Waidhofen an der Ybbs — Austria city located in the South-West of the country in the Federal state of lower Austria, in the foothills of the Alps at an altitude of 362 metres above sea level. The origin of the city name still isn't finalized. One of the most common versions associated with the name of a large ranches.

The history of the city begins with 955 year, when the Emperor Conrad II gave the land to the diocese of Freising. In the 12th century was built a small castle as the administrative center of the region of Freisinger (3 kilometres from the city centre). During the conflict between Duke Rudolf IV (1339-1365) and the bishopric of Freising in 1360, the castle was abandoned under mysterious circumstances. In 1390-1410, Bishop Berthold of Wehinger, which was at that time Chancellor of Austria, began a powerful modernization of the city, started construction of 13 defensive towers along the walls.

From the 12th century in Styria began mining iron ore. The site was located at the crossroads of two major trade routes, so the city has become quite successful Metalworking. So, by the mid-16th century, the city was treated to 20% of European iron. The production is so booming that the goods were exported to Venice and the middle East.

In the centre of the town has preserved many historic buildings, including the late middle ages. In the 19th century facades of many buildings acquired features neo-Renaissance, neo-Baroque and Biedermeier. Against this background highlights the two towers - the remains of the medieval fortifications of the city. Tower Webstorm dates from the 13th century, in the 50-meter Stadtturm was erected in 1534 after the defeat of the Turks near the town. Since then, the clock tower always shows 11.45 - time victory over the enemy.

Interesting to visit the Regional Museum of the city, is one of the modern museums of Lower Austria.