Bundesland Niederösterreich Things to Do Tips by Penelope4

patLeonhards Geisterwerkstatt - mystical encounter

I have just been to Dracula's castle and other places in Romania before visiting the place so I was totally prepared for anything scary.

The place is actually more educational than entertaining. Well, the tour guide is very professional and you will learn a lot if you listen. Please check out their website for further info. It is an ideal place to visit for groups.

Opening hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Address: A-3572 St. Leonhard, Waldviertel

Directions: If you watch an opera at Gars am Kamp, better include this visit in your itinerary as it is very close to the place.

Other Contact: info@geisterwerkstatt.at

Phone: 0800 208 777, +432987 2893

Website: http://www.geisterwerkstatt.at

Pilgrimage Church Mariadreieichen

I will be hypocrite if I say that I like this church because of its architecture. I feel something different just by staring at it and when I'm inside the church and pray, I feel blessed and being heard of.

Pilgrims pass by this church on their way to Mariazell, a more-popular destination. I, however, feel very much at home as a Believer in this house of God.

The fresco, the altar and the location of the church make this sanctuary very unique.

Address: Maria Dreieichen, Maria Dreieichen 79, Stockern

Other Contact: pfarramt.maria-dreieichen@aon.at

Phone: +43 (0) 2982 8253

Website: http://www.maria-dreieichen.at

Museum Schloss Greillenstein

The gate is the most dramatic feature of this castle/museum. Notice the lions, the angels and the height of the gate itself which attract your attention from afar but you'll be distracted by the arrays of flowers that lead you through it. The area is known for having many wonderful gardens in Austria.

You will not be allowed to take photos inside. Listen carefully to the guide about the ownership of the castle, who the personalities on the paintings are and before you know it, you will be enchanted by the renaissance-styled edifice. Well, the castle/museum is said not to receive financial support from the government to preserve its museum (and library on criminal law) so you'll understand why some of the items are falling apart.

Before leaving the castle, from the gate, cross the street and go towards another gate. You can either sit down here or take a walk or just enjoy the beautifully-lined up trees.

Address: Please see the Website for directions.

Other Contact: schloss@greillenstein.at

Phone: +43 (0) 2989 8080 - 70

Website: http://www.greillenstein.at

Langenlois - coffee shop in the town centre

Try the Verlaengerter Caffee and cake while watching the roundabout. The centre is rather small. An artist shop, banks, shops selling clothes and shoes, flowers, newspapers, and....Really cute!

I went to a tiny bakery which sells freshly-made bread, non-alcoholic drinks, and coffee. The two shopkeepers know their customers by names and it was so good to watch while sipping coffee. An old man who seems not to hear well and had only coins was well attended too. They know his kind of bread and even counted the money for him. You won't miss the bakery because there's only one in the middle of the town and is next to a Tabac Trafic.

Address: Centre of the town