Day trips around Vienna without a long journey: nature, wine towns and historic small towns

The Vienna Woods are the best choice if you want your day out to focus on fresh forest air, exercise and tranquillity. Around Mödling, Hinterbrühl, Heiligenkreuz and Baden, wooded hills, meadows, vineyards and places of cultural and historical interest alternate.

Sparbach Nature Park is particularly practical for families. The grounds offer walking paths, towering trees, meadows, ruins, an adventure playground and wild boar roaming freely. An easy family circuit passes several of the nature park’s highlights. Important: the nature park operates seasonally; dogs are also not permitted because of the free-roaming wild boar. Check opening times and how to get there before your visit.

Anyone wishing to combine nature with history can pair the outing with Heiligenkreuz Abbey or Karmel Mayerling. Almost 900 years old, Heiligenkreuz Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in the Vienna Woods and offers an insight into a monastic complex that remains vibrant to this day. Mayerling is associated with the story of Crown Prince Rudolf and is better suited to travellers interested in Austria’s imperial era and historical tragedies.

Who is it suitable for? For families, walkers and anyone looking for a peaceful day out without an extensive sightseeing programme.

Practical tip: In changeable weather, Heiligenkreuz and other cultural attractions in the Vienna Woods are a good addition to a short walk. For longer routes, sturdy footwear and checking the latest weather forecast are advisable.

Anyone wanting to combine beautiful day trips around Vienna with regional food and wine will find several excellent destinations in the nearby surroundings. The villages differ considerably in atmosphere and pace.

Perchtoldsdorf lies south of Vienna and combines a historic centre with vineyards and wine-tavern culture. Walking paths towards the Föhrenberge begin just beyond the centre. In suitable conditions, the Josefswarte offers sweeping views over the surrounding area. For a romantic outing, take a stroll through the village followed by a visit to a wine tavern. As the establishments have different opening periods, check in advance which wine tavern is actually open.

Gumpoldskirchen is a classic wine village in the spa region. Wineries, wine shops and traditional wine taverns can be found around the historic centre. The railway station is within walking distance of the centre, making the village well suited to a car-free day out. A pleasant combination is a stroll through the village, a short walk through the vineyards and a meal or drink – but only if the opening times and the return journey by public transport line up.

Klosterneuburg lies directly north of Vienna on the Danube. The Augustinian Canons’ Monastery is the town’s most important cultural attraction; there are also vineyards, wine taverns, walking paths and the Vienna Woods nearby. Those wanting more exercise can combine a visit to the monastery with a stretch of the Danube Cycle Path or a walk through the surrounding green spaces.

For romantic outings: Perchtoldsdorf and Gumpoldskirchen are particularly atmospheric in the late afternoon, when a walk through the vineyards can be combined with a visit to a wine tavern. Alcohol and driving should of course never be combined – for wine outings, the train or a taxi is the more relaxing choice.

For history away from the bustle of the city, Laxenburg and Baden are ideal, while Dürnstein is an option if you have a little more time.

Laxenburg Palace Park is one of the easiest recommendations for a day out with children or a leisurely walk. The extensive historic parkland features numerous paths, monuments and the palace lake. At its centre stands Franzensburg, known as a historic gem within the park. Laxenburg is around 25 kilometres from St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna; by car, the journey is relatively short in normal traffic. Seasonal offerings such as boat hire, the ferry and guided tours are not available all year round and should be checked in advance.

Baden bei Wien combines an old town, spa tradition, parks and places to eat. The town lies around 20 kilometres south of Vienna and is well suited to a half-day trip. After a stroll through the town centre or spa gardens, you can extend the outing with a café visit, a museum or a longer walk in the Helenental valley.

Dürnstein in the Wachau is not a spontaneous short trip like Laxenburg or Baden, but it is a rewarding destination for a full day. The historic old town, the distinctive blue abbey, the castle ruins and the vineyards are all close together. The climb to the ruins is steeper and slippery when wet. Dürnstein is therefore particularly suited to travellers looking for a combination of the Danube, history and wine country.

Anyone visiting Dürnstein can – depending on their mode of transport and the season – include other places in the Wachau, such as Krems, Spitz or Weißenkirchen. However, this can quickly turn a short outing into a full day’s itinerary.

For most destinations around Vienna, it is possible to travel by public transport, but not every day-trip destination is equally convenient to reach.

• Well connected by rail: Baden, Gumpoldskirchen and Klosterneuburg can generally be reached easily by train or suburban railway. However, there may still be a walk from the station to the actual destination.
• With a change: Public transport to Sparbach Nature Park usually involves travelling via Mödling and then continuing by bus. This is manageable, but requires more planning than a trip to the city centre.
• Convenient by car: Heiligenkreuz, Mayerling, Sparbach and several walking destinations in the Vienna Woods can be combined more flexibly by car. At weekends and in good weather, however, car parks may be in greater demand.
• For wine trips: Train, bus or taxi are usually the better choice if you are planning a tasting or a visit to a traditional wine tavern.
• For the Wachau: Check your return journey in advance. Seasonal boat services, buses and regional transport options can vary from one day of the week to another.

When using public transport, do not plan only the outward journey. Particularly in the Vienna Woods, stops, walking routes and sights can be quite far apart. Current connections, construction works and the last return services should be checked again on the day of travel.

Spring: The wine towns south of Vienna and the paths in the Vienna Woods are ideal for your first longer walks of the year. In changeable weather, Baden or Klosterneuburg can easily be combined with culture.

Summer: Laxenburg is well suited to a long day in the countryside. In the Wachau, Dürnstein and the Danube are particularly appealing, although heat and high visitor numbers can affect your plans.

Autumn: The wine towns of Perchtoldsdorf and Gumpoldskirchen are at their best at this time of year. Vineyards, traditional wine taverns and warm colours make the region attractive; nevertheless, you should check the opening hours of the Buschenschänke in advance.

Winter: For winter outings, Baden, Klosterneuburg and selected monasteries are generally more reliable than seasonal nature parks. Paths in the Vienna Woods can be muddy or slippery. In snow or ice, short walks are preferable to long hikes.

Demand for day trips around Vienna is particularly high in autumn. If you prefer a quieter experience, set off early, travel during the week or choose less well-known paths away from the most popular viewpoints.