Lower Austria Highlights Tour
AI-generated illustration • AI-generated illustration

Lower Austria Highlights Tour

7-day Lower Austria tour covering Vienna and countryside

7 days • Moderate difficulty • Est. €472

Day 1: Vienna's Underground and Southern Shopping

Begin the tour in the Vienna metropolitan area, exploring the unique Seegrotte cave system and ending with shopping at the massive Shopping City Süd.

  • 09:00

    Seegrotte Hinterbrühl

    Visit Europe's largest underground lake. Take a guided tour by boat through the flooded salt mine, seeing stalactites and the underground chapel.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Hinterbrühl

    Enjoy a traditional Austrian lunch at a local Gasthaus near the cave entrance.

  • 14:30

    Shopping City Süd (SCS)

    Explore Austria's largest shopping mall. Browse international brands, visit the indoor amusement park, or relax in the food court.

  • 17:00

    Dinner near SCS

    Dinner at one of the many restaurants within the SCS complex.

Meals: Lunch at Hinterbrühl Village , Dinner at Shopping City Süd

Where to stay: Stay in Vienna (South) or Mödling area for easy access to SCS and Seegrotte.

Getting around: Public transport (S-Bahn) is sufficient for Seegrotte and SCS. Car recommended for subsequent days.

Day 2: Renaissance Castles and Wine

Drive north to explore the Renaissance beauty of Schallaburg and enjoy the wine culture of the Kamptal region.

  • 09:00

    Schallaburg

    Visit this stunning Renaissance castle. Explore the changing exhibitions, the park, and the historic architecture.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Krems

    Drive to Krems an der Donau for lunch in the historic old town.

  • 14:00

    Kamptal Wine Region Tour

    Visit 2-3 wineries in the Kamptal region. Taste famous Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The region is known as Lower Austria's 'K2'.

  • 17:30

    Dinner in Krems

    Traditional Austrian dinner in Krems.

Meals: Lunch at Krems an der Donau , Dinner at Krems an der Donau

Where to stay: Stay in Krems or Langenlois to be centrally located in the Kamptal.

Getting around: Car is essential for this day to navigate between the castle, town, and vineyards.

Day 3: Baroque Abbeys and Panoramic Views

Travel west to the Wachau Valley area to visit Göttweig Abbey and enjoy the views from Liechtenstein Castle.

  • 09:00

    Göttweig Abbey

    Tour this magnificent Baroque abbey. Visit the library, the church, and the museum which houses Austria's oldest regional museum.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Göttweig

    Lunch at the abbey's restaurant or a nearby cafe with a view of the Danube.

  • 14:30

    Liechtenstein Castle (Schloss Liechtenstein)

    Visit the 900-year-old princely seat. Enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop and explore the castle interiors and gardens.

  • 17:30

    Dinner near St. Pölten

    Dinner in St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria.

Meals: Lunch at Göttweig , Dinner at St. Pölten

Where to stay: Stay in St. Pölten for central access to the next day's activities.

Getting around: Car is recommended. Public transport is possible but slower between Göttweig and Liechtenstein Castle.

Day 4: Medieval Fantasy and Cistercian Peace

Explore the fairy-tale Burg Kreuzenstein and the serene Heiligenkreuz Abbey in the Vienna Woods.

  • 09:00

    Burg Kreuzenstein

    Tour this fully furnished medieval castle in Leobendorf. It features authentic medieval artifacts and a unique architectural style.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Leobendorf

    Light lunch or coffee and cake at the castle's restaurant.

  • 14:00

    Heiligenkreuz Abbey

    Visit this living Cistercian abbey. Listen to the famous monks' choir, tour the crypts, and walk through the peaceful grounds.

  • 17:00

    Dinner in Baden bei Wien

    Drive to Baden bei Wien for dinner in this spa town.

Meals: Lunch at Leobendorf , Dinner at Baden bei Wien

Where to stay: Stay in Baden bei Wien or Mödling.

Getting around: Car is recommended for flexibility between Leobendorf and Heiligenkreuz.

Day 5: Wilderness and Waterfalls

Head south to the Alps to explore the Ötschergräben gorges and the Rax Cable Car for mountain views.

  • 09:00

    Ötschergräben Gorges

    Hike through the deep gorges of the Ötschergräben. See the 90m waterfall and enjoy the rugged natural beauty.

  • 12:30

    Picnic or Mountain Hut Lunch

    Pack a picnic or eat at a mountain hut near the Ötscher.

  • 14:30

    Rax Cable Car

    Take Austria's oldest cable car (since 1926) up to the Rax plateau. Enjoy panoramic views of the Alps.

  • 17:30

    Dinner in Neunkirchen

    Dinner in Neunkirchen after descending the mountain.

Meals: Lunch at Ötscher Area , Dinner at Neunkirchen

Where to stay: Stay in Neunkirchen or Mürzzuschlag.

Getting around: Car is essential. The Ötschergräben and Rax are remote.

Day 6: Northern Nature and Fossils

Travel north to the Waldviertel region to see the Myrafälle waterfalls and the Fossil World museum.

  • 09:00

    Myrafälle Waterfalls

    Hike to the Myrafälle in Muggendorf. These natural waterfalls are a hidden gem in the Waldviertel.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Muggendorf

    Lunch at a local café in Muggendorf.

  • 14:30

    Fossil World (Fossilienwelt)

    Visit the research park and museum in Neudorf. See the world's largest fossilized tree trunk and learn about the Devonian period.

  • 17:30

    Dinner in Gmünd

    Dinner in Gmünd, near the Czech border.

Meals: Lunch at Muggendorf , Dinner at Gmünd

Where to stay: Stay in Gmünd or Zwettl.

Getting around: Car is essential for the Waldviertel region.

Day 7: Roman History and Pannonian Wines

Conclude the tour in the east with a visit to the Roman ruins of Carnuntum and a wine tasting in the Carnuntum Wine Region.

  • 09:00

    Carnuntum Archaeological Park

    Explore the ruins of the Roman city of Carnuntum. See the reconstructed amphitheater and the Heidentor gate.

  • 12:30

    Lunch in Petronell-Carnuntum

    Lunch at a local winery restaurant.

  • 14:30

    Carnuntum Wine Tasting

    Visit a local winery to taste Pannonian-climate Zweigelt and other regional wines. The Carnuntum region is known for its red wines.

  • 17:30

    Farewell Dinner

    Farewell dinner in Bruck an der Leitha or nearby.

Meals: Lunch at Petronell-Carnuntum , Dinner at Bruck an der Leitha

Where to stay: Stay near Vienna International Airport or in Bruck an der Leitha for easy departure.

Getting around: Car is recommended, but public transport from Vienna to Carnuntum is also available.

Practical Information

For a Lower Austria Highlights Tour, the optimal visiting window is from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, daytime temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C, offering pleasant conditions for exploring castles and vineyards. July and August are peak tourist seasons; while the weather is warmest, expect higher crowds and prices. Spring brings blooming landscapes but can be unpredictable with rain, while autumn offers crisp air and harvest festivals. Winter visits are viable for ski trips in the Alps or Christmas markets in Vienna, but many rural attractions and hiking trails may be closed or less accessible due to snow. Transportation in Lower Austria is best managed via a combination of trains and rental cars. Vienna serves as the primary entry hub, with frequent ÖBB Railjet services connecting to major towns like St. Pölten, Krems, and Baden. For exploring the Wachau Valley, Weinviertel, or remote castles, renting a car is highly recommended, as public transport schedules can be infrequent in rural areas. If relying on trains, purchase ÖBB Sparpreis tickets in advance for significant savings. Within cities, local buses and trams are efficient, but always validate tickets before boarding to avoid fines. Accommodation should be strategically located to minimize travel time. Staying in Vienna for two nights provides access to major museums and transit links. For the remainder of the trip, consider splitting your stay between St. Pölten (the state capital) and a town in the Wachau Valley, such as Melk or Krems. These locations offer a mix of historic hotels and guesthouses (Gasthöfe) that provide authentic local experiences. Booking accommodations with kitchen facilities can help reduce dining costs, especially if you plan to visit local markets. Budget-wise, expect moderate costs. While Austria is not cheap, Lower Austria is generally more affordable than Salzburg or Innsbruck. Include costs for intercity trains, car rental (if chosen), and museum entry fees. Many churches and public squares are free, but major attractions like Melk Abbey or Schönbrunn Palace require tickets. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets, and adapters for Type C/F plugs. Always carry a mix of cash and cards, as smaller rural establishments may not accept credit cards. Finally, check opening hours for museums and castles in advance, as they often close on Mondays or have limited winter hours.

Book your stay

More Itineraries

← Back to Itineraries