In Austria’s largest state, rolling wine hills, historic villages, and majestic castles come together to create a region full of charm. Whether you’re cycling through the Wachau, sipping apricot liqueur, enjoying a glass of Grüner Veltliner under the vines, or hiking up Schneeberg – there’s always something new to discover.
Why You’ll Love It
- Scenic Landscapes: Lower Austria stretches over 19,000 km², offering everything from the pre-Alps in the south, with peaks like Rax and Schneeberg, to the remote Waldviertel in the west, and the gentle hills of the Weinviertel to the north.
- Rich Culture: Home to Austria’s highest concentration of castles, Lower Austria is packed with historic towns, castle ruins, and landmarks like Melk Abbey, the old town of Krems, and the Wachau Valley.
- The famous wine region is celebrated for its crisp Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, with countless wine routes and traditional Heurigen taverns to explore.
Top Highlights of Lower Austria
Between Vineyards, Castle Ruins & Apricots
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Wachau
The Wachau is one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes in Austria and one of our favorite excursion destinations. This picturesque Danube valley stretches between the towns of Melk and Krems. It is not only famous for its terraced vineyards and the renowned Wachauer Marille (apricots) but also for Melk Abbeyand the castle ruins of Dürnstein (where King Richard the Lionheart was once held captive). Whether you're hiking on the World Heritage Trail, visiting during the apricot blossom season, or stopping by a traditional Heuriger, the Wachau offers unforgettable experiences for all your senses.
Baroque Benedictine Splendor above the Danube
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Melk Abbey
Melk
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Wachau, the magnificent Melk Abbey rises above the Danube. Built between 1702 and 1746 based on designs by Jakob Prandtauer, the abbey is considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to regular concerts and changing exhibitions, the monastery offers fascinating insights into the spiritual life of the Benedictines.
Romantic getaway
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Laxenburg Castle Park
Laxenburg
If you want to discover one of Austria’s most beautiful landscape parks, plan a half- or full-day trip to Laxenburg, just 15 km from Vienna. Once the summer retreat of the Habsburgs, this 280-hectare park invites you to unwind amidst monuments, charming paths, and the romantic castle pond.
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Roman City of Carnuntum
Petronell-Carnuntum
Nestled between Petronell-Carnuntum and Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, just a stone's throw from Vienna, lies the fascinating Roman City of Carnuntum – a place where history comes to life. Once the capital of the province of Upper Pannonia and home to up to 50,000 people, this beautifully reconstructed site offers a deep dive into Roman antiquity.
Experience Baroque Splendor & Animal Moments
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Schloss Hof
Engelhartstetten
In the picturesque Marchfeld region, just an hour from Vienna, the baroque Schloss Hof invites visitors – and enchants with a petting zoo that makes children's eyes light up. While little ones get up close with rare animal breeds like Mangalitza pigs, donkeys, or Carinthian spectacled sheep, or conquer the adventure playground, adults can enjoy the expansive baroque gardens or the magnificent orangery. An ideal destination for a day trip.
Adventure for Young and Old
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Zoo Stadt Haag
Haag
The Stadt Haag Zoo is a wonderful destination for animal lovers and families looking for a relaxing day in nature. Nestled in the Salaberg Castle Park, designed as an English landscape garden in the 19th century, you'll find over 700 animals from around 70 species, including big cats like North Chinese leopards, Siberian tigers, and lynxes, as well as squirrels, donkeys, Barbary macaques, zebras, and brown bears.
Easy hiking excursion
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Myra Falls
Muggendorf
A short hiking trip to the Myra Falls in Muggendorf is a wonderful experience for the whole family. The well-maintained trail, featuring 11 themed stations, follows the course of the Myra stream across 26 bridges. Along its 125-meter descent, the stream forms a series of charming, small waterfalls, creating picturesque views at every turn.
Showcase Castle in the north of Vienna
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Kreuzenstein Castle
Leobendorf
High above the Danube sits the neo-Gothic showcase castle Kreuzenstein, built in the 19th century by Johann Nepomuk Count Wilczek on the ruins of a medieval fortress. First mentioned in the 12th century as "Grizanstein," the original castle was destroyed in 1645 during the Thirty Years' War by Swedish troops.
Simply enchanting
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Grafenegg Castle
There are places that feel like magical locations from another time – Grafenegg Castle is exactly one of those. With its blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture and the enchanting English landscape park, it feels like stepping into a storybook.
Visit the Robber Baron Castle
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Aggstein Castle
Perched high atop a steep 320-meter rocky spur, the Aggstein Castle Ruins are a place whose turbulent history is sure to send shivers down your spine. With views of the Danube and surrounded by the picturesque Wachau landscape, the ruins invite you to delve into the dark tales of the Middle Ages - from the robber baron Jörg Scheck vom Wald to the chilling "Rosengärtlein," where prisoners faced a cruel choice. Explore the ancient walls, join fascinating guided tours, and enjoy special events like the Castle Advent - all while taking in one of the region's most breathtaking panoramic views. A true highlight for anymedieval history enthusiast!
Travel Ideas
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months to visit are May to September, when temperatures sit comfortably between 20°C and 30°C – perfect for hiking, cycling, and soaking up the region’s culture.
- Spring (March - May): Mild days with temperatures rising from 5°C in March to 20°C by May. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the fresh landscapes, though occasional showers can still surprise you.
- Summer (July and August): The warmest months, with temperatures peaking between 25°C and 30°C. While they’re also the rainiest, it’s the best time for a visit.
- Autumn (September - November): September starts mild at 20°C, cooling to 5–10°C by November. The season is quiet and vibrant with autumn colors, though the chance of rain increases.
- Winter: Cold and often below freezing, especially in the mountains. Not ideal for exploration unless you're here for a winter getaway.
Getting There
By Train
Railjet and ÖBB regional trains link Lower Austria to Vienna and other key cities. Places like St. Pölten and Tulln are under an hour from Vienna.
By Car
To reach more remote spots like the Waldviertel, a car is your best bet. Roads are well-maintained, and the A1 and A2 highways provide easy access.
Fun Facts
- Quirky Place Names: Villages like Aalfang and Fleischessen are sure to raise a smile.
- Melk Abbey: One of Europe’s most important monasteries and a filming location for "The Name of the Rose."
- In the 1990s, St. Pölten hosted Europe’s first Erotic Fair, sparking controversy by holding it over Pentecost.
- Oldest City? St. Pölten claims to be Austria’s oldest city, but it’s in a friendly competition with Enns and Salzburg for the title.