Wooden Wine Barrels & Food Festivals
Do you know what a “Dirndl” is? An Austrian word for “girl”? A type of fruit? A traditional garment?
In Lower Austria, it can actually mean any of the above. The Cornelian cherry festival that takes place in the Pielachtal valley (Mostviertel region) in September is a great occasion to celebrate all at the same time. See “Dirndl” (girls) wearing “Dirndl” (traditional garment) and try culinary delights made with “Dirndl” (Cornelian cherries) ... Oh yes, creativity is certainly characteristic of our traditions and customs. The best local delicacies are served on the many festivals and fairs throughout the year. Make a wish as you slide down a wooden wine barrel at the traditional “Klosterneuburger Fasslrutschen”. Try all kinds of pumpkin dishes at the pumpkin festival in the Weinviertel region. Enjoy a glass of wine (or two) at one of the wine festivals in the Wachau region and celebrate summer solstice in this place of outstanding natural beauty. Fall in love with the local customs and traditions in Lower Austria and be part of it!
Festivals & Fairs
There’s always a reason to get together and celebrate. If there’s a theme, there’s also a festival - whether it’s the annual blood sausage festival or Thanksgiving. The stalls on the town square are laden with culinary delights, the music is playing and people are dancing. Christian festivals also come with a happy social gathering after church, in most cases. And of course, wine is always a good reason to celebrate. Wine festivals take place in spring or autumn, in the vineyard or a cellar lane. In Lower Austria, we always have time for a fine drink in fine company.
Spring in Lower Austria
Are you travelling to Lower Austria in May? Don’t be surprised at the tall, colourful tree trunks that you can see in the village centres. Decorated with ribbons and green branches that are elaborately woven around the trunk, a maypole is the pride and joy of every village. Every year, it’s erected on 1 May on the village square as a symbol of fertility.
You can’t see it? Then, the “thieves” from the neighbouring village have probably stolen it. But don’t worry, the young people from the village will get it back. After all, the maypole means great fun for everyone. Young men compete with each other in the pole climb and the whole village gets together at the fair. No matter where you go, the maypole is the centre of attention.
Easter & Orchards in Full Bloom
Easter! In Lower Austria, this is the time when farmers fasten branches of different plants together to colourful bouquets, so-called “Palmbuschen”, dye eggs and bake “Osterstriezel” (sweet braded pastry made with yeast dough). In the Mostviertel region, the latter is called “Godnkipferl” and looks like a large croissant. Decorated with a coin, the godmothers bring it for lunch at Easter.
Blooming fruit trees go hand in hand with the arrival of spring. Make sure you catch an orchard in full bloom before the white and pink buds of apricot (Wachau region), cherry (Weinviertel region) and pear trees (Mostviertel region) disappear.
Unfortunately, the blossom is fleeting - but your hosts on the farm know nature best and can tell you when it starts. Perhaps you’re lucky enough to spend the holiday of your dreams during this magical time of the year. Stand in an orchard surrounded by pink and white hues and petals falling gently all around you. This is something special!
The Longest Day of the Year
Summer solstice in the Wachau region is an unforgettable experience. This tradition was first mentioned in a document dating back 400 years, making it one of the oldest celebrations in Lower Austria. And it certainly is one of the most beautiful ones.
Looking at the bonfires on the riverbanks and castle ruins lightened by torches ... feels like being in a fairy tale. Make sure you find a spot with a nice view. Or are you lucky enough to stay in a farm that’s cosy and comes with a spectacular view of the Danube river? Enjoy this magical moment!
“The Pond Is Boiling”
A real adventure in the Waldviertel region: watching the fish being harvested from the carp ponds in autumn. “The pond is boiling”, the locals say when the water is drained completely and all the fish are removed from the pond. This traditional fishing method is quick and eco-friendly. In the Waldviertel region, carp is a local delicacy. And when it’s time for the traditional carp festival, you’ll see elaborate and creative dishes on every menu. Come to the carp festival in Heidenreichstein (“Heidenreichsteiner Abfischfest”) and watch the carp being caught from the waters of the Bruneiteich. Perhaps you’d like to help the fishermen or try some of the culinary delights such as fish on a stick or carp sushi rolls.
Traditional Craftsmanship
Have you always wanted to forge a knife? Would you simply like to know more about blacksmithing techniques that have existed for thousands of years? Visit the forge and museum in Ybbsitz, a town located on the Iron Road (“Eisenstraße”) in the Mostviertel region. Join one of the great events that are organised throughout the year.
Highlight: the enchanting Christmas market called “Schmiedeweihnacht” with a focus on the blacksmith’s craft. As you’re standing next to the forge fire, listening to the sound of the hammers and having a cup of hot, mulled cider, you might see the Christkind flying past with a Christmas present.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot...
...Like Christmas
It’s true: a special emphasis is put on the Christmas markets that are beautifully decorated in all corners of the province. Visit the palaces in the Marchfeld region, the Schallaburg Castle, the gorge “Johannesbachklamm”, the Göttweig Abbey or the Grafenegg Castle - a cultural highlight! In Lower Austria, you’ll be sure to enjoy a lovely atmosphere all year round.
Yes, during your holiday, you can combine physical and relaxing activities, indulgence and tranquility, peaceful and festive moments - just as you like!
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