Breitenau is located in the Lower Austrian Steinfeld, the southernmost part of the Vienna Basin. The village was first mentioned in a document in 1073. This date marks the first documentary mention and should not be confused with a year of foundation. For travellers who also choose a destination for its history, it provides a clear point of reference in time: the village’s history is documented from an early date, while individual buildings have their own, much later historical milestones. This makes it possible to understand Breitenau not only in terms of its location, but also through its different historical layers.

Location and landscape

The surrounding area is characterised by extensive forests, floodplains and numerous fields. These landscape features add a specific perspective on the surroundings to the choice of destination: woodland, floodplains and fields form distinct elements of the landscape. If you would like to consider the landscape as well as cultural history during a short stay, you can view Breitenau from both perspectives.

The location between the Südbahn railway and the Südautobahn motorway also helps to define the area. This information supplements Breitenau’s location in the Steinfeld with two named transport routes and provides another point of reference when considering the village as a possible travel destination.

Church history and monuments

The filial church of St Vitus in Breitenau is dedicated to Saint Vitus as its patron saint and was consecrated in 1909. The patronage and the year of consecration answer different questions: the patronage identifies the church’s religious affiliation, while the year marks a specific point in the church’s history. Compared with Breitenau’s first documentary mention in 1073, 1909 therefore relates not to the village as a whole, but to the consecration of the filial church. This distinction helps to keep local history and church history separate when reading the village profile.

The protected heritage includes the Bürgerhaus, formerly a forester’s lodge, the Catholic filial church of St Vitus and the Maria Immaculata wayside shrine. The Bürgerhaus is protected as a historic monument by an official decision; the church and shrine are protected by regulation. The official heritage list of Lower Austria, as of 23 June 2026, is for information only and is not legally binding. The three sites represent different forms of architectural and religious heritage and two different legal bases for protection. The former forester’s lodge adds a secular testament to local history alongside the religious monuments.

Culture and club life

The Steinfeldzentrum Breitenau was built as a venue for cultural events organised by the many local clubs. It therefore complements the historic buildings with a community perspective, focusing on cultural activities for local clubs. Tennis is also among the club activities of ASKÖ Breitenau. Dates and participation requirements may change. If you would like to include tennis in your stay, check the club’s current information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Trattenbach, Neunkirchen, Grimmenstein, Gasteil, Warth, Breitenstein, Payerbach, Kranichberg

Go to the parent travel overview: Neunkirchen.