likely inhabited in Roman times, and by the 11th century, it had become a spiritual and cultural centre under the Babenbergs' rule.
In the early 18th century, the monastery was transformed into its current form by renowned Baroque architect Jakob Prandtauer. He designed a grand complex, placing the magnificent collegiate church at its heart, with contributions from master artists like Paul Troger and Johann Michael Rottmayr.
Semmering Railway
The Semmering Railway, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, was designed by Ritter von Ghega as Europe’s first full-track mountain railway. Spanning 41 km / 25 miles, the route traverses 16 viaducts, 100 bridges, and 15 tunnels, overcoming unprecedented technical challenges of its time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to fascinate visitors.
Beyond the impressive railway itself, travellers are captivated by the surrounding landscape and the elegant villa architecture. Since its opening in 1854, it has been a gateway from Vienna to the mountains, drawing both nature lovers and, historically, the nobility.
Wine culture in the Wachau
The Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches from Melk to Krems along the Danube. Known for its wine-growing tradition dating back to Roman times, the region’s steep terraces, supported by stone walls, require labour-intensive, hand-tended cultivation.
However, the effort pays off, as the slopes provide excellent sun exposure, and the primary rock soils contribute to the distinct character of Wachau wines. These crystalline soils are particularly favourable for growing the best white wine varieties, making the region famous for its exceptional wines.
Tip: Tip: Along with the many wine festivals, several other festivals and events take place in the charming wine villages. Enjoy a leisurely boat trip from village to village, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lower Austria
Fair play in Austria
Nature and inspiration are the sources of power in Austria as a vacation destination - mountains and lakes, art and culture as well as culinary delights are the specialties. All these experiences are increasingly accompanied by awareness and consistent measures for Sustainability. At best, the responsibility for people, animals, the environment and the climate is shared by everyone involved:
The guests. Traveling sustainably means reducing your CO2-Footprint and also takes the well-being of others into consideration.
The hosts, who are committed to mutual understanding in Accessibility and inclusionbut also for fairness for their employees.
Austria and its regions. With intact landscapes, clean waters, renewable energies and monument protection, they ensure climate-friendly measures.