Austria, the small country in the heart of Europe, south to germany, north of Italy, is a favourite destination for relaxing, culture-rich travel.
Of course there is Vienna, not only Austria’s capital, but the cultural and musical capital of Europe. Increasingly however, visitors discover the other parts of Austria, hidden gems, small villages in beautiful landscapes.
For instance, take Lower Austria, the province surrounding Vienna. Austria’s largest province has been shaped by many factors: the Danube and wine, people and mysticism, culture and history.
The Danube Valley between the small villages of Ybbs and Krems ranks as one of Europe’s most beautiful river landscapes.
The most charming way to experience this scenery is aboard a ship on the river Danube. Also very popular is the Danube Bike Path running along both sides of the river. Do take the time to stop at one of the many restaurants on this route. After all, this part of the Danube Valley has more than just lovely scenery and a trove of art treasures. It is also a Mecca for epicures, and its wines are famous far beyond the borders of Austria.
The northeast section of Lower Austria is known as the Weinviertel or Wine Region, an area of gently rolling hills covered with vineyards and grain fields. Towering over the southern edge of the village of Korneuburg, the castle Kreuzenstein is the epitome of a romantic knight’s castle, full of thousands of tools, utensils and implements, weapons and art treasures.
If you travel to the far north, near to the border with the Czech Republic, you will find several villages with historically significant architecture which bear witness to the great strategic and economic importance this area once had. Laa an der Thaya, for example, is famous for its tradition of beer brewing, and is a perfect spot for relaxation. Then there is Pulkau and in particular, Retz, a center of winemaking and the wine trade, its main attraction being a labyrinthine maze of wine cellars, four stories deep and over 20 km long which can be explored on tours.
Southwest of Lower Austria is Panonia or Burgenland. Picturesque towns and villages and Austria’s largest lake are the hallmarks of the Lake Neusiedl region — a UNESCO world heritage site located between the pre-Alps and the Hungarian puszta plains. Where better to enjoy a rejuvenating stroll or longer walk, and experience the sunny province at first hand.
