LOWER AUSTRIA
- Alex P
- Nov 25
- 3 min read
Lower Austria, or "Original Austria," is a federal state that was originally created to strengthen Germany's borders and is today a wine-producing center that forms a ring around Vienna.
LOWER AUSTRIA: THE MOST INTERESTING
A rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape characterize this largest federal state by area. Notably, it forms a ring around the country's capital, Vienna. This is the "original Austria."
Liechtenstein Castle is a medieval fortress that reflects the region's history, and the castle itself is often used for cultural events and exhibitions. This palace attracts visitors not only for its history but also for its architectural beauty.
The Wachau wine region is a picturesque valley along the Danube, renowned for its vineyards. In the Wachau, you can not only enjoy the views but also taste local wines and visit historic towns such as Krems and Dürnstein.
And of course, the magnificent Melk Abbey, founded in the 11th century and perched on a high hill with panoramic views of the Danube. One of the most famous abbeys in Europe, it houses stunning art collections and valuable historical artifacts.
LOWER AUSTRIA: HISTORY OF THE COAT OF ARMS
In the middle of the 10th century, a part of the territory that was named the Eastern March (Ostmark) – the future Austria – was separated from Bavaria.
The purpose of its creation was to strengthen the German borders. In 996, the Old German name of the march, Ostarrîchi , was first mentioned, from which the name Austria (Österreich) ultimately derived.
The appearance of the coat of arms with five eagles, presumably representing the five districts of the mark, dates back to the 11th century, although the earliest surviving depiction of the coat of arms on a stained-glass window in a monastery near Vienna is 200 years older.
The number of birds and the color of the shield initially varied. Furthermore, for hundreds of years, heated debates raged over whether the coat of arms depicted eagles or larks, sometimes leading to scandals and physical violence. But nothing good lasts forever, and in 1795, the final, official decision was made: eagles, indeed.
If you pay attention, on the early coats of arms, the eagles, in German, look disciplinedly in one direction, while in the modern version they look more friendly and positively, at each other.
LOWER AUSTRIA: THE FUN FACTS
In the Middle Ages, these lands were known as "Austria lower the Enns," or Niederösterreich in German. The word "nieder" means "lower," but there's a linguistic catch.
If you look at a map, the Enns River flows, as any decent river should, from south to north. Logic dictates that if it's downstream, it's further north, but certainly not "downstream" in the traditional sense. Geographically, the name should sound more like "Right-Bank Austria," but apparently no one consulted cartographers.
It seems they weren't looking at a map, but from Vienna — where, as we know, everything further from the capital is automatically considered "lower."
LOWER AUSTRIA: ALPINE SKIING
Semmering is one of the oldest Alpine resorts, having welcomed Viennese aristocrats since the 19th century. Its proximity to Vienna, picturesque forests, and historic atmosphere make it ideal for families and beginners. It's famous for its high-speed night ski run, illuminated like a theater stage. It's arguably Austria's most intimate "foothills."
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