Shopping in St. Pölten
The city center of St. Pölten offers a variety of shops and boutiques, as well as cafes and restaurants, that cater to different needs and preferences. The Kremser Gasse, the second oldest pedestrian zone in Austria, is a popular destination for shoppers who enjoy browsing through the diverse mix of stores, from large fashion chains to small specialty shops. You can find everything from hats and books to pastries and coffee in this lively street. The Herrengasse, which connects the Kremser Gasse to the Domplatz, is another attractive shopping area, where you can admire the historic buildings and monuments along the way.
The Domplatz, or Cathedral Square, is the heart of the city and the location of the weekly market, which takes place every Thursday and Saturday. Here you can buy fresh produce, regional delicacies, flowers, and handicrafts from local vendors. The market is also a great place to sample some of the typical dishes of St. Pölten, such as the St. Pöltner Würstel (sausages) or the St. Pöltner Krapfen (doughnuts).
If you are interested in art and culture, you can also visit some of the galleries and museums in the city center, such as the Landhausgalerie Ausstellungsbrücke, the Galerie im Rathaus, the Galerie Maringer, or the Ausstellungsraum des St. Pöltner Künstlerbundes im Löwenhof. These venues showcase the works of local and international artists, as well as exhibitions on various topics related to the history and identity of St. Pölten.
If you prefer a more convenient and concentrated shopping experience, you can also head to one of the malls or outlets in the outskirts of the city. The City Shopping Promenade is the only mall in the city center, with plenty of parking spaces and a wide range of shops and services. You can find clothing, accessories, electronics, cosmetics, and more in this modern and spacious complex.
The Traisenpark, the Traisencenter, the Center Süd, the Billa Plus Center Süd, and the City Super Center are some of the other shopping centers that are located near the main train station or the highway. These malls offer a variety of brands and products, from fashion and sports to home and garden. You can also enjoy some entertainment and dining options in these centers, such as cinemas, bowling alleys, restaurants, and cafes.
If you are looking for bargains and discounts, you can also check out the City Outlet, which is located in the industrial area of St. Pölten. This outlet center sells clothing, shoes, accessories, and more from well-known labels at reduced prices. You can also find some local and regional products, such as wine, cheese, and honey, in the City Outlet.
Traisenpark Shopping Center
Traisenpark, situated in Viehofen’s St. Pölten area, stands as the third-largest shopping mall in Lower Austria, boasting 88 stores and an expansive 35,000 square meters of retail space. With a capacity for approximately 3 million visitors, the mall provides convenient access facilitated by 1,200 parking spots.
In December 2007, Traisenpark underwent a change in ownership, transitioning from Traisenpark shopping leisure establishment and rental GmbH to the Australian investor APN Funds Management, marking a significant transaction of 61.5 million euros. Later, in 2011, Convergenta Invest GmbH, led by Erich Kellerhals, acquired Traisenpark, mirroring the earlier purchase price of 61.5 million euros.
The mall’s distinctive crimson office tower, standing at an imposing height of 31 meters, serves as a focal point within the complex. This tower not only houses offices but also accommodates medical clinics and a fitness facility, showcasing a multi-functional aspect of the structure.
An exceptional feature of Traisenpark was the inclusion of a 1,000-seat promotional and ice rink, catering not only to ice sports but also to a variety of activities. However, the operation of the ice rink was discontinued, making way for the new ice rink at the state sports school.
Architecturally, Traisenpark exhibits an innovative design, utilizing extensive glass structures to allow ample natural light into the mall area. This design choice contributes to a refreshing atmosphere, steering clear of the artificial microclimate often associated with covered retail streets. Ventilation tilting windows, strategically placed for natural heat dissipation, further enhance the mall’s environment.
The architectural distinction extends to the three-story parking deck, characterized by striking mushroom columns and a steel roof structure. Vividly colored supports in red, blue, and yellow create a visually appealing contrast against the clean metallic surfaces of the roof, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the parking deck.
Notably, the main entrance underwent a strategic relocation from the parking deck to a higher level, a decision aimed at optimizing the often-underutilized upper floor in buildings of this nature. This thoughtful adjustment aligns with an intention to enhance the functionality and accessibility of Traisenpark.
Weekly market at Domplatz
The St. Pölten market, a longstanding tradition occurring every Thursday and Saturday, has become a focal point for food enthusiasts and a significant contributor to the city’s culinary reputation. Often hailed as the “belly of gourmets,” St. Pölten’s market serves as a vibrant meeting place where the community engages with a diverse array of local products.
This weekly market is a year-round affair, offering a dynamic shopping experience that reflects the changing seasons. It plays a crucial role as a local supplier, not only catering to the city center but also drawing in visitors from the surrounding regions. In doing so, the market contributes significantly to the overall quality of life for the community, becoming an integral part of the city’s identity.
The market’s appeal lies not just in the variety of products but also in the diversity of vendors. Farmers, presenting their own produce, share space with gardeners offering an assortment of flowers and plants. Beyond agriculture, there is a presence of traders specializing in fruits, vegetables, and various culinary delights, creating a bustling atmosphere, particularly during the high season.
The market operates every Thursday and Saturday, welcoming visitors from 7 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. This consistent schedule ensures accessibility for both locals and those traveling from nearby areas, contributing to the market’s popularity and sustained recognition over the decades.
City market Herrenplatz
The Herrenplatz in St. Pölten, historically hosting the “Daily Market” since the Middle Ages, derives its name from the adjacent mansion at Wiener Straße 12, although the mansion no longer exists. At the heart of the plaza stands Prof. Hans Freilinger’s “Gossiping Women” fountain, a prominent artistic feature erected in 1990. The square’s aesthetic is notably shaped by various baroque residences, particularly the influential house at Herrenplatz 2, along with the central Marian column.
Functioning as a daily market, this small marketplace encircling the Marian column specializes in offering flowers, plants, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and handcrafted items. Additionally, every Tuesday, the Herrenplatz hosts the municipal market, featuring a diverse array of products, including bread, cheese, meat, and meat products. The market serves as a hub for local vendors and cultivates a vibrant atmosphere.
The market times are as follows:
- Daily Market: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- City Market: Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
These regular market events contribute not only to the economic activity of the city but also enhance the cultural and social fabric. The “Gossiping Women” fountain, the baroque architecture, and the bustling market activities collectively make Herrenplatz a dynamic and culturally significant space within St. Pölten.
