Lower Austria Travel Guide

Discover the culturally important attractions, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures to have on your next trip to Lower Austria. Learn about food, accommodations, and transport options too.


Introduction to Lower Austria

Lower Austria is a brilliant destination for any traveler looking to explore the beauty of Central Europe. It is an Austrian state, bordering Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It is the largest state in Austria and offers tourists a wide variety of attractions, from nature parks and historical sites to cultural attractions. The Danube river flows through Lower Austria, offering visitors many scenic views.

In this travel guide, we’ll share some of the must-visit places, cultural attractions, activities, and natural wonders you should not miss. We will also provide tips on the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to stay in, the best time to visit, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in Lower Austria

Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Lower Austria:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Mauthausen Memorial: A former concentration camp during World War II.
  • The Kreuzenstein Castle: A beautiful castle that dates back to the 12th century.
  • Stift Melk Abbey: A baroque abbey located in Wachau.
  • The Austrian Aviation Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of aviation in Austria.
  • The Museum Gugging: A museum displaying art from the Gugging Artists community.

Natural Attractions of Lower Austria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Dürrenstein Nature Reserve: A nature reserve with a variety of hiking trails.
  • The Donau-Auen National Park: A national park located along the Danube river.
  • The Lunzer See: A lake located in the Alps that is popular for swimming, hiking, and fishing.
  • The Hohe Wand Nature Park: A nature park perfect for hiking and climbing.
  • Schneeberg: The highest mountain in lower Austria, and a great spot for hiking and skiing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lower Austria

Lower Austria is a paradise for those who love hiking and biking. Here are the best paths to explore:

  • The Traisental Radweg: A bike path that runs along the river Traisen. This path is suitable for families too.
  • The Wachau World Heritage Trail: A hiking trail that runs along the Danube river and is perfect for those who enjoy scenic views.
  • The Ötschergräben: A hiking trail that runs through a canyon and offers stunning views of waterfalls.
  • The Rax Schneeberg Group: A hiking trail that offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps.

Best Things to Do in Lower Austria: Activities and Tours

  • Go on a wine tour in Wachau, famous for its white wines.
  • Take a scenic boat ride along the Danube river.
  • Try out paragliding in the Hohe Wand Nature Park.
  • Visit the famous St. Pölten Zoo.
  • Go skiing at the Annaberg Ski Resort.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lower Austria

Here is a seven-day itinerary for exploring Lower Austria:

Day 1: Visit Vienna.

Day 2: Traisen Radweg bike tour.

Day 3: Visit the Mauthausen Memorial or the Kreuzenstein Castle.

Day 4: The Donau-Auen National Park.

Day 5: Hiking in the Rax-Schneeberg Group.

Day 6: Wine tour in Wachau.

Day 7: Explore St. Pölten or visit the Museum Gugging.

Food and Drink Scene of Lower Austria

Lower Austria has a rich culinary culture, and there are several dishes you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tafelspitz: A popular dish made from boiled beef, served with potatoes and vegetables.
  • Wiener Schnitzel: Thin slices of veal that are breaded and fried, served with a side of potato salad.
  • Mohnnudeln: A sweet dish made with poppyseed noodles, served with melted butter and sugar.
  • Emmentaler Cheese: A Swiss cheese that is great for snacking.

Local Beverages

  • Grüner Veltliner: A white wine from the vineyards of Wachau.
  • Zwettler Bier: A local beer that has been brewed for over 150 years.
  • Most: A cider-like drink made from apples or pears, popular in the region.

Where to Stay in Lower Austria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lower Austria has a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some top recommendations:

  • The Landgasthof zur Linde: A budget-friendly lodging in Rohrendorf bei Krems, perfect for travelers on a tight budget.
  • The Courtyard by Marriott in Krems: A four-star hotel with a sauna, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
  • The Gasthof zur Stadt Horn: A family-run guesthouse in Horn, ideal for those looking for a cozy stay.
  • The Schloß Schönau Jagdhof: A four-star hotel set in a historic castle near Vienna.

What to Buy in Lower Austria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to bring home some souvenirs from Lower Austria, you may consider:

  • Austrian wines from vineyards in Wachau.
  • Handmade ceramics and pottery from Gmünd.
  • Mohnzelten - A local specialty baked good similar to croissants, filled with poppy seeds and other fillings.

Local Culture and Customs of Lower Austria

Lower Austria has a rich and fascinating culture. In the past, the region was home to several emperors and was influenced by several cultures like the Celts, Romans, and Slavs. There are still several annual cultural events that are celebrated in Lower Austria. These include:

  • The Lower Austria Festival: Celebrated in May and June, the festival celebrates classical music, theater, and dance.
  • Wachau Marathon: Held in September, the marathon is a great way to explore Wachau while getting some exercise.

Best Time to Visit Lower Austria

The best time to visit Lower Austria is the summer months from June to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the region has several outdoor events and festivals. If you’re looking for winter sports, the ski season runs from December to March.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lower Austria

Do:

  • Try out the local wines.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Carry cash since not all restaurants and shops accept cards.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash on hiking or biking trails.
  • Don’t enter private areas without permission.
  • Don’t dress inappropriately when visiting religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lower Austria

Lower Austria is generally safe for travelers, and violent crime is rare. However, like any other destination, you need to be careful of pickpockets and keep your valuables close.

Health in Lower Austria

Lower Austria has an excellent health care system, and emergency services are readily available. Make sure to bring any prescription medications and appropriate travel insurance.

Getting to Lower Austria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lower Austria

The nearest international airport to Lower Austria is Vienna International Airport. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Lower Austria.

Bus Stations Near Lower Austria

There are several bus stations in Lower Austria, including St. Pölten, Krems, and Wiener Neustadt.

Other Options

There’s a train station in Vienna, linking it to several other major European cities. Trains are frequent and efficient.

How to Get Around in Lower Austria

The best way to get around in Lower Austria is by car. You can rent a car from several international agencies like Europcar and Sixt. Alternatively, you can take public transportation like buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Lower Austria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some more time in Central Europe, here are some of the nearby destinations worth exploring:

  • Vienna: The Austrian capital is just about an hour’s drive away from Lower Austria.
  • Bratislava: The Slovakian capital is just about an hour’s drive away from Lower Austria.
  • Prague: The capital of the Czech Republic is about three hours away from Lower Austria.

Conclusion

Lower Austria is a captivating destination that has something for every traveler. It is rich in culture, history, outdoor adventures, delicious cuisine, and natural wonders. We hope this guide has helped you plan your next trip to Lower Austria and provided you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit.

Gobelinzimmer (tapestry room) in the imperial wing of Göttweig Abbey Gobelinzimmer (tapestry room) in the imperial wing of Göttweig Abbey


    Perchtoldsdorf
    Retzer Land
    Semmering
    Tulln
    Wachau
    Wiener Neustadt