Lower Austria, Austria’s largest province, is a diverse destination that ranges from idyllic vineyards to historic towns and spectacular nature parks. The region is a paradise for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts and connoisseurs all year round. Discover some of the most beautiful places that Lower Austria has to offer – ideal for a relaxing and inspiring holiday.
Wachau: UNESCO World Heritage Site and Gourmet Region
The Wachau is one of the most famous regions in Lower Austria and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Danube Valley between Melk and Krems is famous for its spectacular landscape, which is characterized by vineyards, orchards and imposing castles. Particularly worth seeing are the Benedictine Abbey of Melk Abbey and the picturesque old town of Krems. The Wachau is a paradise for wine lovers, who can enjoy the world-famous Wachau Riesling during a tasting. A walk or bike ride along the Danube Cycle Path offers fantastic views of the river landscape and vineyards. The region is also known for its apricots – in spring the apricot trees bloom, and in summer you can taste fresh fruit and apricot products. The Wachau thus offers not only natural beauty, but also culinary highlights.
Vienna Woods: Nature experience at the gates of Vienna
The Vienna Woods, the green heart of Lower Austria, is an extensive forest and hilly landscape that stretches southwest of Vienna and offers an oasis of peace and relaxation. This region is ideal for hiking and cycling and impresses with dense forests, rolling hills and traditional villages. The Sparbach Nature Park, Austria’s oldest nature park, invites you to a family outing with game reserves and hiking trails. A highlight in the Vienna Woods is the Heiligenkreuz Abbey, an impressive Cistercian monastery from the 12th century. The monastery and the idyllic paths around it offer a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for a spiritual break. If you want to experience something extraordinary, you can visit the stalactite cave “Seegrotte Hinterbrühl”, a former gypsum mine with an underground lake – a mystical sight that takes visitors into a completely different world.
Waldviertel: Mystical landscape and handicraft tradition
The Waldviertel in the north of Lower Austria is a region of mysterious beauty, characterized by dense forests, mystical moors and glittering granite rocks. This quiet area is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and experience the authentic culture of rural Austria. Hikers and cyclists can explore the unspoilt landscape here and discover the impressive gorges (gorges) such as the Ysper Gorge. The Waldviertel is also known for its traditional craftsmanship, especially glassblowing. In the region’s glass museums and workshops, visitors can experience the craft up close and take home unique souvenirs. Culinarily, the Waldviertel is famous for its poppy fields, which offer a fascinating picture in the flowering season. Regional specialties such as poppy seed noodles or poppy seed strudel are a must for gourmets.
Mostviertel: orchards, rolling hills and alpine landscapes
The Mostviertel is a contrasting region in southwestern Lower Austria, ranging from vast orchards and rolling hills in the north to alpine landscapes in the south. The Mostviertel is famous for its numerous pear tree meadows and the production of cider, a traditional fruit wine made from pears and apples. The region offers picturesque cider roads, along which travellers can stop at cosy wine taverns (traditional restaurants) and taste the fruity cider. The Mostviertel is particularly attractive when the pear trees are in bloom in spring, when the orchards are in full bloom and transform the landscape into a sea of white blossoms. In the southern part of the Mostviertel, there are hiking opportunities in the alpine area, for example on the Ötscher, one of the highest mountains in the region. The Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park with its deep gorges and wild waterfalls is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Lower Austria – A versatile destination for every season
Lower Austria is a province full of diversity that offers the right travel destinations for every season. Whether you want to stroll along the Danube through the vineyards of the Wachau, relax in the Vienna Woods, enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the Waldviertel or experience the pear tree blossom in the Mostviertel – Lower Austria invites you to discover nature, culture and enjoyment in a unique interplay. With its varied landscapes and warm hospitality, Lower Austria is an ideal destination for all those who want to experience authentic Austria.
