Regions · Lower Austria
Holidays in Lower Austria: the Danube, forest and gentle mountains
From the Danube and the wine terraces of the Wachau via the Waldviertel and Wienerwald to the pre-Alps of the Mostviertel – a land of monasteries, castles, little railways and Mostbirnen (perry pear) trees.
What is Lower Austria known for?
What makes Lower Austria special
Lower Austria is Austria’s largest province – and one of the most varied. Along the Danube, monasteries, castles and wine villages line up; in the south the pre-Alps rise to the Ötscher. In between lie quiet valleys such as the Pielachtal, through which the Mariazellerbahn runs.
In summer you go hiking, cycling or swimming in the Erlaufsee. In autumn, Dirndl berries and Mostbirnen glow; in winter, small, fine ski mountains such as Gemeindealpe and Hochkar await. And afterwards: a Mostheuriger (cider tavern), an inn or your own hut kitchen.
Mountains and nature
Ötscher · Ötschergräben · Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer · pre-Alps and forests
Lakes and water
Erlaufsee · Pielach · Danube · natural bathing spots and riverbanks
Culture and excursions
Stift Melk · Mariazellerbahn · Nixhöhle · castles, monasteries and little railways
This is how Lower Austria tastes
Pear cider (Birnenmost) · Dirndl · Wachau apricot · poppy seed · Mostheurige and farm shops
The main part
Our holiday region in Lower Austria
Here we only briefly place the destinations in context – you will find the full excursion texts on the holiday region page.
Here it begins
Here your holiday in Lower Austria begins
Accommodations we know personally in Lower Austria and like to recommend – from the Pielachtal to the pre-Alps.
Travelling sustainably
By train and bus through Lower Austria
With the Westbahn you are quickly in St. Pölten – there the Mariazellerbahn begins and takes you through the Pielachtal to Mariazell. With each accommodation we say honestly how the last stretch works.
Westbahn to St. Pölten
Mariazellerbahn through the PielachtalRegional busesHonest last mile
Farming in Lower Austria
Here, direct selling is not a niche but, for many farms, the basis of the balance sheet.
- Direct marketingWhy around 30,000 farms sell directly and what still counts as a primary product (Urprodukt).
- One farm, several sources of incomeWhy hardly any mountain farm lives from one thing alone.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know for your Lower Austria holiday
Which region in Lower Austria suits us?
For hut holidays with mountains, gorges and little railways, the Mostviertel is our first recommendation: the Ötschergräben, the Mariazellerbahn and the quiet Pielachtal lie close together there.
What are the Ötschergräben?
Deeply carved gorges at the foot of the Ötscher in the Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer – often called the “Grand Canyon of Austria”. On paths and bridges you hike past waterfalls and rock pools, and you can stop in at the Ötscherhias.
What should you try in Lower Austria?
Pear cider (Birnenmost) and juice from the Moststraße, Dirndl products from the Pielachtal, Wachau apricots, Waldviertel poppy seed – best directly at a Mostheuriger or in the farm shop.
Which destinations are suitable for families?
The ride on the Mariazellerbahn, the mountain carts on the Gemeindealpe, the Nixhöhle in Frankenfels and, in summer, the Erlaufsee – all in the Mostviertel, all easy to combine.
Can I travel to Lower Austria without a car?
Yes – with the Westbahn to St. Pölten and onwards with the Mariazellerbahn through the Pielachtal. Whether the last stretch to the hut makes sense without a car is stated honestly with each accommodation.
Where do I find all accommodations in Lower Austria?
In our accommodation list, filtered by Lower Austria – or you enter via the Mostviertel holiday region and see the matching houses there.
Together for the region
For hosts, tourist boards and regional partners
Your accommodation is in Lower Austria?
We do not just show beds and amenities. Your accommodation is connected with its holiday region, matching excursion destinations, regional shopping options, sustainable travel and your personal tips.
Present your accommodation and personal tipsYou work for a tourist board or a regional business?
We link to official information on mountain lifts, museums, nature parks, farm shops, markets and other excursion destinations. We are happy to include notes, additions and up-to-date details after editorial review.
Review the region page together
Summer: rent a self-catering hut in Lower Austria
- Hike right from your alpine hut through the Mostviertel, Waldviertel, Pielachtal or the Mariazell region
- Enjoy your breakfast on the jetty, in the garden or on the terrace of your hut. Hike up to the Alm for a hearty Betteljause
- Start your mountain bike tour through blooming meadows and fragrant forests or relax on your own hut terrace with views of the pond and forests
- Cooling off guaranteed – after splashing in the stream or cooling your feet in your own pond, let the sun spoil you wonderfully
- Sizzle your meals on the barbecue or on the stove with regional products or mushrooms you gathered yourself in the surrounding forests
- In Lower Austria many alpine huts and mountain huts are pet-friendly, cosy and surrounded by plenty of nature – perfect for you and your four-legged friends
Sustainable holidays – growing together
Sustainability, mindfulness and regionality are close to our hearts! We know our hosts personally, recommend regional products and are expanding our offer sustainably step by step.
We are actively searching on: soon you will also find with us a chalet, ski hut, winter hut, holiday house or holiday apartment (on a farm) – ideal for time outs bookable all year round.
Tell us what you are looking for – we will stay on it and inform you immediately about new accommodation types and available preferred dates.
Favourite hut in Lower Austria
Browse our personal selection now – and find your next favourite hut in Lower Austria.