Zwettl an Austrian town located in the province of lower Austria, a municipality in the district of Zwettl. Zwettl is one of the largest municipalities in Austria.

The city's name comes from a Slavic word meaning "Light", which means "light". Despite the fact that the etymology presupposes the existence of settlements of the Slavic peoples, archaeological evidence of this fact was found. Of Zwettl was founded by the knights, is first mentioned in 1139 in the Charter of the Cistercian Abbey of Zwettl. City rights of Zwettl received 28 December the year 1200.

The city was badly damaged during the Thirty years war when it was besieged and plundered by the Czech forces in 1618. In 1645 of Zwettl was occupied by the Swedes. In 1850 established the municipality of Zwettl. In 1896 the railway was opened the message.

In August 2002, Zwettl experienced a devastating flood caused the strongest torrential rains.

Zwettl is annually visited by tourists from various countries. Of particular interest is a large part of the old town, preserved to our days. Preserved city walls with six towers, old town hall, built in 1307, and several historic buildings. In 1994 as part of the reorganization of the town square fountain was built, made by the famous artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Before the advent of the fountain in this place was a war memorial, which was moved to a new place in the chapel of John of Nepomuk.

Two kilometers from Zwettl is a Cistercian Abbey, built in 1137. The monastery was rebuilt several times during its existence, so in architecture there are several styles: Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque style. The monastery is active, there are more than 20 monks. Part of the monastery, however, is open for visits, as well as monastic gardens and a wine room.