Zwentendorf an der Donau

Zwentendorf an der Donau combines Roman heritage with local history and summer swimming options. The Danube Cycle Path runs through the town; the municipality is also home to a range of cultural and leisure attractions.

Roman Times, Local History and Churches

The archaeological site of the Roman fort of Asturis is located within the municipality of Zwentendorf. Since 2021, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Danube Limes and is protected as a historic monument. The Zwentendorf House of History – ASTURIS Roman Museum presents the fort’s excavations using models, photographs and finds. This allows you to distinguish between the archaeological site and its presentation in the museum.

The museum also goes beyond its focus on Roman history. It presents Zwentendorf’s history from the Roman excavations and industrialisation—with its gunpowder factory and nuclear power plant—to events of the present day. The different sections span a broad period, from the earliest traces of the town to more recent history.

The churches, too, tell of different phases of construction. Zwentendorf Parish Church was originally an early Gothic fortified church. It was later converted into a Gothic church with a coffered ceiling and pointed-arch windows. The pilgrimage church of Maria Ponsee grew out of a 12th-century chapel in the municipality. Between 1716 and 1726, it was enlarged and given a Baroque makeover based on plans by Jacob Prandtauer. The parish church’s story centres on its origins as a fortified church and its later Gothic conversion, while Maria Ponsee’s centres on its origins as a chapel and its Baroque redesign.

The Zwentendorf nuclear power plant offers a glimpse into more recent history: it never generated electricity from nuclear energy and never went into operation. An EVN visitor information notice dated 26 June 2026 describes tours that allow visitors to enter areas of the power plant. If you are considering booking a tour, check in advance whether tours are available and when they take place.

Danube Cycle Path and Swimming Spots

The Danube Cycle Path runs through Zwentendorf. An e-bike fast-charging station is available at the Donauhof on Pappelallee. Check that it is available before your ride rather than relying on being able to charge there.

The swimming area on the Danube is a natural bathing beach right in the centre of Zwentendorf. There is a beach volleyball court next to it. This means two different leisure activities are available at the same location; conditions at the swimming area may vary by season.

Another place to swim is in Dürnrohr, within the municipality of Zwentendorf: the “Bagger” is a swimming pond in a gravel pit, for swimming and summer leisure activities. It is therefore quite different from the natural bathing beach in the town centre. When comparing swimming spots, you can use these distinctions as a guide: a natural bathing beach and beach volleyball court at the swimming area, and a swimming pond in a gravel pit at the “Bagger”. Seasonal conditions may vary here, too.

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