Weitra: Culture and history in the Waldviertel
Weitra, a historic town in the Waldviertel, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and long brewing tradition. The town offers a mix of culture, history and nature experiences.
Brief information:
- What is Weitra? A historic town with medieval architecture and the oldest brewing tradition in Austria.
- Where is it? Weitra is located in the northern Waldviertel, Lower Austria.
- How do I get there? By car via the B41 or by train to the station Gmünd and then continue by bus.
- How much time should I allow? 2 hours. If you Weitra Castle visit, half a day.
- What is there to see? Weitra Castle, brewery museum, historic old town, parish church and hiking trails.
Historic Old Town: A walk through time
A walk through the historic old town of Weitra feels like a journey into the past. The narrow alleys, cobbled streets and well-preserved buildings convey an authentic picture of medieval town life. Particularly worth seeing are the parish church and the town hall on the main square.
The numerous cafes and inns invite you to linger and offer local specialties. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch in a traditional inn and tried some of the regional beers, which are known for their quality.
Weitra Castle: A look into the past
The castle is a magnificent example of 16th century architecture. It has a fascinating exhibition on the history of brewing in the region, which you can view in the Brewery Museum.
The well-preserved frescoes and furniture give a vivid insight into the lives of the castle's former residents. We can highly recommend the view from the tower, which offers a very beautiful view of the city.
Nature and relaxation: hiking trails around Weitra
Weitra also offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The area surrounding the town is characterized by picturesque landscapes and dense forests, which are ideal for hikes and walks. Well-signposted hiking trails lead through the idyllic nature and repeatedly offer beautiful views of the town and the surrounding landscape.
We decided to go for a hike along the “herb trail”, which is particularly interesting for nature lovers. The trail leads through meadows and forests and provides information at various stations about the local flora and its uses.