“The city centre with its cafés and bars and the Viehofner See (lake)”, - restaurateur Maurice Harant reveals his personal favourite places in St. Pölten.
Aelium Cetium was St. Pölten’s name under Roman influence. It was the north eastern supply and administrative centre of the Roman region of Noricum. The archaeological finds around the Roman palace on the Domplatz are still testimony of this time and St. Pölten’s central location is also still highly regarded. The journey time by train to Vienna is only 20 minutes and the train station is only a short walk from the centre in which everything can be easily reached on foot. Baroque architecture and art nouveau define the cityscape. St. Pölten is Austria’s youngest state capital (1986) but one of the country's oldest cities. Here there are traces of its Roman as well as Celtic past. Typical wine cellar lanes are inextricably associated with futuristic architecture. A symbiosis which exudes charm and also appeals to guests particularly in the winter thanks to its many cosy cafés, lively taverns and year-round markets and events.
Maurice Harant is restaurateur and sommelier. Together with chef de cuisine Werner Punz he manages the restaurant "Vinzenz Pauli". A St. Pölten institution which is able to look back on a 150-year history but is also continuously redefining itself. The best place and person therefore for the question of what makes this often undervalued state capital so special.
What is your favourite place?
The city centre and Wienerstraße street with its many cafés and restaurants. And the Viehofner See.
What do people not know about your city?
That it is one of the oldest in Austria.
When does the city look most appealing?
I like the summer months when all the outdoor restaurant and bar areas and gardens are open. In the winter, you can go to a cosy and warm inn or café after a wander through the town.
What would you recommend visitors do in bad weather?
Then I like going to the Festspielhaus theatre and dance venue.
What should visitors not miss in the local region?
As St. Pölten is located very centrally in Lower Austria there are many things. My highlights include the Weinland Traisental north of St. Pölten and the region around the Ötscher.
The weekly market on the Domplatz forms the heart of the city, even in the winter for seeing and sampling regional produce and cuisine. The St. Pöltner Christkindlmarkt in the city centre, meanwhile, ensures many special moments. From 22 November to 23 December 2024 it creates a lovely Christmas atmosphere with a varied programme on the Rathausplatz. Tip: “Christmas in the Park” is well worth a visit from 6 to 8 December 2024. This enchanting Christmas market is organised by the voluntary fire brigade in the Sparkassepark. Highly recommended alternatives are offered by the Citymarkt on the Herrenplatz (Tuesday from 8 am to 12 noon), the Josefsmarkt on the Pater-Paulus-Platz (Friday from 7.00 am - 12 noon) and the St. Pöltner Design Creative market (23 and 24 November 2024).
For a clear overview of all the city on the river Traisen has to offer, download the app "Hearonymus". This offers users free city info on the old town and insights into its history. Highlights include the Herrenplatz, the Domkirche, the Riemerplatz and the Jugendstilhaus Olbrichs as well as the new former synagogue (formerly a church it is today a place of Jewish culture). The Festspielhaus performance venue, the Landestheater Niederösterreich (Lower Austrian state theatre) and the Cinema Paradiso are three very different cultural venues distinguished by their unique programmes and openness and which shouldn’t be missed on any trip to St. Pölten. With the addition of the performing arts with national and international ensembles and collectives as well as individual performers, the St. Pölten arts programme covers all disciplines. Visitors can choose from traditional spoken theatre, dance and performing arts. Keen historians and contemporary art and culture lovers should visit the Stadtmuseum St. Pölten as well as the Museum Niederösterreich (Lower Austrian Museum) - all top addresses.
Traditional yet also innovative dining culture
St. Pölten is a culinary centre. A great place for innovative food producers and chefs as well as foodies. All the ingredients vibrant starred and restaurant cuisine requires can be found in the vegetable, wine and fruit gardens of the nearby Traisen and Pielach valley. Anyone who travels to St.Pölten should therefore also get to know the city’s culinary insider tips and plan a few culinary pit stops with the one or the other advance booking.
Pauls Bread making: Paul Plattner, Magdalena Schröpfer
The shop of Pauls Brotmacherei, lovingly designed in Scandinavian style, sells fresh sourdough bread every Friday. Café Schubert and Café Emmi, meanwhile, serve outstanding coffee. The world’s official best coffee roaster 2022, Felix Teiretzbacher, roasts his excellent speciality coffees - including the popular "St.Pöltner blend”, under the name "Kaffeelix”. The already mentioned "Vinzenz Pauli" restaurant is a must which serves newly interpreted restaurant classics and popular vegan and vegetarian options, made using fresh, almost solely regional and often also organic ingredients. Ælium is an excellent choice for an evening dinner with exquisite cuisine and a very select wine card. For a cocktail with a view over the city’s rooftops head to the Design Budget Hotel "Das Alfred", which also offers excellent accommodation.
