Mostviertel

Mostviertel lies in the south-west of Lower Austria, where the Danube marks its northern edge and the Alps rise to the south. The Wienerwald hills form a natural boundary on the east, giving the region its other name, the quarter above the Wienerwald. Between the rivers Ybbs and Enns the land is gentle and fertile, ideal for orchards that stretch across wide meadows. The region’s name comes from Most, the local perry and cider made from pears and apples. In April the blossom of the pear trees turns the orchards white, drawing visitors to see the seasonal display. Most is served in rustic wine taverns called Mostheurigen, often with fresh pastries and local dishes. The drink is also distilled into schnaps, offering a stronger taste of the countryside. Rolling foothills of the Alps surround the orchards and farmyards, where square courtyards sit at the centre of each property. Small and mid-sized companies work in steel and forestry, turning raw materials into finished goods. The landscape of meadows and wooded slopes remains largely unchanged, making it easy to feel the rhythm of rural life.