Independent travel and view of the city of Schwehat! History of Schwechat Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages...
Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages
The area where modern Schwechat is located was inhabited in the Roman era.
There were important trade and military routes linking Roman camps on the Danube.
It is believed that on the site of the city there was a small settlement near the Schwehat River - a tributary of the Danube, which gave the city its name.
First mentions
The first written mention dates back to the 11th century: in documents Schwehat is mentioned as a rural community belonging to the monastery.
The name comes from the Schwechat river that flows through the city.
Development in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages Schwehat remained an agricultural settlement.
Due to the proximity to Vienna (only about 10 km), the inhabitants were engaged not only in agriculture, but also supplied the capital with food.
The Age of Industrialization (XIX century)
The real prosperity of the city began in the XIX century.
In 1796, the Schwechater Brauerei Brewery was founded here, one of the largest and oldest breweries in Austria. It brought the city wide fame and became a city-forming enterprise.
In the XIX century, the first industrial enterprises appeared: sugar processing, petrochemicals, textiles.
In the 1840s, the first railway station was built, connecting Schwehat with Vienna and Bratislava.
XX century and world wars
At the beginning of the XX century, oil refining was actively developed in Schwechat, which made the city the industrial center of Lower Austria.
During the Second World War, there were strategically important facilities – factories, oil storage facilities, which were bombed by the Allies.
After the war, the city was restored and continued industrial development.
Modernity
In 1954, Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat) was opened, which today is the largest air gateway to Austria and one of the key airports in Europe.
The second mainstay of the city’s economy is the OMV refinery, the largest in Austria.
Today, Schwechat combines the industrial appearance and comfort of a small city known for its beer, airport and its proximity to the capital.
Schwechat is a cozy Austrian town just 10 kilometers from Vienna, which most travelers know as the location of the country's main airport. But Schwechat is not only the “gateway to Austria”, but also an independent destination where you can feel the taste of local life, enjoy the silence and discover unique traditions.
City of Beer Traditions
Schwechat is famous for its historical brewery Schwechater Brauerei, founded in the XVIII century. It was here that the tradition of Austrian camp beer was born, and today tourists can taste the drink, which has become a symbol of the region. The atmosphere of beer restaurants and cozy guesthouses makes the visit especially colorful.
Austrian color
Small streets, old churches, quiet squares and traditional cafes create the feeling of a real “small city” with a big heart. This is a place where it is easy to escape from the hustle and bustle of Vienna and immerse yourself in the unhurried rhythm of the Austrian outback.
Nature and recreation
The city is located by the river Schwehat, which makes it an excellent point for hiking or cycling. Nearby - the Danube and picturesque corners of Lower Austria, where you can have a picnic or a short hike.
Convenience and location
Schwechat is ideal for those who want to combine a holiday in Austria with comfort:
Just 15 minutes to downtown Vienna.
peace and quiet of the provincial town,
convenient base for trips to the Danube and the region.
When planning a trip to Schwehat, it is important to determine the place of residence in advance. This small town offers different options for every taste and budget: from comfortable hotels of international level to cozy guest houses and simple rooms for economical travelers. The proximity to the airport makes Schwehat especially convenient for those who fly to Vienna or plan flights further, and the developed transport network makes it easy to get to the capital and to the surrounding attractions.
1. Higher/middle class hotels (3-4 stars)
Das Reinisch Just Rooms (3-star): Located in Schwechat, on Mannswörther Straße, about 4-5 km from Vienna Airport. The rooms are bright, with bathrooms, good interior. Price around 133 €/night.
Ibis Vienna Airport: one of the convenient options located close to the airport. The price is approximately 90-110 €/night depending on the season.
Arion Airport Hotel: also in close proximity to the airport, with convenient access and mid-range comfort. The price is around 80-100 €/night.
2. Budget options / low-cost accommodation
Lodge Mannswörth (working rooms): comfortable and basic rooms, private bathroom, communal kitchen. About 13 €/person. Night.
NEUES Premium Monteurzimmer/Haus: a multi-bedroom home or rooms equipped with a kitchen, good connections to roads and public transport. The price is about 15 €/person. Night.
Hostel-/Mehrbettzimmer options: There are offers for 10-20 €/night for a simple room or bed in a multi-bed room.
Schwechat is not only an airport, but also a city with its own face. Here you can get acquainted with the beer culture of Austria, walk along the quiet streets, look into the Baroque church or spend an evening at a concert. It is so close that it is convenient to walk.
Schwechater Brauerei Brewery
It was founded at the end of the XVIII century and is considered one of the most famous in Austria.
This is where the tradition of the famous light lager that made Austrian beer famous came from.
On the territory you can see historical buildings, as well as visit bars and restaurants, which serve the freshest beer and traditional snacks.
How to get there: walk from the city center in 10-15 minutes. From Vienna – by train (Schwechat Bahnhof station), then by bus or walk.
Church of the Holy Cross (Pfarrkirche zum Heiligen Kreuz)
The central temple of the city, built in Baroque style.
It serves as the spiritual center of Schwehat and decorates its historical part.
Inside you can see a beautiful altar and stained glass.
How to get there: walk from the central square of the city in 5 minutes.
The old part of Schwehat
Cozy streets, traditional Austrian houses, cafes and restaurants.
Here you can feel the atmosphere of a small European city away from the hustle and bustle.
How to get there: all objects within walking distance from the Schwechat Bahnhof railway station.
The Schwechat River and the promenade
It flows through the city and is suitable for walking and relaxing.
A popular destination for cyclists and family picnics.
How to get there: on foot from any part of the city; along the river there are landscaped paths.
House of Culture (Kulturhaus Schwechat)
Center of cultural life of the city. There are concerts, performances, film sessions and festivals.
Activities related to the Viennese culture are often held.
How to get there: located in the city center, easy to walk from the station.
Transport accessibility
From Vienna:
The S7 train goes to Schwechat Bahnhof station in 15-20 minutes.
Buses from Vienna Mitte and Südtiroler Platz also connect Vienna and Schwehat.
From Vienna Airport:
Buses and taxis will arrive in 10 minutes.
You can get there by commuter train (2 stops).
Through town:
The main attractions are compact, so you can walk around the center in 1-2 hours.
For trips outside the city convenient bicycles and commuter trains.
A trip to Schwehat can be made even brighter if you combine it with local holidays and festivals. Despite the compact size of the city, there are cultural events, concerts and fairs all year round, and in summer and autumn Schwechat turns into a real center of folk festivals. Theatrical performances, city holidays, medieval shows and wine evenings allow you to feel the atmosphere of Austria with its traditions and hospitality.
Theatre Festival "Nestroy-Spiele Schwechat"
It is held in the courtyard of Rothmüle Castle. Spectators are waiting for productions based on the works of Austrian playwright Johann Nestroi, concerts and cultural evenings. The atmosphere of the old castle makes the festival especially lively.
City Festival of Schwechat (Stadtfest Schwechat)
This is the main holiday of the city: concerts, street performances, children's programs, attractions, shopping arcades with local products and souvenirs.
Medieval Festival at the Castle of Rothmühle
Knightly shows, craft fair, costumed processions and treats in the style of the Middle Ages.
Wine evenings "Heuriger" (Heuriger)
Traditional Austrian feasts serving young wine and homemade snacks. In autumn, many such cozy taverns open in Schwechat and the surrounding area.
Theater and concert programs at the Theaterforum Schwechat
Cabaret, musical evenings, premieres of performances. The spring schedule is particularly busy.
Fairs and street festivals
At this time of year, there are fun markets and holidays with outdoor concerts.
Christmas Market
Small Christmas markets with mulled wine, pastries and holiday souvenirs. The main stream goes to Vienna (only 15 minutes by train), but there are local fairs in Schwechat.
Winter concerts and New Year programs
The House of Culture (Kulturhaus Schwechat) hosts festive concerts and events for Christmas and New Year.
Schwechat, like Vienna, is located in the zone of temperate continental climate. All four seasons are pronounced here: snowy winter, blooming spring, warm summer and golden autumn.
Winter (December – February)
Air temperature: from -2 °C to +5 °C
Precipitation: possible snow, but more often - light rain and cloudy weather
Atmosphere: cozy Christmas markets, lights and festive concerts
Water temperature in rivers: about +2 ... +4 °C (bathing is impossible)
Suitable for those who love the winter holidays and Christmas atmosphere.
Spring (March-May)
Air temperature: +10... +20 °C
Precipitation: moderate rains, but the weather is quickly becoming sunny
Nature: parks bloom, it is convenient to walk along the old streets n
Water temperature: about +8 °C in March, up to +15 °C by May
A great time for quiet walks, excursions and trips to Vienna.
Summer (June-August)
Air temperature: +20 ... +30 °C, sometimes up to +33 °C
Precipitation: little, often warm short-term rains
Atmosphere: festivals, open-air concerts, beer evenings
Water temperature: in the Danube and surrounding lakes +20 ... +24 °C
The perfect season for festivals and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September-November)
Air temperature: +10 ... +18 °C in September, +5 ... +12 °C in November
Precipitation: Getting more frequent, but September is usually dry and sunny
Atmosphere: Houriger wine festivals, medieval festivals, golden landscapes
Water temperature: +16 °C in September, cools to +8 °C by November
The best time for gastronomic tourism and cozy trips.
Travel becomes especially comfortable when you know how the locals communicate and what rules to follow. In Schwechat, it is easy for a tourist to find a common language, because here they understand English, and politeness and respect are always valued above ideal pronunciation. Austrians are sensitive to their traditions and laws, so a few simple habits and knowledge will help you feel confident and avoid misunderstandings during your vacation.
Language of communication
Official language: German (Austrian version).
Dialect: Viennese is often heard in Schwechat and the surrounding area, but literary German is spoken in shops, cafes and hotels.
Russian and English: in the tourism sector, many people understand English, and among the older generation there are people who speak Russian. English is widely used in hotels and airports. Tip: Knowing a few basic phrases in German ("Danke", "Bitte", "Guten Tag") will be a plus - it is perceived as respect for culture.
Traditions and customs
Greetings: Austrians value courtesy. When meeting, it is customary to greet the word Grüß Gott (Hello, letters). “Welcome to God” and in an informal setting – Hallo.
Accuracy: punctuality is a must. Even 5-10 minutes late can be considered rude.
Silence and tranquility: In residential areas in the evening (after 22:00) and on Sunday, a "quiet hour" is observed - loud music or noisy company is not welcome.
In a restaurant or tavern, it is customary to say “Zum Wohl!” or “Prost!” before eating a drink.
Laws and regulations that tourists should consider
Documents: you should always have a passport or a copy of it.
Alcohol: The sale is allowed from the age of 18. Beer and wine can be bought in the supermarket, strong alcohol - only in specialized stores.
Smoking: Banned in restaurants, cafes and public areas inside buildings. There are designated areas for smoking.
Road: you can cross the street only on a green signal - fines for violation of the order of transition (from 20 euros).
Public transport: on trains and buses, controllers check tickets - "hares" face a fine of 100 euros.
Currency: Euro, cash is often more convenient for smaller cafes and markets, although cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Knowing a few simple phrases in German will make a trip to Schwechat even more enjoyable. Locals appreciate courtesy and always respond positively when a tourist tries to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words. Simple expressions will help you order food in a cafe, ask for directions, specify the price or ask for help. Below are basic words, phrases and short dialogues with translation and transcription, which will be useful in everyday situations.
Basic greetings and courtesy
Guten Tag! - Good afternoon!
Hallo! - Hello!
Auf Wiedersehen! - Goodbye!
Bitte. - Please. - [bitte]
Danke. - Thank you. - [Danke]
Entschuldigung. - Excuse me/ Excuse me. - [Entschuldigung]
By taxi or transport
Zum Flughafen, bitte. - Airport, please. - [tsum flughafen, bitte]
Zum Bahnhof, bitte. - To the station, please. - [Zum Banhof, Bitte]
Wie viel kostet es? - How much does it cost?
In a cafe or restaurant
Die Speisekarte, bitte. - Menu, please. - [Speisecarte, bitte]
Ein Bier, bitte. - One beer, please. - [Ain Bier, Bitte]
Die Rechnung, bitte. - Check, please. - [Di Rehnung, Bitte]
War es lecker! - It was delicious!
In the store.
Wie viel kostet das? - How much does it cost?
Haben Sie das in einer anderen Größe? Do you have it in a different size?
Ich nehme das. - I'll take that. - [their mute das]
At the hotel.
Ich habe ein Zimmer reserviert. - I have a reservation. - [their habe ain zimmer reservirt]
Haben Sie ein freies Zimmer? - Do you have a room available?
Wie viel kostet eine Nacht? - How much does one night cost?
In an emergency.
Hilfe! - Help me!
Rufen Sie bitte die Polizei! - Call the police, please!
Ich brauche einen Arzt. - I need a doctor. - [Their Brauche Ainen Art]
A trip to Schwechat is not only an acquaintance with the history and atmosphere of the Austrian town, but also an opportunity to take a piece of local culture with you. There is something to please gourmets, lovers of natural products and connoisseurs of unusual gifts. From the famous beer and exquisite wines to herbal teas and cozy souvenirs – all this will become not just things in a suitcase, but vivid memories of the trip.
Local food and drink
Schwechater beer is the pride of the city. Here is one of the oldest Austrian breweries, and it was in Schwechat that the tradition of light lager was born. Tourists often take with them bottles of beer or souvenir glasses with the logo of the brewery.
Austrian wines – especially popular white varieties (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling). In the vicinity of Schwechat, you can often visit traditional wine taverns (Heuriger) and take a bottle of young wine with you.
Sweets – Viennese strudels, marzipan and chocolate are easy to buy in Schwechat and neighboring Vienna. It's a great gift.
Medicinal and natural remedies
Herbal fees and teas - in local pharmacies and shops, natural Austrian teas from mountain herbs (chamomile, linden, mint, sage) are sold.
Cosmetics based on alpine herbs - creams, ointments and balms with arnica and fir oil are popular, which are used to relieve fatigue after long walks.
Honey and bee products – natural alpine honey is often sold at fairs and markets.
Souvenirs
Beer souvenirs - mugs, glasses, stands and openers with the symbols of the Schwechater brewery.
Austrian national souvenirs – figurines in costumes, painted bells, handmade products.
Culinary souvenirs - coffee packaging, traditional spices for mulled wine (Glühwein-Gewürz), nut liqueurs.
Schwechat is a quiet suburb of Vienna and the security level is high. Tourists feel comfortable both day and evening. The basic rules are the same as in any European country: monitor things in public places, do not leave documents and wallets unattended, buy tickets for transport officially.
Documents
Passport: for citizens of Russia, Ukraine and CIS countries - a passport is required.
Visa: You need a Schengen visa if the country is not on the EU visa-free list.
Copies of documents: It is better to have photocopies of the passport and visa separately from the originals.
Insurance
Health insurance is required to obtain a visa and enter Austria.
The minimum coverage is 30,000 euros.
It should include: emergency care, hospitalization, transportation to the homeland.
Emergency services in Austria
112 - a single number of emergency services (police, ambulance, firefighters).
133 police.
144 ambulance.
122 are firefighters.
Mobile and Internet
The main operators in Austria are:
A1 Telekom Austria
Magenta Telekom (formerly T-Mobile)
Drei (3 Austria)
It is convenient for a tourist to buy a tourist SIM card at Vienna airport or in the center of Schwehat. The cost is from 10-15 euros per package with the Internet.
How long can you stay in the country without leaving?
For a Schengen visa – up to 90 days within 180 days.
For citizens of countries with a visa-free regime (for example, Ukraine) – the same rules: a maximum of 90 days for six months.
Long stay (work, study) requires a national visa or residence permit
Create a query and local guides will offer you the best options
