You think St. Pölten is just a stopover between Vienna and the Alps? Then it’s time to take a closer look at this charming city! St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria and one of Austria’s oldest cities, combines baroque elegance with modern architecture. Its friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a day trip or a short city break. You’ll find there’s more to discover here than you might expect.
Location
Top Highlights of St. Pölten
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Lower Austria Museum
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
In the modern Museum of Lower Austria in St. Pölten, designed by Hans Hollein, you can expect a unique combination of history, art, and nature from the region. Opened in 2002, this museum is the only institution in Austria that also houses live animals, officially making it a zoo.
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Hammerpark
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
Sankt Pölten Cathedral
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
In the heart of St. Pölten stands the impressive Cathedral of St. Pölten, whose history dates back to 790. Originally founded as a monastery, the building combines late Romanesque architecture from the 12th century with baroque elements from the 17th century, created by artists like Jakob Prandtauer and Daniel Gran.
Festspielhaus St. Pölten
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
At the Festspielhaus St. Pölten, one of the most significant contemporary theater buildings in Austria, you can expect one of the largest stages in the country. Designed by Klaus Kada, this cultural venue has been impressing visitors since 1997 with its four event halls, with the Great Hall accommodating over 1,000 guests.
Cinema Paradiso
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
At the Cinema Paradiso in Lower Austria, you can expect more than just a movie experience: at the two locations in St. Pölten and Baden, you'll find lovingly renovated cinema halls that serve as vibrant cultural centers. The centerpiece in St. Pölten, opened in 2002, features its unique "Beisl-Kino," where you can enjoy food and drinks during the screening, while the larger location in Baden has been attracting families and young people since 2013.
Ratzersdorfer Lake
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
Ratzersdorfer Lake is St. Pölten's only officially designated swimming lake and part of the local recreation area "St. Pölten Lake Experience." Since its completion in 1980, this forest-surrounded lake has attracted visitors with free swimming options, a nudist area, and beach volleyball courts.
Landestheater Niederösterreich
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
In the historic center of St. Pölten, you will find a fascinating example of the tumultuous history of a theater building: the current Landestheater Niederösterreich was converted from a former military prison into a theater in 1820. After a series of eventful decades, during which the venue served as a city theater, an SS headquarters, and even an open-air theater without a roof, it now presents itself as a modern spoken theater with 411 seats. Under the artistic direction of Marie Rötzer, the theater has combined its historical structure with a contemporary atmosphere since its renovation in 2012, particularly evident in the newly designed foyer and theater café. Since 2002, the "Theaterwerkstatt" has added 120 additional seats to the cultural offerings.
Klangturm
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
The 77-meter-high Sound Tower is the most distinctive landmark in the government district of St. Pölten, combining an observation platform, sound art, and a transmission tower in a transparent steel structure. From the observation terrace at a height of 47 meters, which you can reach via a panoramic lift or by climbing 280 steps, you can enjoy a wide 360-degree view of the city. Three walk-in sound spheres, each with a diameter of 5.70 meters, offer changing sound installations and interactive media art from April to October. Designed by Ernst Hoffmann, the tower was opened in 1997 and attracts around 34,000 visitors each year with its blend of architecture and sound art.
Stadtmuseum St. Pölten
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
In the venerable Karmeliterhof, a building constructed as a Carmelite monastery by Jakob Prandtauer in the early 18th century, you will find the Stadtmuseum St. Pölten today. After a tumultuous history as a barracks and extensive revitalization, this impressive structure has housed exciting exhibitions on local history, archaeology, and modern art across three floors since 1976.
Sparkassenpark
St. Pölten, Lower Austria, Austria
Best Activities
Explore the Baroque Old Town
Visit the Government Quarter
Where the Music Plays
One of Austria's most celebrated events, the Frequency Festival, attracts music fans from across the globe every year. For a more local flavor, don’t miss the Höfefest in the old town, a charming event that immerses you in local traditions and culture.
Enjoy Nature
Museums
- The Museum Niederösterreich brings the region’s history and natural beauty to life, with interactive exhibits that are especially fun for families.
- The State Museum offers a deep dive into the art and culture of Lower Austria.
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit St. Pölten is May through September, when the weather is pleasantly warm and plenty of outdoor activities are available.
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, with an average of 14.3°C in May.
- Rainfall: About 89 mm in May.
- Activities: Strolling through the city and enjoying blooming parks.
Summer (June to August)
- Weather: Warm temperatures between 18°C and 27°C, with an average of 19.8°C in July.
- Rainfall: June sees the highest rainfall at 91 mm.
- Activities: Perfect for open-air events and nature excursions.
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: Cooling down from 14.8°C in September to 5°C in November.
- Rainfall: Drops to 54 mm by November.
- Activities: Ideal for cultural events and hiking in the surrounding area.
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Cool temperatures between -0.6°C and 0.6°C.
- Rainfall: Lower, with 44 mm in February.
- Activities: Visit museums and Christmas markets.
Getting There
By Train
Thanks to the Westbahn Line, you can reach St. Pölten Hauptbahnhof conveniently by train in just 30 minutes.
By Car
The city is easily accessible from all directions via the A1 Westautobahn.
Getting Around St. Pölten
The old town is easily explored on foot. For longer distances, there’s an excellent public transport network and bike rentals available.
Culinary Highlights
St. Pölten delights visitors with a blend of regional cuisine and international flair. Try local dishes like Wachauer Marillenknödel or hearty Schweinsbraten in traditional taverns. For a more refined dining experience, visit Gasthaus Figl, celebrated for its creative takes on classic dishes. Cozy cafés like Emil invite you to relax with homemade cakes in a warm atmosphere.