Polten

Polten is typically a misspelling or variant spelling of St. Pölten, the capital of the Austrian state of Lower Austria. It is not an official geographic designation in its own right, and in formal contexts Polten is generally treated as a typographical error or informal simplification. The correct form uses an umlaut over the o (Pölten) and is often preceded by St. as an abbreviation of Sankt.

St. Pölten lies on the Traisen River, about 60 kilometers west of Vienna. It functions as the administrative, cultural, and educational hub of Lower Austria, hosting the provincial government and the regional Landtag. The city blends a historic old town with modern districts, reflecting its long history and more recent development as a regional center. Its urban landscape includes preserved medieval and baroque architecture alongside contemporary urban planning and infrastructure.

Educational and cultural institutions play a central role in the city. FH St. Pölten (University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten) is a key higher-education institution located there. The city supports several museums, theaters, and cultural venues and hosts events throughout the year. As of the early 2020s, St. Pölten has about 90,000 residents, with continued growth linked to its administrative, educational, and service sectors.

Because Polten generally refers to St. Pölten, readers seeking detailed information on history, economy, and culture should consult the St. Pölten article for authoritative coverage.