Stadtmauerstadt Zwettl

The Zwettl town wall

The ring wall, which enclosed the actual town area of Zwettl until the middle of the 19th century, had three gates reinforced with towers and originally eight, perhaps even ten towers. Today, 917 meters of town wall with six towers and a mighty wall projection are still preserved.

Towards the two rivers Kamp and Zwettl, the town wall followed the natural steep slope. On the other two sides, it sought the shortest connection to the corners of the town fortifications in a straight line. These two flanks were additionally secured by the town moat. From the banks of the Kamp near the parish church, one entered the town through the Lower (Niedere) or Krems Gate. At the upper end of the road, you had to pass through the Weitraer or Obere Tor, while you left the town through the Oberhofer Tor in the direction of Zwettl Abbey.

Outside the Weitra and Oberhof gates, bridges (originally drawbridges) crossed the moat. From at least the second half of the 17th century, a mighty round building (a barbican) stood in front of the Krems Gate. Outside the town wall there were also palisades, outworks, ponds and the like.

The Zwettl town wall has been freely accessible via a new staircase in the Promenade since 2023. Visitors can experience 800 years of the town's history and also get a glimpse into the inner courtyard of the SONNENTOR City Lofts. The staircase is open from April 1 to October 31.

Further information about the town wall, information, booking of guided tours, Zwettl souvenirs and extensive brochures are available at the Zwettl-Info in the Old Town Hall!