At the Town Tower, several layers of Korneuburg’s history can be read in a single building: the medieval tower is integrated into the town hall and was built above the choir of the former St. Nicholas Church. Its history stretches from its construction in the 15th century to its former use as a museum—an illuminating introduction to the city’s history.
Town Tower and City Wall
The Town Tower was built in the first half of the 15th century and was completed around 1445. It offers sweeping views of Korneuburg and the surrounding area. Following an extensive restoration between 1888 and 1890, the city’s first museum was housed here. This former use is as much a part of the tower’s history as its connection with the town hall and the former St. Nicholas Church.
The city fortifications also tell the story of Korneuburg’s past: around 1300, the city was fortified with a wall and an outer moat under King Albert I. Of the city wall, which once stretched 1,650 metres, 278 metres remain; the surviving wall is up to five metres high. These figures show how much of the original structure is still standing today—and how clearly the surviving sections differ from its original total length.
Churches, Art and Medieval Heritage
The Augustinian Church acquired its late Baroque appearance through a new building constructed between 1745 and 1763. From 1764 onwards, Franz Anton Maulbertsch created most of its altarpieces. His fresco “The Last Supper” is located at the high altar. The construction and decoration thus took place in successive phases: the architecture provides the late Baroque framework, while Maulbertsch’s works define the interior.
The documented history of the parish church of St. Ägyd reaches further back. It was probably built only at the end of the 13th century and was first mentioned in a document in 1300. Its Gothic choir dates from the 14th century; the Gothic sacrament house was donated in 1382. These details make different periods tangible in the same church, without reducing its building history to a single date.
The Baroque Trinity Column is a plague column, donated in 1747 by Korneuburg merchant Johann Michael Jochinger. It depicts Saints Ägydius, John the Baptist and James the Elder; its chronogram gives the year 1778. The Pied Piper Fountain also adds to the picture of historic art in the city: it was erected in 1898, and the Pied Piper statue was created by sculptor Emanuel Pendl.
The former synagogue “Rossmühle” tells another chapter of the city’s story. It was built in the first half or the second third of the 14th century and was the centre of Jewish life. As an example of medieval synagogue architecture, it is considered one of the most important in the German-speaking world. Its history broadens the view of Korneuburg’s cultural heritage to include an important part of its former Jewish life.
City History at the Museum and Market
The Korneuburg City Museum is curated and run by the Korneuburg Museum Association. Numerous ship models on display document the importance of the former shipyard to the city. They provide a tangible link to its industrial and urban history: alongside towers, churches and fortifications, the former shipyard is also among the things that shaped Korneuburg.
The weekly market, with its regional products, is part of life in the city today. It takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm. If you plan to visit the market, check the opening times in advance, as the schedule may change. This makes it easy to include the market in your stay if you are interested in regional products.
Cycling Routes and Getting Around
Cyclists will also find several named routes connected with Korneuburg. The “Sagenhaft rund um die Burg Kreuzenstein” (Legends around Kreuzenstein Castle) cycle route connects several 10-vor-Wien municipalities, including Korneuburg. One of its themed stops is called “Der Rattenfänger in Korneuburg” (The Pied Piper in Korneuburg). Korneuburg is also on Stage 7 of the Danube Cycle Path. The two route connections offer different experiences: one is a themed cycle route, while the other is a stage of a well-known cycling route.
The Danube wetlands are part of the landscape surrounding Korneuburg. The city also has a beach volleyball court. So, alongside historical discoveries, nature and outdoor activities can also inform your travel plans, without requiring a fixed itinerary.
Transport options include train, city and regional bus services, as well as a youth shuttle bus. Other options listed include e-scooters, e-bikes, nextbike bicycles, electric cargo bikes, electric cars, car sharing, EV charging stations, a taxi service and cycling. As services may change, it is worth checking current connections if you plan your journeys around them.
Discover more destinations: Stockerau, Korneuburg, Sierndorf, Untermallebarn, Oberrohrbach, Rußbach, Stetten, Harmannsdorf, Hagenbrunn, Bisamberg, Pettendorf, Tresdorf, Stetteldorf Am Wagram, Langenzersdorf, Großrußbach, Enzersfeld Im Weinviertel, Hausleiten, Niederhollabrunn, Ernstbrunn.
See the overarching travel guide: Lower Austria.
