Erlauf

Erlauf is a municipality in Austria, located in Lower Austria (Niederösterreich). It belongs to the Mostviertel region and to the district of Scheibbs. The town sits on the Erlauf, a river that flows through the valley and joins the Ybbs. The surrounding landscape comprises forests, meadows, and agricultural land, typical of the northern Alps foothills.

Historically, Erlauf has medieval origins. The settlement developed around a parish church and local farms; the area has long been associated with agriculture and forestry. The municipality expanded through the 19th and 20th centuries, maintaining a small-town character while integrating with regional trade routes.

Erlauf is a small town with a few thousand residents. It functions as a local service center for the surrounding rural area, hosting municipal offices, schools, and shops.

The economy and infrastructure of Erlauf are primarily agricultural, with dairy farming and crop production, complemented by small businesses and crafts. The town is connected by regional roads and is a transit point for traffic in the Erlauf valley; nearby towns provide rail connections.

The cultural and natural features of Erlauf include the river and the valley, which offer hiking and cycling opportunities. Local churches and traditional festivals reflect the region's cultural heritage.