Things to do in Lower Austria
Discover the best attractions and experiences Lower Austria has to offer
Historic Monuments
Lower Austria is sprinkled with grand abbeys, medieval castles and cliffside ruins along the Danube that tell centuries of history.
Melk Abbey (Stift Melk)
A Baroque masterpiece perched above the Danube, renowned for its ornate interiors and sweeping views.
Burg Dürnstein
A dramatic hilltop ruin in Wachau with picturesque town scenes and links to historic legends.
Schloss Kreuzenstein
A medieval fortress near Leobendorf rebuilt in romantic style, set high above the Danube valley.
Museums
From art and caricatures to regional history, Niederösterreich offers a compact museum circuit.
Egon Schiele Museum (Tulln)
Exhibits focused on the life and works of the controversial Austrian painter.
Karikaturmuseum Krems
A playful collection of cartoons and satirical art from Austrian and international artists.
Niederösterreichisches Landesmuseum (Museum Niederösterreich) – St. Pölten
Regional history and cultural exhibits tracing Niederösterreich’s story.
Religious Monuments
Pilgrim churches and serene monasteries punctuate the Niederösterreich landscape.
Maria Taferl Basilica
A major pilgrimage church set on a hill with sweeping views and a serene interior.
Stift Heiligenkreuz
Historic Cistercian monastery known for its Romanesque–Gothic architecture and tranquil chapel spaces.
Stift Klosterneuburg
Beneficially located near Vienna, this Benedictine abbey is famed for its Verdun Altar and gardens.
National & Theme Parks
Diverse landscapes from Danube wetlands to alpine-like nature parks offer easy nature escapes.
Donau-Auen National Park
Extensive Danube floodplain with birdlife, boardwalks and easy nature trails.
Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer
Rugged gorges and forested slopes ideal for day hikes and close-to-nature experiences.
Naturpark Hohe Wand
Granite outcrops and scenic viewpoints great for short hikes and wildlife watching.
Neighborhoods
Explore compact old towns and notable quarters within Niederösterreich’s towns.
Krems an der Donau – Altstadt
Historic old town with medieval lanes, churches and a scenic riverfront.
Melk – Altstadt
Characterful town center anchored by the Melk Abbey and river activity.
Dürnstein – Altstadt
Picturesque Wachau town with narrow streets and panoramic Danube views.
Free Things to Do
Many of Niederösterreich’s attractions are free to enjoy on foot or by bike.
Danube riverfront stroll in Krems
A scenic, free walk along the Danube with vineyard backdrops.
Walk through Wachau towns along the Danube
Explore Dürnstein, Weissenkirchen and nearby villages on foot.
Hiking in Donau-Auen National Park
Accessible trails and birdlife-rich wetlands with free-entry areas.
Gastronomy
Taste the region’s wines, apricot treats and Mostviertel’s pear cider.
Wachau wine tastings
Sample Grüner Veltliner and Riesling in the vine-draped towns along the Danube.
Marillenknödel and other Wachau pastries
Seasonal apricot specialties cherished in the Wachau region.
Mostviertel pear cider (Most) and regional hearty dishes
Refresh with pear cider and regional farm-fare in traditional eateries.
Nightlife
Evenings center around wine taverns and lively town squares.
Heuriger evenings in Wachau towns
Casual wine taverns where locals share local wines and light bites.
Bars and live music in St. Pölten city center
Casual venues offering music, drinks and a relaxed crowd.
Riverside cafés in Tulln at sunset
Evening strolls with waterfront cafés and mellow ambiance.
Entertainment
Contemporary art spaces and quirky museums enrich the cultural scene.
Kunsthalle Krems
A venue for rotating contemporary art exhibitions from Austrian and international artists.
Karikaturmuseum Krems
Humorous caricatures and satirical works on show in a dedicated gallery space.
Egon Schiele Museum, Tulln
Focused exhibitions dedicated to the life and works of Schiele in a thematic setting.
Sports
Active pursuits range from river cycling to alpine hikes and winter sports.
Donau-Radweg (Danube Cycle Path)
Epic cycling routes along the Danube through vineyards and villages.
Hiking the Schneeberg
Day hikes on Niederösterreich’s highest peak with rewarding views.
Skiing at Semmering
Winter sport powder and gentle runs in a classic alpine setting.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the obvious to Roman ruins and imperial estates.
Carnuntum Archaeological Park
Explore Roman city remains, amphitheatre and museum within an open-air park.
Schloss Artstetten
Baroque castle with imperial history and scenic gardens to wander.
Semmering Railway (UNESCO World Heritage)
Ride or explore the historic mountain railway through a dramatic alpine landscape.