Herrenplatz in St. Pölten

St. Pölten
A city between Baroque and Modernism

St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, is full of contrasts: Roman traces and Celtic influences meet baroque, art nouveau and modern architecture.

A forward-thinking city

St. Pölten is always looking to the future, as evidenced by its impressive modern architecture. Enjoy classical and contemporary music performances in the glass-fronted Festspielhaus, stroll through the ultra-modern government district with the architecturally impressive "Landtagsschiff" - the aerodynamic-looking seat of the province's government - or enjoy the views from Klangturm tower.

Capital of the Baroque

At the same time, St. Pölten stands on historical foundations. The city has the oldest documented city charter in Austria, granted by Bishop Konrad of Passau in 1159. It is also considered a capital of the Baroque, with a veritable building boom transforming the city during that era. Make sure to take a walk through the magnificent old town to see the town hall and St. Pölten cathedral.

St. Pölten
Quick facts about St. Pölten
Population:approx. 58,860 (as of 2024)
Province:Lower Austria
Area:108.44km²
Favourite viewpoint:Klangturm tower (77m)

Lower Austria Card
The local guest card includes free entry to about 350 attractions throughout Lower Austria.

Meet St. Pölten

Interior view of the Cathedral Church of St. Pölten
Landtagsschiff in St. Pölten, seat of the Lower Austrian government
Town Hall Square St. Pölten
Festspielhaus St. Pölten (Festival Theatre)
Tellerhaus in the city centre of St. Pölten
House of Nature, Museum Niederösterreich, St. Pölten

Top highlights

Tours

On the way along the Traisental cycle path

Family tip

Traisental cycle path

The Traisental path is perfect for a family cycling trip: The 111-kilometre route leads through the Traisental wine country in the Mostviertel region and boasts varied landscapes, from the gentle hills south of the Danube to the mountains of the Mostviertel Alps.

The overall route consists of several sections you can pick and choose from. Our recommendation for families with children: start in Mariazell or Kernhof and ride to Traismauer.

Stift Melk

Abbeys, monasteries, castles and palaces: Sights in Lower Austria

Top events

Wine autumn - Retzbacherhof in the Weinviertel

Eating and drinking in Lower Austria: Between the Danube and vineyards

Recipes

Österreichisches Umweltzeichen

Quick travel tips

How to make your city trip sustainable
  • Use public transport

  • Borrow a city bike

  • Use the bike rental service in your hotel

  • Use refillable drinking bottles

  • Don't have your room cleaned and towels changed every day

  • Book an accommodation with an environmental certificate

The World of Mörwald

Lower Austria's top restaurants

Traditional country inns, taverns and restaurants

Lower Austria has a strong culinary heart - from the traditional to the experimental, but always down to earth. If you do one thing in this region, make sure to visit a traditional Austrian "Wirtshaus" (inn). These quaint places are where hospitality, characterful locals and excellent regional dishes come together - from crispy roast pork to Marchfeld asparagus and apricot dumplings from the Wachau.

FAQs

St. Pölten has many activities and attractions on offer, from castles and palaces to outdoor adventures and museums. Here are some of our favourites:

Traisen River originates in the Traisen Valley, flows through St. Pölten and into the Danube. Both sides of the Traisen are flanked by beautiful floodplain landscapes featuring running and cycling routes. The area is also ideal for roller-skating and walking.

The Museumscard (Museum Card) allows you to visit all museums and exhibition venues in St. Pölten all year round with just one ticket. It includes one-time free admission to:

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