Wiener NeustadtThings to do

Things to do in Wiener Neustadt

  1. St-Georgs-Kathedrale

    St-Georgs-Kathedrale has a fine late-Gothic interior. Maximilian I is buried under the altar. On the outside wall is the Wappenwand (Heraldic Wall) comprising 15th-century carvings of 107 coats of arms. This wall was all that survived the bombing during WWII (the stained glass had already been previously removed to the Altaussee salt mines in the Salzkammergut). The statue below the window is Friedrich III, whose AEIOU motto also appears on the wall.

    reviewed

  2. Militärakademie

    Heading south from the Hauptplatz, the imposing Militärakademie soon comes into view. The four towers and walls of this former castle date from the 13th century, though it was completely rebuilt after WWII bombing. Since the mid-18th century it has housed a military academy (founded by Empress Maria Theresia) which at one time was commanded by the young Rommel from his pre-‘desert fox’ days. Visits are by appointment only, or register at the gate.

    reviewed

  3. Dom

    To the north of Hauptplatz is the Ro­man­esque Dom, erected in 1279 but subsequently rebuilt. It has a rather bare and grey exterior, two severe-looking square towers, and the interior has an unbalanced look, caused by the chancel being out of line with the nave as well as an asymmetric arch connecting the two. Fifteenth-century wooden apostles peer down from pillars and there’s a baroque high altar and pulpit.

    reviewed

  4. Brod

    Situated in a lovely baroque house, this quality restaurant has the attraction of courtyard seating for warm summer nights. Austrian wines, especially those from Burgenland, feature prominently on its long wine list. Upmarket renditions of Austrian classics such as Tafelspitz or Kalbskopf (calf’s head) share a place with delicious new cuisine.

    reviewed

  5. Hobl & Scher

    At street level Hobl & Scher is a restaurant, but downstairs it’s a vaulted cellar Vinothek where you can enjoy a drink after, say, a hearty steak with potato wedges or one of the vegetarian pasta options. The wine selection is quite good, with New World as well as Austrian and other European wines.

    reviewed

  6. Turmmuseum

    At the Dom’s southwest corner is the Turmmuseum, a free-standing tower that provides grand views over the city’s rooftops. The key for the Turmmuseum is available from the Stadtmuseum, housed in the former St Peter’s monastery.

    reviewed

  7. Wasserturm

    Further south, rising between the convergence of two busy roads, is the town's Wasserturm from 1910. Its shape intentionally apes the gilded goblet donated to the townsfolk by King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary after he took the town in 1487.

    reviewed

  8. Neukloster

    East of Hauptplatz is Neukloster, a 14th-century Gothic church with striking baroque fittings and a dark-wood pulpit. A finely carved tomb of Empress Eleonore, wife to Friedrich III, is behind the high altar.

    reviewed

  9. Zum Weissen Rössl

    This Gasthaus may look a little dusty from the outside, but it’s cosy and welcoming and serves solid Austrian food, including a choice of a small or large goulash. It has outdoor seating on the Hauptplatz.

    reviewed

  10. Stadtmuseum

    Housed in the former St Peter’s monastery. Its displays include artefacts from the Dom and photos of the devastation Allied bombing wrought on the town.

    reviewed

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  12. Rathaus

    First built in 1401, featuring an arcade and colourful crests.

    reviewed