Located in Lower Austria, this regional capital lies an hour from Vienna. Its medieval center and the world's largest Trappist monastery draw visitors to explore its historic streets.
St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, sits along the Traisen River 60 kilometers west of Vienna. Walk through streets lined with 18th-century buildings, climb the 77-meter Klangturm tower for city views, or watch classical performances at the glass-walled Festspielhaus concert hall. You can swim in Ratzersdorf Lake, browse local cheese and honey at the weekly farmers markets, or take scenic train rides into the Alps from this convenient base city.
Getting to St. Pölten
Trains run hourly from Vienna's Westbahnhof station, taking 30 minutes to reach St. Pölten. By car, take the A1 motorway or S33 expressway - the city lies 60 km from Vienna and 120 km from Linz. During summer months, you can hop on a free tourist train connecting the old town with the government district.
Modern Government Quarter
Walk through St. Pölten's contemporary district to see the glass-walled Festspielhaus, where you can attend classical and contemporary performances year-round. The curved Landtagsschiff building serves as the provincial parliament, while you can climb the 77-meter Klangturm for panoramic views. Visit the Museum Niederösterreich to see regional artifacts and art collections, including original works by Egon Schiele.
Historical City Center
The old town's origins date to 1159. Walk past the Renaissance town hall and into St. Pölten Cathedral, both transformed during 18th-century renovations. Local architect Jakob Prandtauer designed both the Prandtauer Church and the Institut der Englischen Fräulein convent. The episcopal palace and Franciscan church complete the 18th-century streetscape.
Markets and Local Life
Shop for regional produce, honey, cheese, and flowers at the Domplatz market every Thursday and Saturday morning. The Josefsmarkt runs on Fridays. Stop at cafes in the pedestrian zone to try local specialties like St. Pöltner Prandtauerkrapfen doughnuts.
Swimming and Recreation
Cool off at three main swimming locations: the indoor Aquacity pool, the outdoor city pool, or Ratzersdorf Lake. At the lake, play beach volleyball or walk the paths that connect to the regional cycle network. The Viehofen Lakes, formed from former gravel pits, have swimming areas and boat rentals.
Cultural Events
Watch performances at the Festspielhaus, art house films at Cinema Paradiso, or cabaret shows at Bühne im Hof. In summer, the FM4-Frequency and Beatpatrol festivals bring international musicians to St. Pölten. The Rathausplatz festival includes outdoor movies and live music.
Day Trips from St. Pölten
Ride the historic Mariazeller Bahn railway into the Alps - the 85 km journey to Mariazell winds through mountain passes for 2.5 hours, sometimes using original 1911 electric engines. Visit the Wachau Valley to see hillside vineyards and medieval castles along the Danube River.
