Waldviertel

The Waldviertel lies in north-western Lower Austria, a land of forests and rolling hills. It is bordered by the Danube to the south and the Czech Republic to the north. The Manhartsberg ridge marks the eastern edge where the region meets the Weinviertel. Geologically it belongs to the ancient Bohemian Massif. In the south the Wachau and Kamptal wine districts extend into its landscape. For centuries the Waldviertel has been known for its glassmaking tradition. From the 14th century onward local sands provided raw material for forest glass production. The region’s glasshouses specialised in coloured glass that gained European renown. Today remnants of this craftsmanship can still be found in small workshops and museums. Visitors walk through quiet villages and pine-covered hills. The Wachau’s terraced vineyards lie along the southern edge. In the north the landscape opens to open heaths and scattered lakes. Cycle paths link historic towns such as Gmünd and Zwettl. The air carries the scent of resin and ripe grapes in autumn.