When you think of Vienna, the images that typically come to mind are sumptuous Baroque architecture, grand boulevards, classical music and, perhaps, a delicious Wiener Schnitzel!
However, there’s much more to this vibrant city than its rich cultural heritage and culinary delights.
Because Vienna offers loads of opportunities for nature lovers to stay active and enjoy the beauty of this city too.
Whether it’s swimming in open waters, running through lush forests, cycling along scenic routes or, perhaps most notably, enjoying day hikes, this capital’s residents certainly embrace an energetic lifestyle.
And so should you when you visit this part of Austria!
While the towering peaks of the Austrian Alps are a few hours away, Vienna itself provides a wealth of beautiful natural reserves and picturesque trails for hiking enthusiasts.
From gentle strolls through to forest meadows, to more challenging treks with jaw-dropping panoramic views, Vienna really does have a walk for everyone.
So, to make it easier for you to pick your perfect trail, I’ve divided these top Vienna hikes into three categories: city routes, wine hikes and mountain treks.
Whichever you decide to go for, one thing is for sure… Vienna is a true hiking paradise!
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City Hikes: Great Trails A Stone’s Throw Away
Marvellously, about 25 years ago, the city of Vienna created and organised a network of delightful walking routes for the city dwellers to get out and enjoy nature around the city.
These amazing system of trails are called the Stadtwanderwege – roughly translating as ‘city hike routes’ – and are designed to showcase the best of Vienna’s rolling hills, the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve and the capital’s top walking trails.
You can take your pick from 12 such trails, all accessible by public transport, easy and dog-friendly.
Ranging from peaceful walks in the countryside to urban routes at the edge of the city, you can even keep a record of each trail you complete care of the Wanderpass.
Below are the best hiking routes in and around Vienna!
#1 Prater and its Green Surroundings
The Prater is famous for its amusement park and the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel.
But beyond the attractions, the park offers vast green spaces and wooded areas perfect for leisurely hikes.
Start your route on Hauptallee, a long, tree-lined avenue popular with walkers, runners and cyclists.
Find your favourite from numerous trails weaving through the park or follow the Stadtwanderweg 9 for a tranquil city escape.
This hiking trail can easily be part of your travel itinerary, since it is very accessible from the city centre.
#2 Kahlenberg – Best Views over the City
Kahlenberg, a hill in the Vienna Woods, offers some of the best panoramic views of the capital and the Danube River that flows through it.
Several routes lead up to and around Kahlenberg, including the Stadtwanderweg 1.
Nussdorf is the starting point of this 11km hiking trail which, be wary, involves some steep uphill ascents.
Once you reach the summit however, your heart might miss a beat when looking at the sweeping views of Vienna and Lower Austria.
Among Vienna’s local recreation areas, Kahlenberg is a popular destination and can easily be reached by bus (38A).
#3 Wilhelminenberg – Peaceful and Romantic
Located at the edge of the city, in the 16th district, Wilhelminenberg offers a peaceful hiking experience with forested trails and historical landmarks.
Ottakringer Wald, a large forest area with well-marked trails, including Stadtwanderweg 4, is popular with hikers, cyclists, and dog owners.
Find your way to the Wilhelminenberg Palace, a historic palace turned hotel, offering stunning views and a nice restaurant for that post-hike appetite.
For added romance, end your day at nearby Steinhofgründe, an ideal place to enjoy the sunset and the breath-taking views over the far-away mountains.
#4 Schwarzenbergpark – Lush and Tranquil
Schwarzenbergpark, in the 17th district, is one of Vienna’s oldest parks and the first landscaped garden in Austria.
Established in the 18th century, it has been slowly reclaimed by nature ever since.
However, the occasional pathways, cute ponds and one hidden marble statue pay tribute to its historical significance.
With old trees and lush greenery, the park offers a serene setting for hiking, running, picnic-ing, and just relaxing.
Numerous paths crisscross the park, but you can start at the Neuwaldegg station – and stop at Manameierei for a picnic treat!
#5 Lainzer Tiergarten – The Natural Zoo
Lainzer Tiergarten, a former imperial hunting ground, is a large wildlife preserve west of Vienna with both easy and challenging hiking opportunities.
In this sanctuary of deer and wild boar, you’ll instantly forget about the bustle of the city beyond.
A highlight here is the Hermes Villa, a historic palace gifted by Emperor Franz Joseph to Empress Sissi.
To access the park, make your way to the Hütteldorf station and take a bus for a few more stops.
#6 Lobau – The City’s Jungle
Lobau, part of the Donau-Auen National Park and once Danube’s territory, features wetlands, floodplains, and diverse wildlife.
Known for its biodiversity and unspoilt nature, Lobau offers numerous streams, ponds, and backwaters, making it a unique hiking environment.
You shouldn’t underestimate the pleasure of taking a bath after a long day of walking!
Try the popular 10km Napoleon loop trail or, if you’d rather walk less and swim more, take the easy route starting at the wien-lobAU National Park House.
Reach Lobau by bus (92B) from Aspernstraße station (U2 subway line).
Vineyard Hikes: Hills, Wine & Views
Hiking is fun and usual strenuous, but have you ever tried combining it with wine tasting?
I have to say, it’s one of my favourite combos!
Indeed a wine hike is all about sipping on an outstanding glass of wine and enjoying the best views.
And it’s one of the most beloved habits of Austrians (and bloggers!) who like being both active and social too.
So much so, that there are many events organised around wine tasting and hiking, such as the Vienna Wine Hiking Day, a day when wine taverns offer tastings from their cellars and kitchens.
Below are some of the best trails for wine hiking in Vienna, including ones that go slightly beyond the city…
#7 Nussberg: Vienna’s Hilltop Wine Bar
Nussberg, a prominent wine-growing hill in Vienna, is a favourite for both locals and tourists looking to combine hiking with wine tasting.
The Stadtwanderweg 1a trail starts in Nussdorf, taking you through the hills of Nussberg and Kahlenberg, offering fantastic panoramas over Vienna, the Danube, and the surrounding vineyards.
For a more leisurely walk, shorter paths with frequent stops at Heurigen (wine taverns) are also available.
Notable spots you want to test your wine at include Mayer am Nussberg, Monte Nucum, and Emmerich, all offering sublime wine and a beautiful view.
#8 Bisamberg – The City’s Gentle Wine Hills
Just across the Danube, Bisamberg is known for its scenic vineyards and tranquil hills, making it the perfect place for a wine hike.
Stadtwanderweg 5 is an easy trail through the area, with delightful countryside views, charming old wine cellars, and calm oak woods.
The lovely vineyard scenery features plenty of opportunities to sample local wines, so you can also create your own vineyard trail.
Bisamberg is easily reachable from Floridsdorf on the U6 subway line.
#9 Gumpoldskirchen – Historic Charm and Excellent Wine
Gumpoldskirchen is a charming wine village renowned for its excellent white wines.
The region offers a couple of picturesque wine hiking trails, passing through vineyards and quaint villages, with stunning views of the surrounding area.
You can arrive in Gumpoldskirchen from Baden via a forest hilly trail, or from Mödling through local vineyards, both about an hour by train from Vienna.
In Gumpoldskirchen, explore the small town with historic buildings and churches, and enjoy numerous Heurigen and wine taverns offering local specialties.
#10 Wachau Valley – the Heart of Austrian Wine
Wachau is a wine region along the Danube River, between Melk and Krems, famous for its terraced vineyards, charming villages, and historic castles.
The World Heritage Trail Wachau spans 180km, divided into 14 stages, offering sweeping views of the Danube and the riverside villages.
The first stage, between Krems and Dürnstein, is a 12.5km easy long hike taking about 4-4.5 hours, starting at the train station in Krems.
For a shorter option, head directly to Dürnstein and take the Vineyard Path through the village, and be rewarded with views of vineyards, the Danube and the fairytale-like medieval town.
Mountain Hikes: Meet the Lower Austrian Alps
The younger brothers of the Austrian Alps, the mountain just a short distance from Vienna are more gentle and offer a convenient retreat for outdoor lovers.
Home to a diverse landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and rugged peaks, these alps are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways in a serene alpine scenery.
With well-marked trails, cozy alpine huts, and breathtaking vistas, the Lower Austrian Alps near Vienna are the go-to for hiking enthusiasts on a trip to the Austrian capital.
#11 Föhrenberge Nature Park – Castle Ruins and Stone Quarries
The Föhrenberge Nature Park is a protected natural area known for its pine forests and rocky landscapes.
This nature reserve offers numerous hiking opportunities, with trails weaving through dense forests and rocky outcrops.
You can try the Mödling Castle Trail, a moderate 3-hour loop trail, starting at the Goldene Stiege parking lot and providing many serene views up until the Mödling castle ruins.
Within the Föhrenberge Reserve, you will also find Sparbach Nature Park, Austria’s oldest nature park and home to a variety of wildlife, as well as family-friendly trails.
#12 Rax – Alpine Scenery and a Stunning Plateau
The Rax Mountain, known for its rugged terrain and alpine meadows, is a popular hiking and climbing destination in the Vienna area, for all levels of fitness.
For easy hiking across the plateau, you can pick the Rax Plateau Trail, accessible via the Raxseilbahn – Austria’s very first cable car!
In case you are an experienced hiker, try the Rax Traverse, which crosses the mountain from one end to the other and takes 6 – 7 hours.
The Rax area is an hour drive or train ride from Vienna, with a shuttle bus connecting Reichenau and der Rax to the cable car station.
#13 Schneeberg – the Highest Peak in the Area
Schneeberg, the highest mountain in Lower Austria, is located near Puchberg am Schneeberg, and it is a stunning destination with lots of opportunities.
For a unique experience, take the Schneeberg Railway, also known as the Salamander, a historic cog railway that goes all the way to the summit.
All you have left to do up there is hike the gentle paths at the top and enjoy the panoramic views from its highest point.
For more ambitious hikers, the Fadensteig Trail is a challenging 6-7 hours hike, with rugged terrain and steep ascents, but with equally rewarding views.
Puchberg am Schneeberg is reachable in under 2 hours by train or car from Vienna.
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Mini Travel Guide to Vienna, Austria
Best Time to Go?
I think it’s best to visit Vienna during the shoulder months of May / June or September to avoid the crowds and still enjoy some good weather.
How to Get to Austria?
You can fly to Vienna International Airport.
As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
You can also train to Vienna from many destinations across Austria and Europe.
Find routes and book journeys through Trainline.
Check out these articles for more specific info…
- How to Travel from Budapest to Vienna
- How to Travel from Zurich to Vienna
- How to Travel from Salzburg to Vienna
- How to Travel from Munich to Vienna
Where to Stay?
In Vienna, check out the 7th Heaven Vienna Apartments or the Hotel Sacher Wien.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Travel Money
Austria uses the Euro for its currency.
I always travel in Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
Wise cards works just like a debit card and link easily with Google and Apple pay.
Grab yours here.
Best eSIM for Austria
I recommend Holafly.
Get a 5% discount using the code: BIGWORLDSMALLPOCKETS
Top Austria Tours
Check out these top Austria tours if you’re looking to see the best of this country with an expert guide.
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From gentle vineyard strolls to challenging alpine adventures, these destinations provide some of the best hikes within easy reach of Vienna’s city centre.
So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker, or just looking for a gentle stroll in nature, Vienna and its surroundings have something for you!
The perfect way to combine a classic city break with lungfuls of fresh alps-aire, don’t miss one of these fab Vienna Hikes when you next visit the city.
Have any other favourites to add to the list?
Don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments box below…
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