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OMV Schwechat Refinery
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Industrial site
The OMV Schwechat Refinery, located southeast of Vienna, is one of the largest and most advanced inland refineries in Europe. It commenced operations in 1958 and currently has an annual processing capacity of approximately 9.6 million tons of crude oil. The facility serves as a strategic cornerstone of Austria's energy supply, meeting a large portion of the domestic demand for fuels, heating oil, and petrochemical feedstocks. Via the Adria-Vienna Pipeline (AWP), the refinery is directly linked to the Port of Trieste, enabling the import of crude oil from global markets. Beyond producing gasoline and diesel, the site plays a vital role in supplying aviation fuel to Vienna International Airport. In recent decades, massive investments have been made in environmental protection measures and the integration of a bio-plant for producing sustainable aviation fuel. The refinery is also closely integrated with the adjacent Borealis plant for plastics production.
- Location: Austria, Austria
- Top sights: Pfarrkirche Zwölfaxing · Pfarrkirche Maria Herz · Schloss Rothmühle
- Nearby: Himberg (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 38 | 46 | 41 | 85 | 91 | 88 | 87 | 79 | 54 | 45 | 43 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The OMV refinery in Schwechat is one of Austria's most important industrial and energy centers. It processes crude oil into fuels, heating oil, and petrochemical products, supplying much of the country's energy.
Visiting
The refinery itself is not open to the public as it is a secured industrial facility. From the outside, however, the complex can be seen from a few points along the B9 road or from the nearby Wienerberg.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the Wienerberg in Vienna-Favoriten, offering an overview of the refinery grounds. The observation platform at Bisamberg also provides a distant view of the facility and Vienna-Schwechat Airport in good weather.
Local products
Direct products from the refinery are not available to travelers, but petroleum products are found at gas stations in the region. Local farmers' markets in Schwechat offer regional food, which is unrelated to the refinery.
Active season
The refinery operates around the clock year-round without pronounced seasonal fluctuations. Maintenance works often occur in the weaker travel seasons in spring or autumn, possibly causing temporary restrictions.
Nearby
Combine a visit to the refinery with Vienna-Schwechat Airport, the visitor center, or the nearby SCS shopping mall. Also, exploring the city of Vienna with its museums and the Prater is recommended.
Geography
Facts
- Current facility commenced operations in 1958
- Annual crude oil processing capacity of 9.6 million tons
- Directly connected to the Adria-Vienna Pipeline (AWP)
- Primary supplier of aviation fuel for Vienna International Airport
- Features an integrated bio-plant for sustainable fuel production
- Supplies approximately 75% of Austria's mineral oil needs
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town OMV Schwechat Refinery (8)
Theater Forum Schwechat
Regularly performing theatre in Schwechat.
Stadtpfarrkirche
Town parish church in Lower Austria.
Eisenbahnmuseum Schwechat🏛 museum
Museum in Austria, showcasing railway history.
Historische Lokomotive
Historic locomotive from Schwechat Brewery, displayed outside its museum.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the OMV Schwechat Refinery?
It is one of the largest and most modern inland refineries in Europe.
Is entry to the refinery grounds permitted?
No, the site is a high-security area and is closed to the public.
Are there any visitation options for OMV Schwechat?
OMV occasionally provides special excursions for students or professional groups.
Where exactly is the refinery located?
It is located directly east of Vienna, right next to the Vienna-Schwechat Airport.
What products are manufactured here?
Gasoline, diesel, heating oil, kerosene, and petrochemical raw materials for the plastics industry.
OMV Schwechat Refinery: where is it located?
OMV Schwechat Refinery is located in Austria, Austria.
OMV Schwechat Refinery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pfarrkirche Zwölfaxing, Pfarrkirche Maria Herz, Schloss Rothmühle.
OMV Schwechat Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
OMV Schwechat Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The OMV Schwechat Refinery, located southeast of Vienna, is one of the largest and most advanced inland refineries in Europe.
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