The days are getting longer, the sun is coming out more often and everyone is slowly being drawn outside. Whether you just want to get a breath of fresh air or really want to trudge through nature again - Vienna has plenty of city hiking trails to offer. And of course, everyone knows the classics: Kahlenberg, Bisamberg, Leopoldsberg.
But if you feel like it, Vienna's hiking trails with a difference to discover Vienna, avoid the crowds and see places you may not yet know, then you've come to the right place! We've picked out five city hiking trails in Vienna that hardly anyone has on their radar but are definitely worth exploring. So pack up, put on your hiking boots and off you go.
1st Vienna City Hiking Trail No. 7 - Laaer Berg: Nature & nostalgia in Favoriten
Favoriten is not really on the list of top hiking areas in Vienna - and that is exactly what gives this trail its appeal. It starts in the 10th district and leads through the Laaer Wald forest, past the Bohemian Prater and the extensive Oberlaa spa gardens. While others are busy on the Kahlenberg, you can enjoy pure nature here, largely undisturbed.
The Bohemian Prater is a nice stopover for children and nostalgia-seeking adults. Our tip: In the Bohemian Prater you can get the best langos in Vienna at Oma's Langos!
The Oberlaa spa gardens are the perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet. And if you're still not relaxed after your hike - the Therme Wien is just around the corner!
Length: 15 km
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Start/Finish: U1 station Altes Landgut or Neulaa
2nd Vienna City Hiking Trail No. 8 - Sophienalpe: A magical route
This hiking trail is a real Insider tip - not least because it is not directly accessible by public transport. But those who make the small detour will be rewarded with one of the most idyllic hikes in the Vienna Woods. There are no overcrowded viewpoints here, just dense forests, wide meadows and absolute tranquillity.
The city hiking trail leads to the Sophienalpewhere a hunting lodge once stood - there is not much left of it today, but the atmosphere is just as magical. And the best thing? There are hardly any people around! If you're feeling sporty, you can continue directly from here to the Hermannskogel march.
Length: 14 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Start/Finish: Bus station "Sophienalpe"
Christoph Schwarz
3rd Vienna City Hiking Trail No. 11 - Municipal Buildings Route: Hiking Vienna's History
Hiking through Municipal buildings? Sounds unusual at first, but it is one of the most exciting tours through Vienna's history. This route takes you from Favoriten to Döbling and shows you the city's most impressive municipal buildings.
From the Karl-Marx-Hof - the longest residential building in the world - to the Rabenhof up to the Metzleinstaler Hof you get a time travel through the "Red Vienna". Anyone interested in the history of the city will love this route. And if you need a break in between - a cozy coffee stop is easily possible here!
Length: 4 km
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Start: Reumannplatz (U1)
Target: Karl-Marx-Hof (near U4 Heiligenstadt)
E.Hochher
4th Vienna City Hiking Trail No. 6 - Maurer Wald: Peace and quiet in the Vienna Woods
Want that Vienna Woods feeling without the crowds? Then off to Rodaun! This route takes you through the Maurer forest, where you walk through dense trees, across wide fields and along idyllic paths until you reach the Wotruba church which is a real eye-catcher thanks to its unusual architecture.
The best thing about this city hiking trail: here you'll find No overcrowded tourist hotspotsbut simply peace and nature. And if you get hungry on the way - there are a few cozy wine taverns in Mauer that are perfect for a break.
Our tipEspecially in autumn, when the vineyards are cloaked in golden colors, this trail is a real highlight.
Length: 12.5 km
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Start/Finish: Rodaun (streetcar 60)
C.Stadler/Bwag
5th Vienna City Hiking Trail No. 3 - Hameau: A journey into the past
If you fancy a hike with a lot of historical background, then this trail is just right for you! The route leads through the Schwarzenberg Parkone of the oldest landscape parks in Vienna, and on to the Hameau - a former "Dutch village", which the author had erected for parties and friends.
If you look closely, you can spot the city's only listed graffiti - the tagger Kyselak immortalized himself in several places in Vienna centuries ago. If you like, you can make a detour to the Jubiläumswarte - from there you have one of the best views over Vienna.
Length: 10 km
Duration: 3 hours
Start/Finish: Neuwaldegg (streetcar 43)
Dr. Michael Lorenz
Conclusion - Vienna city hiking trails
Vienna is full of surprises - and that doesn't just apply to the well-known hiking regions. Away from the well-known classics such as Kahlenberg or Leopoldsberg, there are hidden natural paradises that are just as impressive. Whether you stroll up the Laaer Berg, hike through the quiet forests of the Sophienalpe or get a taste of Viennese history on the Gemeindebau route - all of these paths offer you a completely different experience. New perspective on Vienna.
So, put on your hiking boots and explore the hidden angle of the city! And if you've already walked one of these paths, let us know which one you like best!
