Waidhofen an der Ybbs
“After a wintry walk through the city visit one of the charming centrally located cafés,” says Matthias Krenn.
A place which preserves the old without staying in the past. Waidhofen an der Ybbs in the heart of the hilly landscape of Lower Austria with the river Ybbs running through it, is still reminiscent of its time as an important centre of the iron industry. The towers, four church and three city towers, stand out of the cityscape and reflect the city’s medieval heritage. Then there is also the imposing Neo-Gothic Rothschild Castle with its glass cube which can be reached after climbing 100 stairs. The climb is worth it, though, as you are rewarded with a marvellous view of the city.
However, it is not only the architecture which has a great deal to offer: the copper workshop of Schneckenleitner und Stockinger which makes barrels has been perfecting their shape since the 17th century and their products are in demand worldwide but at home in Waidhofen. For those who like things a little more rustic go on a night watchman tour through the narrow and winding lanes of the old town and delve deep into the history of a former centre of the iron industry. And “in the charming city centre cafés you can end the day with coffee and cake and take in the historic charm of Waidhofen,” says Matthias Krenn.
5 questions for Matthias Krenn
Matthias Krenn is the owner of Feinbäckerei (bakery) in Waidhofen, author and a member of the jury of the Austrian Food Blog Awards.
| What is your favourite place? | The city itself of course. ;-) |
| What do people not know about your city? | We have a lovely ice rink here in the winter which brings both young and old together. |
| When does the city look most appealing? | On a fine autumn day on the Buchenberg hill or in the winter with coffee and cake in one of the many cosy cafés, including mine ;-). The mild late summer evenings with friends in the Schanigarten are also a highlight. |
| What would you recommend visitors do in bad weather? | The Ybbstaler Salt Water Pool in Göstling or our Filmbühne (cinema) – small but with a great deal of charm. |
| What should visitors not miss in the local region? | When the weather is good, definitely the Ybbstal cycle path, ascend Prochenberg hill and visit the summer theatre in Waidhofen! |
Flaming Christmas on the Eisenstraße
As a former hub on the Eisenstraße (Iron Street), the city has a strong connection to blacksmithing. The Schwarze Kuchl, the traditional show blacksmiths in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, as well as the show blacksmiths around Ybbsitz, bring this ancient art back to life during Advent. Visitors can see close up how artistic works are made out of glowing iron. This can be experienced at the traditional Advent market ”Flammende Lichterweihnacht” (Flaming Christmas of Lights) in an atmospheric setting in Rothschild Castle. However, this trade also makes sparks fly quite literally in the surrounding Advent markets such as the “Flammenden Schmiedeweihnacht” in Ybbsitz, “Flammenden Hofweihnacht” in Stift Seitenstetten and “Funkelnden Dorfweihnacht” on the Sonntagberg.
In the footsteps of history
Waidhofen an der Ybbs has a very special appeal in the winter! The historic lanes are perfect for interesting Discovery tours – and what could be better here than a Guided tour with night watchpeople? Here exciting stories of the former centre of the iron industry are brought to life. The guided castle and tower tours in Rothschild Castle are also a must. Visitors can discover not only exciting anecdotes but there is also the possibility to climb the city tower in the 5 Elements Museum. Alternatively, explore Waidhofen independently and walk along the Ybbs and through the historic old town and feel Waidhofen’s special atmosphere in the winter.
Cultural life also awakens inside: concerts are held in the Plenkersaal and Kristallsaal in Rothschild Castle, for example. The castle cellar, meanwhile, is a venue for amusing cabaret performances. The event series Klangraum im Herbst (Sound space in autumn) promises musical highlights whilst the Filmbühne provides so-called “film treats” for entertainment. The shown films range from family-friendly, modern productions to thrillers and cult classics. In the town’s Galleries and museums, visitors can marvel at art and history in an inspiring atmosphere.
Culinary journey through Waidhofen an der Ybbs
From crunchy vegetables and fresh fruit to aromatic cheeses and wonderfully fragrant bread: at the Weekly food market on the Obere Stadtplatz, more than 20 market stall owners sell fresh regional specialities on Tuesdays and Fridays. Numerous small and charming town centre cafés such as the Stadtcafé Hartner and Konditorei Piaty are the ideal place to warm up particularly at the colder time of the year.
A special tip is the Feinbäckerei Matthias Krenn on the Hohe Markt which opened in August 2024. Owner Matthias Krenn is particularly proud of his traditional recipes which are combined with modern expertise. Besides crispy bread varieties and seasonal specialities such as fruit bread and gingerbread, he places special importance on regional ingredients. His café is the perfect place for a break with a slice of freshly-baked cake whilst on a walk through the town. Do you now have a taste for it? Waidhofen an der Ybbs is also easy to get to by train from Amstetten and the Citybahn conveniently brings visitors to the centre.
