Retz

A charming medieval wine town in the heart of Austria's largest wine-producing region, featuring a pristine main square, historic town walls, and the unique underground wine cellar tunnels. It offers authentic wine culture and traditional Lower Austrian ambiance.

Things to do

• Explore the Kellerzone Wine Cellars — Descend into Retz's famous underground tunnel system containing over 100 historic wine cellars carved into the bedrock, some dating back centuries.
• Stroll the Hauptplatz Main Square — Wander the pristine medieval town square surrounded by colorful Renaissance and Baroque facades, the heart of Retz's charming old town.
• Climb the Town Walls — Walk along the preserved medieval fortification walls that encircle the historic town center, offering views across the Weinviertel wine region.
• Visit Minoritenkirche Church — Tour this Gothic church with its distinctive architecture and interior artworks, a centerpiece of Retz's spiritual heritage.
• Wine Tasting at Local Wineries — Sample Grüner Veltliner and other Lower Austrian wines directly from family-owned wine estates surrounding the town.
• Vintage Car Museum — Browse an eclectic collection of restored classic automobiles housed in a converted building near the town center.

Food to try

• Grüner Veltliner — Austria's signature white wine originates from this region and pairs perfectly with the local cuisine at Retz's wine taverns.
• Erdäpfelsuppe — A creamy potato soup topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives, a warming Lower Austrian comfort food staple.
• Wiener Schnitzel — Thin-pounded breaded veal cutlet fried golden and served with lemon and parsley at traditional Austrian restaurants throughout town.
• Apfelstrudel — Paper-thin pastry wrapped around spiced apples and raisins, served warm with vanilla sauce at local bakeries and wine houses.
• Marille Jam and Pastries — Apricot preserves made from local Weinviertel fruit, spread on fresh pastries at the town's traditional bakeries.

Local customs & good to know

• Wine Tavern Etiquette — Join locals at traditional Weinstubes (wine taverns) where ordering a quarter-liter carafe of house wine is customary and communal seating encourages mingling.
• Summer Wine Festival — Visit during the annual Retzer Weinfest in late summer when the town hosts wine tastings, live music, and traditional Austrian celebrations in the main square.
• Cellar Owner Hospitality — Many wine cellar owners welcome visitors personally to their historic tunnels and offer impromptu tastings; approaching with curiosity and respect is appreciated.

Nearby

• Raabs Castle — 24 km
• Langenlois — 33 km
• Krems an der Donau — 45 km
• Wachau Valley — 49 km