2026 Lower Austria Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Melk Section ✨ This Baroque town nestled on the eastern side of the Wachau Valley is a real-life golden legend! 📍Address: Melk, Lower Austria, Austria 🕒Best time to visit: May-September 👉Must-see attractions: • Melk Abbey A magnificent Baroque architectural complex A 360° panoramic view of the Danube A resplendent library The Baroque church is breathtaking! ✨Dürenstein Section ✨ A romantic blue fairytale town! The Danube makes an elegant bend here. 📍Address: Along the Wachau Valley, Austria 🕒Suggested visit duration: Half a day 👉Must-see attractions: • Blue and white monastery • Medieval castle ruins • Vineyards and wineries 🛤️Suggested itinerary: From the grandeur of Melk to the tenderness of Dürenstein, a visual and auditory feast unfolds along the Danube! We recommend taking a boat tour connecting the two areas to experience the changing scenery on both banks. 💡Tips: 1. The Wachau Valley is a World Heritage Site. 2. May is the most beautiful time to visit, when the grapevines are just sprouting new buds. 3. Try the wines from Château d'Warmwyn Gardens.

Melk is the golden symphony🎵 Playing the majestic Baroque movement on the cliffside 📍Melk Abbey (Stift Melk) Address: Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 1, 3390 Melk Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (peak season) This Baroque building by the Danube is truly a "treasure trove on earth"✨ The golden exterior paired with lavish interior decorations makes every snapshot a royal masterpiece! Dürnstein is the blue rhapsody💙 Whispering medieval romantic poems at the river bend 📍Dürnstein Town Address: Dürnstein 3601, Austria Here you'll find a fairytale-like blue church, vineyards, and ancient castle ruins. Leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets and feel the magic of time rewinding✨ 🎼 Travel Tips: 1️⃣ Danube river cruises offer the best views🚢 2️⃣ 11th-century castle ruins are a must-visit Instagram spot📸 3️⃣ Taste the local signature noble rot wine🍷 The two towns are only 10 kilometers apart by car A day trip is recommended for an immersive experience!

#hellohalloween The Töpper cross is the ornate summit cross of the Dürrenstein mountain, located in the Ybbstal Alps in Austria. Situated at an elevation of 1,878 meters (6,161 ft), the cross is a key landmark for hikers reaching the summit. Location: The Dürrenstein is in the Mostviertel region of Lower Austria, south of Lake Lunz (Lunz am See). Appearance: The summit is known for its intricate Töpper cross. While many summit crosses are simple, this one is notable for its ornate design.

#hellohalloween The Leonhardikreuz is a wooden cross that marks a popular hiking destination on a peak near the Herrenalm in Lower Austria. Spectacular views: From the cross, hikers can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the Ötscher, Dürrenstein, and the Lunzer Seental valley. Accessible reward: The Leonhardikreuz is located just a short hike past the Herrenalm, a historic alpine hut. This makes it an attainable goal for many hikers after a pleasant rest and refreshment at the hut.

#holidayitinerary Schlosspark Laxenburg is one of those places where you can easily spend an entire day just wandering around and still feel like you have more to see. The park is huge, peaceful, and beautifully maintained, with winding paths that take you past lush trees, open meadows, and little bridges over calm streams. The highlight for me was definitely the stunning Franzensburg Castle sitting right in the middle of the lake. You can hop on a small ferry to get there, and it feels like stepping into a fairytale. There are plenty of benches to relax on, and the whole atmosphere is calm and unhurried. Families were picnicking, couples were walking hand in hand, and there was this general sense of everyone just enjoying the outdoors. If you love photography, you will find endless inspiration here. Whether you come for a romantic afternoon or a peaceful solo escape, Schlosspark Laxenburg delivers charm in every corner.