Traisen

The Traisen is a river in Lower Austria’s Mostviertel region. It begins where the Türnitzer Traisen and Unrechttraisen meet near St Aegyd am Neuwalde and Türnitz. After flowing through Lilienfeld and Wilhelmsburg it reaches St Pölten, the state capital. The river then continues north to meet the Danube at Traismauer. The Traisen drains 915 square kilometres and measures 82.6 kilometres from its two sources. In 1997 a flood caused serious damage along much of its length, including the government quarter of St Pölten. To protect the area, the river’s mouth was moved downstream when the Altenwörth power station was built. Visitors can walk or cycle along the Traisen’s banks through quiet valleys and towns. The route passes Lilienfeld Abbey, a 13th-century monastery, and Wilhelmsburg’s old centre. Where the river meets the Danube at Traismauer the view opens across broad flood meadows.