Lower Austria, known as "the cradle of Austrian history," is
the largest of the nine federal states that make up the country today. Although
the province is located to the east of Upper Austria, it is named Lower
Austria as it sits lower on the Danube, flowing through it from west to east.
The 19,171 km2 of the state are bordered in the north by the Czech Republic,
in the east by Slovakia, in the south by the province of Styria and in the west
by Upper Austria. Close enough to Vienna for a visit.
This historic area was once heavily fortified, as some 550 fortresses and
castles testify, many are still standing, but often in ruins.
The province is filled with vineyards and in summer there are many music
festivals as well as classical and contemporary theatre.