Top 15 Attractions in Wiener Neustadt, Austria

Wiener Neustadt is situated in the Lower Austria region, located approximately 30 kilometers from the capital city and in proximity to the Hungarian border. This town has a rich history marked by conquests and conflicts, having been governed by various empires including the House of Babenberg, the Habsburgs, and Matthias Corvinus of Hungary.

From the 1700s onward, Wiener Neustadt transformed into a significant military training area with the establishment of the Maria Theresa Military Academy. Today, it continues to be an essential industrial center due to the Austrian Southern Railway. The town offers a diverse array of historical sites alongside numerous outdoor activities, making it an appealing destination for visitors in Lower Austria.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Wiener Neustadt:

1. Myra Falls

Myra Falls

This protected site is located around 20 minutes to the west of Wiener Neustadt and offers an exquisite environment for hiking. The well-marked trail begins in Muggendorf and follows the Myra River to reach the stunning waterfall enveloped by forest.

The gorge housing the falls spans approximately 600 meters, exhibiting a vertical drop of 70 meters.

You may explore the ravine and the formidable waterfall at your own pace, with a wooden walkway providing access along its length. Should you wish to linger longer in this enchanting location, a couple of nearby restaurants await.

2. Grand Canal

Wiener Neustadt Canal

Wiener Neustadt boasts an extensive canal system, with the primary Grand Canal traversing much of the town, accompanied by various branching paths.

Footpaths largely line both sides of the canal, making it a delightful experience to select a starting point and walk along this tranquil waterway.

This is truly an excellent method to explore the different facets of Wiener Neustadt and appreciate the routes of this remarkable canal network.

3. Military Academy of Empress Maria Theresa

Theresianische Militaerakademie

As one of the oldest military academies globally, the Academy of Maria Theresa has been situated in Wiener Neustadt since 1751.

This institution has historically played a vital role in imparting leadership and military training, successfully guiding countless students throughout its existence.

The building itself has undergone numerous restorations over the years yet remains a striking architectural achievement, characterized by its whitewashed walls and orange-tiled towers.

4. Mariahilfberg

Wallfahrtskirche Mariahilfberg

This pilgrimage site doubles as a hiking destination, enriching visitors with a combination of outdoor recreational opportunities and historical engagement.

Perched atop a 700-meter high hill, Mariahilfberg serves as a significant religious landmark in the region.

A church established here in the 1700s is associated with a miraculous event.

The structure showcases exquisite baroque architecture and a splendid altar, while the adjacent countryside offers stunning scenery and hiking trails.

5. Dom Wiener Neustadt

Dom Wiener Neustadt

This remarkable cathedral, constructed in the 13th century, features a Romanesque architectural style and is recognizable by its iconic twin bell towers.

Located approximately a 5-minute walk from the Hauptplatz, the cathedral is surrounded by a charming square that includes a beautiful fountain and lawn on one side.

Its interior is richly adorned with baroque elements added over the years, including an extravagant pulpit and an intricately decorated vaulted ceiling.

This sacred structure serves as a prominent symbol of the historical significance of Wiener Neustadt.

6. Linsberg Asia Therme Spa

Linsberg Asia Therme Spa

This exquisite spa complex provides an ideal location to relax and escape the urban environment. Featuring a splendid thermal pool, eight indoor pools, and nine distinct saunas, it encourages relaxation.

Visitors can also indulge in a variety of treatments, including full-body massages, pedicures, and skin care rituals. The serene atmosphere and soothing activities are significant for mental and physical rejuvenation, making Linsberg Spa an exceptional retreat.

7. Gesaeuse National Park

Gesaeuse National Park

Austria is home to numerous national parks, among which Gesaeuse National Park stands out as one of the most picturesque, located approximately two hours from Wiener Neustadt and one hour from Graz. This park is characterized primarily by the Gesaeuse mountain range, featuring eroded sections that form expansive valleys and gorges.

The landscape is rich with limestone and dolomite rock formations, in addition to alpine meadows and woodlands. Visitors can hike through the breathtaking terrain and marvel at the thundering rapids coursing through the mountains or engage in water sports or climbing activities—accommodating various outdoor preferences within this vast park.

8. Wiener Neustadt Town Hall

Wiener Neustadt Town Hall

The Rathaus is situated in the market square, with its origins tracing back to the early 1400s. Originally designed in a Gothic style, it was later transformed into a graceful Renaissance structure, characterized by its notable light pink facade, which has stood the test of time.

Embellished with coats of arms and a neo-gothic tower added in the 19th century, the building houses a scale model of Wiener Neustadt as it appeared with its original city walls and towers.

9. Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park

Neusiedler See – Seewinkel

Austria’s unique “steppe” national park, Seewinkel, extends into Hungary, featuring expansive meadows, salt marshes, and reed beds teeming with diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery.

This relatively flat national park offers vast areas to explore, traversing various terrains from sandy expanses to fields and woodlands. Ornithologists and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant birdlife, including Great Crested Grebes, Cormorants, Herons, and Willow Warblers.

10. Hauptplatz and St. Mary’s Column

Wiener Neustadt Hauptplatz

The Hauptplatz, a principal square in Wiener Neustadt, is located within the historical center, only about a 10-minute walk from the railway station. This spacious public area is bordered by a variety of colorful buildings, showcasing hues of yellow, orange, white, and green.

It features multiple cafes with outdoor seating and market stalls where local vendors offer their goods. At the heart of the square stands the prominent St. Mary’s Column, recognized as one of the city’s significant landmarks. Visitors can enjoy a coffee, shop at local stalls, or interact with market vendors—making Hauptplatz an ideal spot to experience local culture.

11. Wiener Neustadt Water Tower

Wiener Neustadt Water Tower

The water tower, now a symbol of Wiener Neustadt, may appear antique but was constructed in 1909 by Vienna-based architects.

The tower features a design reminiscent of a closed goblet with a lid, thought to be a homage to the famous Corvinus goblet housed in the Rathaus.

A visit to Wiener Neustadt would be incomplete without witnessing this impressive tower, which remains one of the tallest structures in the old town and is unmistakable in its grandeur!

12. Head into Hungary and visit Sopron

Sopron – Hungary

Wiener Neustadt is situated near the Hungarian border, with Sopron being one of the closest towns accessible by train from the main station in Wiener Neustadt. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

Sopron exudes charm, boasting picturesque architecture, including the Fire Tower and Saint Michael’s Church, rendering it an enjoyable visit for those wishing to explore another country.

13. Stadtpark

Stadtpark

The Stadtpark is located just south of the old town center and adjacent to the railway station, featuring pleasant woodlands with various walking paths weaving through the trees.

Restaurants and bars bordering the park offer opportunities for meals, while the Stadtpark tennis academy provides avenues for sports enthusiasts to watch matches.

This tranquil park serves as a delightful retreat within the town, perfect for leisurely strolls on warm summer days or to take a break from sightseeing.

14. Watch a game at the Wiener Neustadt Stadium

Wiener Neustadt Stadion

Football has deep roots in Wiener Neustadt, a town that has nurtured numerous successful sports clubs. The Wiener Neustadt stadium accommodates 10,000 spectators and currently serves as the home ground for SC Wiener Neustadt, who participate in the Austrian Football First League.

With its continuous modernization, the stadium offers a contemporary ambiance. Sports enthusiasts may wish to check the team’s schedule prior to their visit to enjoy a match. The atmosphere promises to be electric, complemented by high-quality football.

15. Admire the city walls and towers

Wiener Neustadt – Tower and City Walls

Similar to many Austrian towns, Wiener Neustadt once featured a comprehensive city wall and defensive tower system constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries, later reinforced during the Habsburg era, acting as a crucial defense against the Turks and Kuruc.

Today, remnants of these town defenses remain visible, allowing visitors to admire their historical significance and intricate designs. Noteworthy locations include a wall segment along Grazer Strasse and another behind the city museum.

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