Lower Austria is the largest of Austria's federal states, a historic region that wraps around the capital, Vienna, on its western, northern and southern sides. For visitors, it offers a quieter counterpart to the city: rolling countryside, wine-growing villages and a range of cultural monuments that tell the story of the region over many centuries.
What the region offers
- Vineyards: Lower Austria is known for its wine country, where hillside vineyards and small family-run cellars invite a slower pace of travel.
- Cultural monuments: Historic sites are scattered across the region, giving visitors a sense of its long past beyond the capital.
- Countryside and villages: Walking, cycling and driving routes lead through farmland, woods and small towns.
Planning a visit
Because Lower Austria surrounds Vienna, it is easy to combine the two. A day trip from the city can take in a vineyard village or a historic monument, while a longer stay allows you to explore several parts of the region at a relaxed speed. Many visitors pair a visit to the countryside with a meal of local wine, which is a good way to get a feel for the area.
Lower Austria suits travellers who enjoy history, landscape and wine more than a dense schedule of sights. Check the details of individual monuments, villages and cellars before you go, as opening times and availability can vary.