The Neulengbach earthquake of 1590 occurred on 15 September shortly before midnight amidst a long series of much weaker seismic activity starting on 29 June and with aftershocks reported until 12 November.

Significant destruction occurred in Vienna, which at this time had about 50,000 inhabitants living within a fortified and densely urban area that covered what today is the innermost city center.

At this time it was not customary to document damage to property that did not serve sacral purposes or was directly used by the aristocracy, and very little information has survived concerning the destruction and harm inflicted on ordinary citizens.

(Exposure of this particular area to seismic risk played a significant role in the public debate that erupted in the 1970s concerning plans for the Zwentendorf Nuclear Power Plant.)

Strong shocks were reported from up to 300 km to the north of the epicenter, at places such as Abertham in the westernmost part of Bohemia and Frankenstein in Silesia where the slightly leaning city tower can still be seen.