Hotspots buildings

Everywhere we come across imposing objects that are skillfully staged - historically significant and incomparable worldwide.

Lower Austria's array of unique opportunities for the perfect snapshot varies between classic places of interest and architectural masterpieces. From castles, palaces or rustic hotel walls, these Instagram beauties should not be missing from any holiday album!

1. Franzensburg / Laxenburg Castle Garden

With its vast parkland, many pleasure buildings, and the old castle, Laxenburg Castle Garden is one of the most important monuments of historical garden art Especially popular with photographers is the romantic Franzensburg (pictured), which was built on an island in the castle pond, which ducks and pedal boats share in summer


2. Ruins of Aggstein Castle

The ruins of Aggstein Castle are enthroned on the right bank of the Danube. Located on a steep cliff about 300 metres above the river, and hidden in the thicket of the forest, the ruined castle has been looking down over the Danube Valley for around 900 years. There are many legends about the ruins of Aggstein Castle. The best known of these is about the rose garden. Prisoners were made to serve their time on a stone slab that protruded from the castle like a balcony. They could either starve, or jump to their death. The unique view over the Danube Valley and the Dunkelstein Forest makes the castle an exciting photo spot.


3. Kreuzenstein Castle

North of the Danube, on a hill in the Rohrwald area, the imposing Kreuzenstein Castle towers over the village of Leobendorf between Korneuburg and Stockerau. The castle’s majestic location at 266 meters above sea level, in the immediate vicinity of where the Danube meets the Vienna Woods, made it a mighty strategic fortification in earlier centuries. Special features include the keep, which can be seen from afar, and the oval shape of the fortress (pictured).


4. UNESCO World Heritage Site of Semmering Railway

Austria’s first mountain railway characterises the landscape of the Vienna Alps. From the “20 Schilling View” on the Railway hiking route, you can see the impressive “Kalte Rinne” viaduct. Just a few metres away is the Doppelreiterwarte lookout post, with an outstanding view of the Semmering Railway.

As well as the viaduct, the Südbahnhotel am Semmering is another architectural masterpiece, and attracts many summer visitors to Lower Austria, with its unique cultural programme. And with a bit of luck and the right perspective, you can also capture this retro charm with your camera.


6. Kellergassen

The region's most famous “Kellergasse” (wine cellar lane) is in Galgenberg in the Weinviertel. It is home to 184 press houses and wine cellars. The name of the area (which is also known to the locals as ‘Golingbir’) means “gallows hill”, in reference to a gallows that stood on the neighbouring mountain until 1828. The arrangement of the wine cellars is also unique. They are built in three rows, one above the other – like in a dwarf village.