Retzer Land Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Retzer Land, a charming region in Lower Austria known for its cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, local cuisine, and traditional customs.


Welcome to Retzer Land, a picturesque region situated in the heart of Lower Austria. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, Retzer Land is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey through the charming towns, natural wonders, and local traditions of Retzer Land.

Introduction to Retzer Land

Retzer Land is a vast region located in Lower Austria, rich in cultural and natural landmarks. It is home to many small and charming villages, magnificent castles and monasteries, breathtaking hills and valleys, and endless fields of vineyards and orchards. The region is also known for its traditional customs, festivals, and regional cuisine that has been preserved over generations.

List of Places to Visit in Retzer Land

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are interested in history, arts, and culture, Retzer Land has a lot to offer. Here are some unique places to visit:

  • Retz City Tower: Originally a defensive tower, now it hosts exhibitions and offers stunning panoramic views of the city
  • Liechtenstein Castle: A grand 12th-century castle featuring medieval and Baroque architecture
  • Karner von Unternalb: An ancient burial chamber from the 2nd century AD, showcasing Roman-era history
  • Pfarrkirche St. Stephan: A beautiful baroque church located in the heart of Retz and dating back to the 17th century
  • Retz Museum: Exhibiting local history and culture, with various collections of pottery, furniture, art, and handicrafts
  • Hermannshöhle: A wondrous limestone cave with otherworldly stalactites and underground lakes
  • Kellergasse: A traditional wine cellar alley with over 150 wine cellars, offering wine tasting and unique local experiences

Natural Attractions of Retzer Land: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Retzer Land is also a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best natural attractions in the area:

  • Retz Windmill: A historic windmill showcasing local agricultural heritage and providing stunning views
  • Hardegg Castle: A stunning medieval castle featuring a moat, drawbridge, and magnificent architecture
  • Giant Ice Age Potholes: Glacial potholes at the base of a hill, created by the melting glaciers of the Ice Age
  • National Park Thayatal: A natural reserve with diverse flora and fauna, hiking trails, and numerous lookout points with stunning views of the Danube valley
  • Märchenwiese (Fairytale Meadow): A magical meadow with a small stream and lush greenery, perfect for picnics and relaxation
  • Wine Roads in Retzer Land: Long and winding roads through lush vineyards, offering panoramic views of the area and wine tasting experiences

Hiking/Biking Routes of Retzer Land

Retzer Land is also a great destination for hikers and bikers. With its rolling hills, scenic trails, and diverse terrain, the region offers a great variety of paths to explore. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Retzer Land:

  • Retzer Weinweg: A scenic route through vineyards and cellars, offering wine tastings and cultural insights
  • Thayatal National Park Trail: A 22-km trail through scenic landscapes of the Danube valley, with diverse flora and fauna
  • Waldviertel Circuit: A 270 km-long circular bike trail through the forests and hills of Waldviertel region, passing through Retzer Land
  • Pulkautal Cycle Path: A 40-km bike trail through the idyllic Pulkautal valley, with stunning views of the region

Best Things to Do in Retzer Land: Activities and Tours

Apart from exploring natural wonders, Retzer Land also offers many unique activities and tours that will enrich your travel experience. Here are some of the best things to do in Retzer Land:

  • Wine Tasting Tour: Explore the vineyards and cellars of the region and taste some of the best local wines
  • Märchenwiese Picnic: Enjoy a romantic picnic amidst the colorful wildflowers and serene streams of the Märchenwiese
  • Castle and Monastery Tour: Visit some of the stunning castles, monasteries, and churches of Retzer Land, including Liechtenstein Castle and the Altenburg Abbey
  • Outdoor Adventures: Try some adrenaline-pumping activities like hiking, biking, or canoeing in Retzer Land’s beautiful natural landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Retzer Land

If you have a week to explore Retzer Land, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Explore Retz city, including the City Tower, Karner von Unternalb, and Pfarrkirche St. Stephan

Day 2: Visit the Retz Museum and wine cellar alleys of Retzer Land

Day 3: Explore Hardegg Castle and the Giant Ice Age Potholes

Day 4: Visit Hermannshöhle and Märchenwiese, and take a bike ride or hike through the Thayatal National Park

Day 5: Tour the Altenburg Abbey and visit nearby castles like Rosenburg Castle

Day 6: Take a wine-tasting tour and enjoy the scenic wine roads of Retzer Land

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the local cuisine and hospitality

Food and Drink Scene of Retzer Land

Retzer Land is known for its traditional and hearty cuisine, and of course, its wines. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Retzer Wirtshausschmaus: Hearty regional meal with a variety of local specialties
  • Waldviertler Mohnnudeln: Noodles with poppy seeds, a regional specialty
  • Schnitzel: A classic Austrian dish, often with potato salad or fries

Local Beverages

  • Retzer Land Wines: Try some of the exceptional local wines, especially its flagship product, Zweigelt
  • Gespritzer: A refreshing Austrian drink made of white wine, carbonated water, and sometimes fruit syrup
  • Melange: A Viennese-style coffee with milk froth and whipped cream

Where to Stay in Retzer Land: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Retzer Land offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Here are some recommended places to stay:

  • Hotel Althof Retz: A luxurious hotel set in a historic building, featuring an indoor pool, sauna, and elegant rooms
  • Retzerlandhof Familie Graf: A countryside guesthouse with charming rooms and an outdoor pool, surrounded by vineyards and orchards
  • Motel Winrooms & Apartments: A modern and stylish place to stay, offering self-catering facilities and a great location in Retz town center

What to Buy in Retzer Land: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to take a piece of Retzer Land with you, here are some unique souvenirs and local products:

  • Zweigelt Wine: A unique and delicious local wine to take home
  • Pfarrhof Schnapps: A strong and aromatic herbal schnapps made by the Altenburg Abbey monks
  • Waldviertler Poppy Seeds: Delicious and healthy seeds used in many local dishes
  • Handicrafts: Pottery, woodwork, and glasswork produced by local artisans, available in the Retz Museum gift shop

Local Culture and Customs of Retzer Land

Retzer Land has a rich cultural heritage and traditional customs that are closely tied to its history and natural resources. The region is known for its wine culture, traditional processions, and folklore events. Here are some local customs and traditions to experience:

  • Weinlesefest (Wine Harvest Festival): A festival celebrating the harvest of grapes and wine production, featuring traditional music, dancing, and wine tastings
  • Perchtenlauf (Krampus Procession): A parade of people dressed as scary creatures, mainly in December
  • Bockbierfest (Beer Festival): A traditional festival celebrating the first brew of Bock beer every fall, with food, music, and beer tastings

Best Time to Visit Retzer Land

Retzer Land is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall (May to October) when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are in full swing. Springtime is also an excellent time to explore the colorful wildflower meadows and cherry blossom trees of the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Retzer Land

Here are some general guidelines for visitors to Retzer Land:

Do:

  • Try the local wine and cuisine
  • Take a bike ride or hike through the region’s stunning natural landscapes
  • Visit the castles, monasteries, and museums of the region
  • Participate in the traditional events and festivals

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment or heritage sites
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions
  • Wander off designated hiking trails

Safety and Health

Safety in Retzer Land

Retzer Land is a relatively safe destination, but it’s always good to take some precautions, such as:

  • Wear proper hiking or biking gear and choose appropriate trails for your level of fitness and experience
  • Stay on designated trails and follow the safety instructions and guidelines given
  • Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly

Health in Retzer Land

The healthcare system in Austria is of a high standard. Retzer Land also has a few medical facilities available:

  • Retz Medical Center: Offers primary care, specialist care, and inpatient facilities
  • Regional Hospital Zwettl: A larger hospital offering general inpatient and outpatient care

Getting to Retzer Land: Transportation Options and Logistics

Retzer Land is easily accessible by car, train, or bus from Vienna and other major cities in Austria. Here are some options:

Airports Near Retzer Land

The nearest airports to Retzer Land are:

  • Vienna International Airport (VIE)
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS)

Bus Stations Near Retzer Land

  • Retz Bus Station
  • Hollabrunn Bus Station

Other Options

  • Take a train to Retz Train Station and then use a local bus or taxi to reach your destination

How to Get Around in Retzer Land

The easiest way to get around Retzer Land is by car, but you can also use local buses, bikes, or your feet. Here are some options:

  • Car Rental: Rent a car at Vienna or Bratislava airport or in Retz town center to explore the region on your own
  • Local Buses: Use the local bus network operated by Postbus to reach Retzer Land’s main tourist attractions and towns
  • Biking: Rent a bike at Retz train station or other locations and zip through the beautiful vineyards and wine roads of Retzer Land

Where to Go Next from Retzer Land: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Retzer Land is located in a strategic location in Lower Austria, close to many other fascinating destinations and landmarks. Here are some of the places you can visit nearby:

  • Vienna: Austria’s capital city, filled with history, art, and culture, and just 80 km from Retzer Land
  • Wachau Valley: A scenic valley along the Danube river, renowned for its vineyards, wine tastings, and historic landmarks
  • Krems: A charming town located at the entrance of the Wachau Valley, with a rich history and architecture
  • Bratislava: The capital city of Slovakia, with a beautiful Old Town and natural landscapes, located just 100 km from Retzer Land

Conclusion

Retzer Land is an enchanting destination, filled with stunning natural vistas, fascinating cultural landmarks, and mouth-watering local cuisine. Whether you are into hiking, biking, food, history, or just relaxation, Retzer Land has something to offer for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover this hidden gem of Lower Austria.