Waldviertel

The people of the Waldviertel: serious, thoughtful, frugal and hard-working. For many, this description of their mentality, dating from 1902, holds true today...

 

But much has changed, and today’s Waldviertel presents itself as a region where gentle tourism is actually put into practice, in harmony with the congeniality of its people. The hustle and bustle of the modern world has its place here, of course, but the impressive countryside, with its small villages and remote farms, also soothes the spirit with its rural charm. In the northwestern part of Lower Austria, many old commercial traditions have also left their traces behind: the former Bandlkramerland, whose name derives from its many cottage weaving mills, is there to experience, as is a history of glass manufacturing, the site of a once large glassworks. In “Glass Region Waldviertel”, you can gaze upon astonishing examples of artistry in glass, on display in area museums and exhibitions. The Kamptal is always worth a detour, not just because of its gardens: the 19 Kamptal Gardens, incl. a castle park, a modern garden and a sculpture garden, are natural and cultural spectacles. When we factor in Waldviertel Cultural Summer, the ecclesiastical centers of Geras Abbey and Zwettl, along with the famous Maria Taferl pilgrimage, we see that culture is definitely not shortchanged in the slightest, Epicurean pleasures are embodied in our Genussregionen: Waldviertel poppy, carp (not merely a Christmas tradition), potatoes and beef. At the Caricature Museum in Krems, you find no hint whatsoever of the serious, thoughtful Waldviertler – for as a host, he could not be more warm, friendly or attentive.