Korneuburg

Korneuburg (German pronunciation: [kɔʁˈnɔʏbʊʁk] ; Central Bavarian: Korneibuag) is a town in the Weinviertel region of the state of Lower Austria, famous for its typical white and red wines, such as Gruner Veltliner and Blauer Zweigelt. Situated on the Danube about 12 km northwest of Vienna, the town itself covers an area of 9.77 square km and, as of January 2025, boasted 13,805 inhabitants. It also serves as the administrative centre of the much larger municipal district of Korneuburg. Originally a riverside settlement called Nivenburg, it lies on the left bank of the river, opposite the Augustinian abbey town of Klosterneuburg, with which it was historically linked. Korneuburg was first mentioned in 1136 as a busy market town and, in 1298, received the right to formally separate from Klosterneuburg. Nowadays, the two towns retain an unusual physical link, a catamaran ferry whose rudders harness the strong current of the Danube to propel itself back and forth. With no regular engine, it maintains its position using a cable suspended above the river. Environmentally friendly, it provides a very popular link in summer, since it connects the long distance cycling routes along both river banks. It can also accommodate a handful of cars along with foot passengers. At the beginning of the 15th century, moated defence walls were erected around the town with four gateways. One opened in the direction of the river, towards which, according to local legend, a vengeful Pied Piper lured away the children of the town, echoing the story set in Hamelin, Germany. The villain's imagined appearance can be seen standing atop a drinking fountain in the main square. Short sections of wall are still visible but the main historic feature today is a mighty watchtower, built around 1455, which looms over the colourful main square. From its...