The Woods of Vienna

The Vienna Woods—part of the lower foothills of the Alps—are immense, full of easy walking trails, heurige for wine tasting and casual meals, and the Kahlenberg, a small mountain popular for its panoramic views. 

What to Do There: On a clear day, the Kahlenberg viewpoint affords visitors incredible vantages over the entire city and its surroundings. Home to a centuries-old monastery and the Baroque St Joseph's Church, the mountain also features a large tower, the Stefaniewarte, that was built in the late 19th century in honor of the Crown Princess Stefanie of Belgium. From here, you can enjoy the panoramic terrace before accessing the many walking paths that wind through the Vienna Woods. If you start early enough, you can even walk the whole way back to the city (about 4.5 hours in total). For lovers of the outdoors, spending some time on these trails is highly recommended—UNESCO even named the Woods a Biosphere Reserve, owing to their outstanding natural beauty and diversity. Some 2,000 plant species and 150 bird species, including endangered ones, inhabit the sprawling forest. 

For information in English on the Woods, walking trails and getting there from the city center by tram or bus, see this page.