Hiking in the Vienna Woods
Danube Canal view from Leopoldsberg.
Summer and Fall are opportune times of the year to enjoy strolling in Vienna's National Forest (the Wienerwald). Enjoy the quiet and seclusion from cars and other city noise afforded by the forest's tree-lined trails. Or sample a glass of local wine or Sturm (alcoholic grape cider available in Fall) at one of the nearby guest houses' outdoor dining areas. To get to the Vienna Forest, take the U4 metro line to the Heiligenstadt station. From there, take the 38A bus to Cobenzl Parkplatz. A large trail map is posted on a sign across from the Cobenzl Parkplatz bus stop. The hike from Cobenzl Parkplatz to and from the Hermannskogel (a castle-like tower bedecked with scientific weather equipment) is a rewarding and moderate short hike. For a longer hike without added strain on the body, consider going from Cobenzl Parkplatz to Kahlenberg or Leopoldsberg. Both Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg flaunt gorgeous historic churches and breathtaking views of the city, its vineyards, and nearby Klosterneuburg. The marked trails are all relatively flat (with some gradual inclines and mild hills) and consist of stable terrain.
