Retzer Adventure Cellar
The Retzer Erlebniskeller is one of the largest historic wine cellars in Central Europe and stretches for about 20 kilometers under the old town of Retz in Lower Austria. The citizens of Retz dug this impressive system of tubes and tunnels up to 20 meters deep into the sandy subsoil. Today, the cellar is only accessible as part of a guided tour – which offers not only fascinating insights into the subterranean labyrinth but also into the history of winemaking in the region.
Short info:
- What is the Retzer Erlebniskeller? A historic, approximately 20 km long cellar labyrinth under the city Retz, which was formerly used for wine storage.
- Where is he? Under the old town of Retz, Meeting point: Guest information Retzer Land, Hauptplatz 30, 2070 Retz.
- How deep is the cellar? Up to 20 meters below the earth's surface.
- How long does a tour last? About 90 minutes.
- What can you see on the tour? Tunnels, ventilation shafts, various cellar chambers, former barrel storage, a 25-meter-deep shaft hole and historical remains from the 13th century.
- Will there be wine tasting? Yes, at the end of the tour there is a wine tasting in the wine shop at the Hotel Althof.
- When do tours take place? May–October: daily at 10:30, 14:00, 16:00 (Saturdays also at 12:00); November–April: daily at 14:00.
- Is registration required? Yes, it is highly recommended (by phone or online).
- Is the basement barrier-free? No, not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to steps and uneven ground.
- What clothing is recommended? Warm clothing and sturdy shoes – the temperature in the cellar is around 10–12 °C all year round.
- How much does the entrance fee cost? About 15€. With the Lower Austria Card free (pick up your ticket at the main square even if you have pre-booked)
History of the Retzer Erlebniskeller
The origins of the Retz Cellar Labyrinth date back to the Middle Ages. The first documented mentions date back to 1279, but the massive expansion took place primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries. The reason for this: Retz Although no wine was produced, the town became an important trading center for wine from the entire Weinviertel region. Because the town is composed of loess and sandy soil, this soil was easy to erode – an advantage for cellar builders, but a disadvantage for stability: Many houses in Retz sank over the centuries due to the uncoordinated construction of cellars. Only an orderly expansion, including ventilation shafts and supporting structures, brought the necessary safety.
In the past, cellars were used not only for wine storage, but also for escape during attacks, as food storage, or as a cool refuge in the summer. During World War II, parts of the cellar served as an air raid shelter.
Today, the cellar is disused, but is excellently preserved and equipped with electric lighting. Only about 1.5 km of the total 20 km are accessible during guided tours.
Tour schedule
The tour starts at the main square of Retz with a brief historical overview of the city. Afterwards, an underground entrance leads just outside the center into the labyrinth of cellars. During the tour, you'll gain interesting insights into the architecture and technology of cellar construction – including a 25-meter-deep shaft that once served as a ventilation and escape shaft. You'll see typical cellar vaults, learn how wine was stored in the past, and see historic barrels that could hold up to 10,000 liters.
One highlight is the so-called "water chamber," where rainwater was once filtered through a sandstone filter. You'll also be shown a spot where a house collapsed in the 18th century—a striking example of the dangers of uncoordinated excavations.
A wine that was served at the signing of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955 is also stored here.
The tour concludes in the modern wine shop of the Hotel Althof, where you'll enjoy a guided wine tasting of typical regional wines. The wine shop offers over 150 wines from the "Retzer Weinberge" vineyard, which you can taste and purchase on-site.
Tips for your visit
Plan enough time – in addition to the guided tour, a walk through the old town of Retz with the imposing main square, the sgraffito house façade, and the Retz Windmill Hill. The windmill can also be visited and is just a few minutes away.
The Retzer Land around the town also invites you to further excursions – whether cycling through the vineyards, a visit to a Heurigen or a detour to Pulkau, Hardegg or to the neighboring Czech Republic.
English 
German 
Italian 
Czech 
Hungarian 
Dutch