Friday, November 16, 2012

Lower Austria - Niederoesterreich

Lower Austria is the northeasternmost state of the nine provinces and the capital is Sankt Pölten since 1986. Earlier it was Vienna although it is not officially part of Lower Austria, it is just surrounded by it. With 7,408 square and 1.612  million people it is not just the largest state it also has the most population after the capital and ferderal state of Vienna.


In geographical and historical terms, Niederösterreich can be divided into four districts:

The Waldviertel (forest district) in the north-west
The name Waldviertel deriving from the extensive forest cover of this region in the north-west of Niederösterreich, paints a realistic picture of this rough, yet totally idyllic landscape. The Waldviertel is not just rich in castles and monasteries, it also boasts a host of mystical places which form the basis for a wealth of sagas and fairytales.


The Weinviertel (wine district) in the north-east
 The Weinviertel borders the Waldviertel to the east and as its name indicates it, the area is dominated by agriculture, in particular wine growing. This part of Niederösterreich which is actually the largest wine growing area in the entire country is a worthwhile destination for culinary discoveries and offers visitors some charming sceneries.



The Mostviertel (cider district) in the south-west

Mostviertel is the term used to describe the area in the south west of Niederösterreich. The name comes from 'Most', the German expression for the fermented juice of pressed pears and apples (cider). The fruits that form the basis for this fruit wine come from the countless pear and apple trees which grow along many of the roads in this area. Mighty square farmhouses are evidence of the former importance and the wealth of the region's farmers.



The Industrieviertel (industry district) in the south-east
The Industrieviertel in the South of Vienna is, as the name suggests, the economic heart of Niederösterreich. Its proximity to Vienna and the adjoining states of the former Eastern Block coupled with the well-developed infrastructure have enabled one of the most dynamic economic regions in Austria to emerge. However, the region is also known for its picturesque towns along the 'Thermenlinie', a geological fault line whose hot thermal springs have given rise to a spa culture.

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