A railway line through the high mountains brings Lower Austria’s cultural heritage to life: the Semmering Railway was built over 41 kilometers between 1848 and 1854 and is still in operation today.

Cultural heritage to explore on foot

The railway hiking trail starts right at Semmering station and follows the UNESCO World Heritage railway line. Panoramic views are among the highlights along the way. Check the current timetable in advance if you plan to travel by train. This lets you discover not only the history of the railway, but also the route itself and its views.

River landscapes with distinct characters

The Wachau cultural landscape brings together water, natural and near-natural areas, vineyard terraces, forests and settlements along the freely flowing Danube. It preserves tangible evidence of its historical development over more than two millennia. Here, nature and a cultural landscape shaped over time can be appreciated together, while the surviving evidence lends its own emphasis to the region’s long history.

The Donau-Auen National Park puts a different river landscape in the foreground: covering more than 9,600 hectares, it protects Central Europe’s last large floodplain landscape. In Lower Austria, the national park extends to the Austrian state border with Slovakia near Bratislava. You can experience it on marked hiking trails, by bike or from the water. This offers more than one way to see the floodplain landscape.

Alpine pastures, gorges and waterfalls on the Ötscher

The Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park brings together gentle alpine pastures, deep gorges, waterfalls and caves in the unspoiled natural surroundings of the Ötscher. The nature park can be reached by public transport on the Mariazell Railway. Its seven nature park stations are Winterbach, Puchenstuben, Gösing, Reith, Wienerbruck, Erlaufklause and Mitterbach. Check current connections before you travel.

Castles and their stories

In eastern Lower Austria, the grounds of Schloss Hof cover more than 70 hectares. The ensemble includes the two-storey palace, gardens and estate buildings, and is of particular significance for art and cultural history. The reconstructed garden can be experienced in its 18th-century appearance, right up to the final terrace. If the garden is a central part of your visit, check the current presentation: details may change following restoration work.

The history of Schallaburg began around 1,000 years ago with a fortified residential castle. The fortifications still rise in front of the Renaissance castle built later. Almost 500 years ago, Schallaburg was expanded in the Italian style into the most magnificent Renaissance castle north of the Alps. Since its renovation 50 years ago, it has become one of Austria’s largest exhibition centers. Its innovative family program covers topics ranging from the 1970s and Byzantium to the Danube; individual exhibitions change.

Roman heritage and museum perspectives

At the Roman city of Carnuntum, a fully functioning Roman city quarter has been reconstructed on its original site. The program includes guided tours of Roman houses with tastings of Roman food and drinks, gladiator shows and the interactive “Caesar Trophy” tour. Offerings depend on dates and availability; check the program schedule before your visit.

The Tulln City Museum combines the Roman Museum, the documentation center on the Imperial Convent for Women and the Virtulleum. Special exhibitions at the Museum of Lower Austria change annually, both in the House of History and the House of Nature. There are also guided tours and hands-on programs related to the exhibitions.

Experience architecture and wine

Schloss Grafenegg is defined by a striking tower, façades, elegant staircases and atmospheric arcades. Its chapel features an altar from the 15th century. Its architectural forms and historic details offer a different way to explore cultural heritage than railway history or exhibition venues.

In the Weinviertel, wein.gut.schauen combines a tour of a winery with a visit to its wine cellar or vineyard and a wine tasting. Visits are available on scheduled dates or by appointment. An insight into winemaking thus complements the exploration of Lower Austria’s culture and landscapes.

Discover more destinations

Sankt Pölten, Korneuburg, Wiener Neustadt, Lilienfeld, Neunkirchen, Amstetten, Baden, Waidhofen an der Ybbs, Wien-Umgebung, Mödling, Scheibbs, Gänserndorf, Melk, Tulln, Krems-Land, Zwettl, Horn, Mistelbach, Hollabrunn, Gmünd, Waidhofen an der Thaya, Bruck an der Leitha, Felixdorf

For the broader travel overview: Austria.