Wiener Neustadt is a city located south of Vienna, in the state of Lower Austria, in northeast Austria. It is a self-governed city and the seat of the district administration of Wiener Neustadt-Land District. The city is the site of one of the world’s oldest military academies, the Theresian Military Academy, which was established by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1752 to train officers for the Austrian army.

Main sights

Wiener Neustadt lies in the region of Lower Austria and is only 30km from the countries capital and also a short distance from the Hungarian border. The towns history has been strewn with conquest and battles and has been ruled by various different empires from The House of Babenberg, The Habsburgs and Matthias Corvinus of Hungary.

Myra Falls

This protected monument lies around 20 minutes to the west of Wiener Neustadt and is a beautiful area for hiking. The well developed hiking trail starts in Muggendorf and follows the line of the Myra river until reaching the impressive falls that are surrounded by woodland.

The gorge that holds the falls is approximately 600mm long and the difference in height from the top to bottom is 70 meters.

You can explore the ravine and the powerful waterfall at your leisure and there is a wooden gangway that runs across its length. If you want to stay in this magical place longer there are a couple of restaurants in close proximity too.

Grand Canal

Wiener Neustadt has an expansive canal system with the main Grand Canal running most of the length of the town with various strands that snake off from it.

The canal has footpaths running either side of it on most of the stretches and it is simply fantastic to just pick a starting point and walk along this peaceful waterway.

This really is a great way to see the different parts of Wiener Neustadt and explore the routes of this outstanding canal network.

Mariahilfberg

This shrine and hiking area provides another great outdoors experience combined with a splash of culture and history.

The Mariahilfberg is perched ontop of a 700mm high hill and stands as a pilgrimage site of importance in the region.

A church was established here in the 1700’s and was the supposed site of a miracle.

The building has a fantastic baroque design and a wonderful opulent altar, while the surrounding countryside provides some beautiful scenery and walking trails.

Dom Wiener Neustadt

The Cathedral in Wiener Neustadt is an impressive building and was constructed in the 13th century with a Romanesque style and its iconic two large bell towers.

The cathedral stands proud in its own square around 5 minutes walk from the Hauptplatz and has a beautiful fountain and lawn on the left courtyard.

The interior has many baroque features that have been added in later years including a opulent pulpit and a stunning vaulted ceiling with decorated archways.

This really is an impressive religious building and stands as a testament to the importance of Wiener Neustadt.

Linsberg Asia Therme Spa

This stunning spa complex is the perfect place to unwind, relax and forget about the hustle and bustle of the city. The spa features a wonderful thermal bath, 8 indoor pools, and 9 different saunas.

You can also take advantage of the many different treatments available in the spa such as full body massages, pedicures and skin care rituals. The high quality, relaxing atmosphere and soothing activities really do work wonders for your body and mind and if you want to rejuvenate, the Linsberg Spa is the perfect place.

Gesaeuse National Park

Austria has many national parks, and one of the most beautiful near Wiener Neustadt is the Gesaeuse National Park that lies around 2 hours from the town and an hour from neighbouring Graz. This park is mainly formed from the Gesaeuse mountain range that has eroded in parts to form huge valleys and gorges.

There is plenty of limestone and dolomite rock formations, but also Alpine pastures and woodland. Hike through the stunning landscape and admire the thundering rush of the rapids that carve through the mountains or even take part in some water sports or climbing – There is something for everyone’s outdoor taste in this immense park.

• The Late-Romanesque cathedral, the Dom, consecrated in 1279 and constructed from 1469 to 1785. The choir and transept, in Gothic style, are from the 14th century. In the late 15th century 12 statues of the Apostles were added in the apse, while the bust of Cardinal Melchior Klesl is attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
• Former church of St. Peter an der Sperr, erected in the 13th century and modified in the mid-15th century by the imperial architect Peter von Pusica. Secularized in the 19th century, it is now used for exhibitions.
• The Theresian Military Academy, a 13th-century formerly four-towered castle which was later used as residence by Frederick III of Habsburg. The latter had it enlarged and the St. George Chapel built in the mid-15th century: it has notable glassworks and houses the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I. It became seat of the Academy in 1752. Destroyed during World War II, it has been rebuilt to the original appearance.

• Water tower
• Tower of Tortures (Reckturm, early 13th century), now housing a private weapons collection.
• Mariensäule (a plague column at Hauptplatz)
• Church of the Capuchins, documented from the 13th century. Of the original construction today the Gothic choir (late 14th century) and the statues of St. Mary and St. James can be seen.
• The medieval walls, built using part of the ransom of Richard I of England.
• Communal Museum of Wiener Neustadt
• City archives
• Aviation museum Aviaticum
• Industrial museum
• Hospital museum
• Mineralogical museum
• The Kasematten, a medieval fortification and expansion of the city walls, partially reconstructed and opened for visitors in preparation for the Lower Austrian exhibition 2019

University, professional schools, vocational academies

Austria’s first and largest Fachhochschule for business and engineering, the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, is located here.

Culture

In 1996 Wiener Neustadt received international attention as the so-called “sidewalk” designed by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata was built around the main square. Wiener Neustadt is the setting for the book Reluctant Return: A Survivor’s Journey to an Austrian town.