Wiener Neustadt
Christopher Hartmann: “The extensive Akademiepark is, with its many relaxation and rest areas, the “green” lung of our city, even in the winter when there is snow.”
The wrongly underrated city of Wiener Neustadt is located just 50 kilometres from Vienna. With its rich cultural offer of museums as well the the Stadttheater which re-opened in November and many events held in the Kasematten such as the Bösendorf Festival, visitors will never get bored here, even in the winter. The city is also perfect for relaxation seekers as it never gets overly busy, and certainly not in the winter. Visitors can look forward to leisurely shopping trips, cafes and restaurants and the popular Marienmarkt. On a stroll through the historic old town you can discover charming boutiques and small family-run shops. Our personal tip from editorial: on a guided walk or night watchman tour you can find out more about the city in whichEmperor Maximilian I one of the most important rulers of the Holy Roman Empire was born in 1459 and where Empress Maria Theresia founded what is today the world’s oldest military academy in 1751.
5 Questions to Christopher Hartmann
Christopher Hartmann, Director of Tourism of the city of Wiener Neustadt, tells us what he thinks makes the city so special:
| What is your favourite place in the city? | The extensive Akademiepark is, with its many relaxation and rest areas, the “green” lung of our city, even in the winter when there is snow. |
| What do people not know about your city? | That we have Europe’s biggest grass airport (Flugplatz West) and that it’s possible to travel by canoe on 4 kilometres of the canal here. |
| When does the city look most appealing? | In Advent when the centre and pedestrian zones are bathed in a sea of lights and there is a lovely scent of mulled wine, punch and gingerbread in the air. |
| What would you recommend visitors do in bad weather? | Visit the Museum St. Peter on the Sperr or one of the many cultural events in the Kasematten or the Stadttheater. |
| What should visitors not miss in the local region? | There is too much to go into detail. Certainly the region’s mountains, Semmering, Rax and Schneeberg as well as the Bucklige Welt (a hilly region) with many outstanding businesses offering a marvellous choice of culinary highlights. |
Magical: The “New Advent”
The “New Advent” in Lower Austria’s second biggest city starts on 29 November and captivates visitors with regional products, arts and crafts and Christmas music. Every weekend there is a performance somewhere in the Wiener Neustadt: at the Domplatz, Beethovenallee, Hauptplatz or the Bürgermeistergarten.
This year particularly: from 19 to 24 December the Ö3 Weihnachtswunder will be broadcast from Wiener Neustadt’s Hauptplatz. 120 live hours from the glass studio by the Mariensäule. Visitors can look forward to many live concerts and charity events.
Excellent food and drink in the Wirtshaus and on the Marienmarkt
A real culinary revelation is the Wirtshaus “Altes Backhaus”. This fully lives up to its name (the Old Bakehouse) as its history dates back to the 14th century. Diners can enjoy Austrian specialities with a modern and often also Mediterranean twist and a 5-course themed menu. Oustanding! Not only due to its 2 Gault Millau toques.
The Marienmarkt is an absolute must for connoisseurs! It combines local tradition with international diversity. Alongside ham and sausage specialities (Wilczeks Würstlboutique) and Italian deli (Maria Rosa), further stands offer vegan menus and freshly prepared juices (Papa’s Kitchen), a huge selection of beers and home brews (Siegls am Markt), sushi for on the go (Taki) and an excellent choice of fish (Reef & Beef).
Art and cultural walks
Besides the aforementioned military academy which today also houses a museum, the exhibition in the Kasematten “THE CITY AS FORT” offers a fascinating opportunity to look behind the scenes of the city’s history. A must on city walks is also the Museum St. Peter on the Sperr with its permanent exhibition "neuSTADT ERZÄHLEN" which tells the city’s 800 year history. And a museum visit is recommended not only in bad weather. When it’s stormy and snowy outside you can also immerse yourself in the cosy warmth of the Therme Linsberg Asia spa or the Aqua Nova pool.
