Lexi Webster
Lower Austria, or Niederösterreich in German, is one of the nine states of Austria and is located in the northeastern corner of the country. It is the country's largest state by land area, situated east of Upper Austria. The name Lower Austria is derived from its downriver location on the river Enns, which flows from west to east. The river Enns also played a role in the historical names for the region, with the area previously known as Austria below the Enns and Austria above the Enns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Northeastern corner of Austria |
| Land Area | 19,186 km2 (7,408 sq mi) |
| Population | 1.612 million |
| Capital | St. Polten |
| Major Cities | Amstetten, Krems an der Donau, Wiener Neustadt |
| International Border | 414 km (257 mi) with the Czech Republic and Slovakia |
| Bordering Austrian States | Upper Austria, Styria, Burgenland, Vienna |
| Number of Regions | 4 |
| Names of Regions | Waldviertel, Mostviertel, Industrieviertel, Weinviertel |
| Number of Districts | 20 |
| Number of Independent Towns | 4 |
| Number of Municipalities | 573 |
| Religion | Predominantly Roman Catholic |
| Political Party | Austrian People's Party |
| Percentage of Foreigners in Population | 6.1% (2001) |
| Unemployment Rate | 10% (2013) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The name is derived from its location downriver on the Enns
The name "Lower Austria" is derived from its location downriver on the Enns River. The Enns River flows from west to east, and Lower Austria is situated to the east of Upper Austria. The names "Lower Austria" and "Upper Austria" were derived from the earlier names "Austria below the Enns" and "Austria above the Enns," which refer to the Enns River. The river crosses Upper Austria, and on its lower reaches, it forms the boundary between Upper Austria and Lower Austria.
In German, Lower Austria is known as "Niederösterreich," and it is one of the nine states of Austria, located in the northeastern corner of the country. It is the largest state in Austria by land area, covering 19,186 square kilometers (7,408 square miles). Lower Austria has a population of approximately 1.6 to 1.7 million people, making it the second-most populous state after Vienna.
The state is divided into four regions: Waldviertel, Mostviertel, Industrieviertel, and Weinviertel. The Danube River, which holds historical and topographical importance, bisects Lower Austria, flowing from west to east. The river was once the northern boundary of the Roman Empire, and today it forms part of the Rhine-Main-Danube canal, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea.
Lower Austria is rich in natural caves, with over 4,000 recorded caves, most of which have formed in limestone and dolomite rocks, making them karst caves. The Wachau valley, situated in the Mostviertel region, is famous for its landscape, culture, and wine production. The state also boasts a wealth of castles, abbeys, and other cultural points of interest.
Krampus Parade: Austria's Unique Festival of Monsters
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is the largest state in Austria
Lower Austria, or Niederösterreich in German, is the largest state in Austria. It is located in the northeastern corner of the country and has a land area of 19,186 square kilometres (7,408 square miles). The state is divided into four regions, or Viertel (quarters): Weinviertel or Tertiary Lowland, Waldviertel or Bohemian Plateau, Mostviertel, and Industrieviertel. These regions have distinct geographical features, such as the Wachau valley in the Mostviertel region, famous for its landscape, culture, and wine production.
Lower Austria's history is closely tied to that of Austria as a whole. The region is home to many castles and abbeys, including the ancient Klosterneuburg Abbey. The name "Lower Austria" originates from its position downriver on the Enns River, flowing from west to east. The Enns River, along with the March River, demarcate the state's borders as they join the Danube River, which bisects the region.
The Danube River has played a significant role in Lower Austria's history and development. It was once the northern boundary of the Roman Empire and remains essential for transport and trade. The stretch of the Danube River valley between Melk and Krems, known as the Wachau, is particularly renowned for its stunning scenery, terraced vineyards, and medieval architecture.
Lower Austria has a population of approximately 1.6 to 1.7 million people, making it the second-most populous state after Vienna. The state capital is Sankt Pölten, and other major cities include Amstetten, Krems an der Donau, and Wiener Neustadt. The state boasts a first-class healthcare system and a well-regarded education system, with a mix of state schools and specialised colleges.
In summary, Lower Austria, the largest state in Austria, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its diverse landscapes, from the Wachau valley to the Vienna Basin, and its important rivers, including the Enns, March, and Danube, have shaped the region's identity and economic significance within Austria.
Austria's Historical Events: A Brief Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It has a rich history, including many castles
Lower Austria, or Niederösterreich, is the country's largest state, situated in the northeastern corner of Austria. It is rich in history and natural wonders, including its famous caves and castles.
The history of Lower Austria is very similar to the history of Austria itself. The region has been of great importance throughout the country's history, as it was in the Lower Austrian town of Neuhofen/Ybbs that the first recorded mention of the name "Ostarrichi" (Österreich), dating back over a thousand years, was found. The Danube River, which was once the northern boundary of the Roman Empire, is a prominent natural feature of Lower Austria. It flows through the region, dividing it into a northern part with the Wald- and Weinviertel and a southern part with the Most- and Industrieviertel. The Wachau valley, situated between Melk and Krems in the Mostviertel region, is famous for its landscape, culture, and wine.
Lower Austria is home to over 4,000 natural caves, most of which have formed in limestone and dolomite rocks and are known as karst caves. The region also boasts many castles, with over 20 beautiful castles to visit, according to Komoot. These include the Araburg, the highest castle ruins in Lower Austria at 799 meters, and Aggstein Castle, which sits on a steep cliff above the Danube. The small town of Dürnstein, known as the "pearl of the Wachau," possesses perfectly preserved medieval and Baroque buildings and the ruins of a castle that once held Richard I of England as a prisoner.
Klosterneuburg Abbey, located in Lower Austria, is one of the oldest abbeys in Austria. The region is also home to many other historic buildings, such as Hof and Niederwieden Palaces, which display exhibitions on the lives of Austrian royalty.
Austrian Student Population: How Many and What's the Impact?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Danube River is of great historical and topographical importance
The Danube has been an important trade artery since ancient times, connecting the Balkan region to the rest of Europe. The river is also a source of hydroelectric power, particularly along its upper courses, and the cities along its banks, including Vienna, Budapest, and Belgrade, have depended on it for their economic growth. The Danube's basin covers about 315,000 square miles and includes a variety of natural conditions, such as lowlands, hills, and mountains, which affect the origins and regimes of its watercourses.
The Danube also holds cultural and historical significance. It is celebrated in music, such as the famous waltz "An der schönen, blauen Donau" (1867; The Blue Danube) by Johann Strauss the Younger, which became the symbol of imperial Vienna. The river is featured in literature, including Jules Verne's "The Danube Pilot" (1908), and art, with the German tradition of landscape painting, the "Danube school", developing in the Danube valley in the 16th century.
In addition to its cultural and historical importance, the Danube is crucial to regional tourism. The river's gorge, valley, and surrounding areas, such as the Wachau Valley and the Nationalpark Donau-Auen in Austria, offer picturesque landscapes, villages, vineyards, and historical landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world.
The Danube River is also significant in Lower Austria, where it roughly bisects the state, dividing it into a northern part with the Wald- and Weinviertel and a southern part with the Most- and Industrieviertel. The river has been essential to the region's history, economy, and trade, and it continues to be a vital transport route, connecting Lower Austria to the rest of Europe.
Time Difference: England and Austria, What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Wachau valley is famous for its landscape, culture and wine
Lower Austria, or Niederösterreich, is one of the nine states of Austria, located in the northeastern corner of the country. It is the country's largest state, with a land area of 19,186 square kilometres. The name 'Lower Austria' is derived from its downriver location on the river Enns, which flows from west to east.
The Wachau valley, situated between Melk and Krems in the Mostviertel region of Lower Austria, is famous for its landscape, culture, and wine. The valley is characterised by its dramatic wine landscape, with vineyards stretching for about 20 miles along the Danube River. The Wachau has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and its history is reflected in the architecture of its towns and villages, which include monasteries, castles, and ruins.
The Wachau's vineyards are known for their high-quality wines, such as concentrated Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings. The unique microclimate and dynamic airflows of the region contribute to the distinct character of its wines. The winegrowers' farmsteads are typically laid out in an oblong, U-shape, or L-shape, with the usual gated walls, facades, and service buildings.
The valley is also home to picturesque villages, such as Dürnstein, known as the "pearl of the Wachau", which features perfectly preserved medieval and Baroque buildings. The town of Spitz, located on the western bank of the Danube, is another notable destination, known for its old homestead buildings.
In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, the Wachau was inscribed as a "Wachau Cultural Landscape" on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 2000. The designation highlights the valley's outstanding riverine and medieval landscapes, as well as its architectural monuments and agricultural use.
Exploring Vienna's Culinary Delights: Where to Eat in Austria's Capital
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Lower Austria is called so because of its location downriver on the Enns River, which flows from west to east.
The German name for Lower Austria is 'Niederösterreich'.
The capital of Lower Austria is St. Polten, which has been the capital since 1986.
Lower Austria is divided into four regions: Waldviertel, Mostviertel, Industrieviertel, and Weinviertel.
Yes, with a land area of 19,186 square kilometres, Lower Austria is the largest state in Austria.
