UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lower Austria

What is there to discover in the wilderness area?

The Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area, with its Rothwald primeval forest, preserves the largest remaining primeval forest in the Alpine arc and has been part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site "Ancient Beech Forests and Primeval Beech Forests of Europe" since 2017. Centuries-old fir, spruce and beech trees grow here, providing a habitat for rare species of birds, insects and fungi. 

This natural gem can be experienced on a few marked trails – as well as at the house of the wilderness visitor centre in Lunz am See, which offers impressive insights into this last primeval landscape in Central Europe with interactive exhibitions.

What is there to discover in the Wachau region?

The Wachau is a UNESCO-designated cultural landscape on the Danube between Melk and Krems – characterised by terraced vineyards, historic monasteries, castles and idyllic villages. 

Here, world cultural heritage and holidays can be easily combined: while strolling through wine villages such as Dürnstein or Spitz, on the World Heritage Trail, the Danube cycle path, on boat trips with views of the famous stone terraces or during culinary wine and apricot experiences directly at the local businesses.

What is there to discover around the Semmering railway?

The Semmering railway was Europe'sfirst true mountain railway and is still considered atechnical masterpiece today. Between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag, the route winds its way through the mountain landscape via viaducts, through tunnels and past elegant villas – designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. 

The best way to experience this combination of engineering and nature is on a train journey with views of the historic structures or on hikes along the railway line with its vantage points.

What is there to discover in the spa town of Baden?

In 2021, Baden bei Wien was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Great Spa Towns of Europe" – a testament to a spa culture that stretches from the Romans to the Biedermeier period into the present day. 

The town combines historic spa architecture, spa gardens and an elegant townscape with a lively culture: visits from thermal baths and terrain cures to walks along the historic villa districts to the casino, photo festival, theatre and summer festivals, the World Heritage Site can be experienced here in a relaxed manner.

You will find carefully curated travel tips in our Baden city break. 

What is there to discover along the Danube Limes?

The Danube Limes once marked the northern border of the Roman Empire – today, its course in Lower Austria is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Frontiers of the Roman Empire". Along the Danube between Ybbs and Zeiselmauer, forts, legion camps, civilian settlements and archaeological sites remind us of life on the ancient border.

This history can be experienced through exhibitions, guided tours and walks in places such as Traismauer, Tulln, Zeiselmauer and Mautern, where Roman walls, finds and reconstructions convey a vivid picture of everyday life on the Danube border.