During the 16th and 17th centuries, Aggstein was one of the most important fortresses in the region and served to repel attacks by Turks and Swedes. Skip the line at the entrance and learn the rich stories of its residents as you stroll from room to room. Austrias fourth-biggest city is so The Sound of Music but also so much more than that. Day trips & Excursions Wachau Valley Wachau Valley: Day Trips and Tours from Vienna 4.5 3,379 Reviews Take a day trip to Wachau Valley from Vienna for an authentic taste of the Austrian countryside. Best Things to Do 01 / Attractions Must-see attractions for your itinerary Staatsoper Vienna Vienna's foremost opera and ballet venue, the neo-Renaissance Staatsoper, is one of the finest concert halls in the world. Here are the 15 best and most sought-after day trips to take from the city of Vienna. You can find out more about Budapests best restaurants here. Any place we missed on this list? One of the most popular day trips from Vienna is the Klosterneuburg Abbey (Stift Klosterneuburg) which lies in the small town of Klosterneuburg, just beyond the northern border of Vienna. Hear of Budapests history from your tour guide before being transported back to Vienna after a full day in the Hungarian capital. Poised on the eastern slopes of the Vienna Woods, the spa-town of Baden bei Wien is one of the easiest day trips from Vienna. Boats glide serenelyacross the lake from the train station to the village, situated precariously on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore. Looking for something more adventurous? Boasting crystal clear acoustics, the legendary composer himself conducted numerous performances of his own music here. This late medieval castle was built in the 14th century by the Mattersdorfer family and occupies a virtually unassailable position on the eastern slopes of the Rosalia Mountains. Following the rules laid down by St. Benedict, they pray and work and learn they glorify God in all things, not only through their prayer but also through their work and their daily willingness to learn every day. Wander the banks of the River Salzach, lose yourself in the streets of the World Heritage-listed Old Town and visit the positively huge Hohensalzburg Castle. Check out our list of must-do water activities in Vienna. There are a couple of places along the periphery of Lake Neusiedl that are especially worth visiting. In a video shared via TikTok the next day, Russell . The romantic name is misleading since the rose garden is just a rock ledge. Ask for an information sheet in English at the ticket counter. Expect two to four seasons in one day during the shoulder seasons. Altenburg Abbey is open daily from 10:00-17:00 (1st May-26th October). Today, hordes of Viennese and foreign tourists usually descend on the local wine taverns (Heurigen) and cellars on weekends I strongly advise you to visit here on the weekdays in summer. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; Prefer exploring on foot? Spend a day discovering Austrias UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley on this trip along the Danube River from Vienna. Discover how to spend a wonderful 3 days in Budapest! The church is open from 05:30-19:30 while the museum runs from 10:00-17:30. Its verdant lawns are home to a vast Orangerie and a Neoclassical folly of the Leopoldine Temple. The vast monastery complex includes a castle tower, a Gothic chapel, the abbey church, and a museum with a collection of Gothic and Baroque sculptures and a gallery of paintings. Our favorite is Drunken Apricots fresh apricots infused in Schnapps. One of the most popular day trips from Vienna by train. Other highlights of the church are the gilded pulpit and the high altar with its gilded papal crown suspended above the figures of the churchs patron saints, the apostles St. Peter and St- Paul. Take a pair of binoculars to spot spoonbills, egrets, storks, the great bustard, or one of the more exotic species of flora that pass through the marshlands. Prague was the first stop on my very first backpacking trip around Europe. Forchtenstein Castle is open daily from April-October. However, if you dont want the hassle of a self-guided tour, opt for The Original Sound of Music Tour. The museum can be visited without a guide. How to get to Seegrotte: Take the Sbahn from Vienna to Meidling, change for bus 364 or 365, and alight at Seegrotte. The journey will take onehour 15 minutes. If you want a taste of some authentic Slovakian cuisine and drink, St. Michaels Street is full of restaurants and cafes that will satisfy your hunger. Discover a highlight in Vienna's cultural calendar and enjoy an evening of beautiful music during this classical concert in St. Anne's Church. One of the best things to see at Forchtenstein Castle is the sublime frescoed courtyard. Learn more about it on our Disclosure page. Finally, pay a visit to Gttweig Abbeys collegiate church. From April-November, you can also explore the Franzensburg Castle, either individually or as part of a guided tour. How to get to Melk: The regional train from Wien Westbahnhof to Melk station takes around one hour and 15 minutes. The Neo-Gothic Grafenegg Castle (Schloss Grafenegg) is one of the most enchanting castles in Austria. +1 (702) 648-5873 Top Vienna Day Trips Day Trips Walking Tours Private Sightseeing Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Day Cruises Full-day Tours Sightseeing Tours Private and Luxury Half-day Tours Cruises & Sailing Rathaus - Get a deeper insight into Vienna life than possible alone The church received its Baroque facelift in the 18th century when the Baroque style swept Austria. Not only an important area of conservation, its also a beautiful place to lose yourself for a day and stroll along one of the numerous footpaths where Emperors and Empresses once walked and hunted. Today, their works can be seen in the Wachau Museum (Tuesday-Sunday: 10:-17:00, April-October) amidst folk artifacts from the region. Designed by the renowned Austrian architect, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Rogners Bad Blumau is located in the Austrian state of Styria. Gemma is an award-winning blogger who loves to plan trips and publish travel guides and packing lists so you don't have to! The ceiling of this spectacular room is plastered with more than thirty colorful frescoes, and its walls are lined with painted roundels of Hungarian heroes. Travel with roundtrip transport from Vienna with the option to upgrade and make the return journey aboard a high-speed catamaran up the Danube River. See below for the top day trips from Vienna. But its an easy 1.5-hour train ride away, and there are some great things to do and see in Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic. Less than an hour by car, its a great spot for a cycle ride with children. Make sure you are in front of the Astronomical Clock on the hour to see theapostles mechanically stop by as the bells ring. It consists of 51 gilded and enameled tiles depicting Bible scenes. The bus, which is cheaper, takes three hours in total. Statues of Emperor Franz Joseph and Duke Albrecht I and the coats of arms of ten crown lands grace its facade on top of the balcony. The right bank of the Salzach River is the New Town. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with standing structures ranging from the 10th to 14th century. It will cost a bit more (around $60 USD/53 Euro), but it also gives more freedom to slow travel the Wachau Valley, not bound by train schedules. The yellow archways are photogenic and so is the panoramic terrace from where you can see a scenic stretch of the Wachau Valley. This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from. The journey is a mere one hour away from Vienna. The Laxenburg Palace Gardens are open daily from 08:00-19:00. Spend some time at the Royal Palace, which has been bombed and rebuilt at least half a dozen times since King Bla IV established it in the mid-13th century, before heading across the river for some lunch. This is one of the longest train routes for Viennas day trips at three to four hours. This is when the Wachau Valley is at its most picturesque. Its roughly a 30-minute climb up the steepest trail but youll be rewarded with an incredible view. Hi there, I'm Mihir! You may also like:Best free things to do in Vienna18 top things to do in ViennaThe 7 best things to do in Vienna with kids, This article was first published February 2019 and updated April 2022. When you arrive, take a coach tour through the Pest district and parts of Buda where you can see top attractions like the Parliament Building situated on the banks of the Danube River, Heroes' Square, and the Hungarian State Opera. For food on the go, head to the daily market at Grnmarkt onUniversittsplatz which has been running since 1857. Prague Source: Noppasin / shutterstock Prague Just under 300 km away from Vienna is the fairytale city of Prague, full of evocative architecture, towers and spires reaching up to the sky and a fascinating amount to see and do if you're willing to undertake the journey. Other notable sights worth seeing in Eisenstadt include the Haydn House (where the great composer lived from 1766 to 1778 and which contains a museum geared towards giving an intimate perspective of Haydns private life), the Burgenland Provincial Museum, the Bergkirche (which contains the tomb of Joseph Haydn), and the Jewish Cemetery. But back in the 18th and 19th centuries, Baden was the most fashionable spa-town in the Habsburg Empire and was for years the summer residence of the Habsburg court. - See Vienna through the eyes of a local and discover its hidden gems Take a gentle route with regular breaks, enjoy free time to relax by the Danube or climb to a hilltop castle, sit down for lunch (not included in tour price), and enjoy numerous local wine samples included in the tour. It may take a couple hours to meander down to Budapest by car, but as the dual capital of the once-great Austro-Hungarian Empire, a day trip from Vienna can make forcompelling comparisons. My favorite sight in Baden bei Wien, however, is the lovely Kurpark, which is laid out on the steep slopes of the Vienna Woods. Stop off at one of the numerous wineries and sample the excellent Chardonnays, Welschriesling and white Burgundies. Contact Us | About Us | Privacy | Disclaimer, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases UK & US Two Scots Abroad are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites., Sound of Music Fans who want to follow in the footsteps of the Trapp family, check out. It now looks quite like an oversized ocher-yellow French chteau. I normally visit London a couple of times a year , Your email address will not be published. A slightly longer alternative is trail No 1, an 11km (6.8-mile) loop that starts in Nussdorf and climbs 484m (.3 miles) up Kahlenberg, a vine-streaked hill commanding fine city views. One of the best individual pieces in the museum is the mostly reconstructed Mithraic relief in the foyer. Melk Abbey was established as a fortified Benedictine abbey in the 11th century, it was later destroyed by fire. All-inclusive transportation from your hotel allows you to sit back and appreciate the stunning scenery. Drnstein Abbey is open from April-October. Access to the monastery is via several courtyards. Old and new architecture stand side-by-side, student bars and music venues are found next to up-market restaurants and luxury cruises sail pass the steel factories along the Danube. I am a qualified London Taxi Tour guide famous Black cab specializing on Secret London . The abbeys Romanesque church underwent a series of changes until the 17th and 18th centuries when it acquired its present Baroque interior, replete with frescoes and mountains of stucco work. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Throughout the year, the Melk Abbey is open every day from 09:00-17:30. For the time of the year would May/June or late sept good time less rain. Korneuburgs lovely Neo-Gothic Town Hall is one of the towns biggest attractions. Eisenstadts Old Town is really small and just consists of three streets. Our final recommendation for a long day trip from Vienna is Linz, Austrias third-largest city. Since most of the destinations weve listed in this article are in Lower Austria, it might be a good idea for you to purchase the Lower Austria Card if you plan on visiting several attractions in the region. Many of Salzburgs most famous attractions such as the Salzburg Cathedral, Mozarts Birthplace, and the former Archbishops Residence are located in the Old Town. How to get to Graz: The train from Vienna to Graz takes around two hours 30 minutes. When you get hungry, make the most of the various restaurants peppered around the grounds or pack your own lunch and eat in one of the many peaceful, sunlit spots. Having begun as a hunting lodge, the town was restored and enlarged in the 17th century, when it became a favorite retreat for Maria Theresa and other members of the imperial family. For detailed transport connections, we suggest you check the Austrian journey planner website or download their app. 12+ Easy Day Trips From Vienna [Trains, Tours + Boats]. Meet your guide in the early morning at your central Vienna hotel, and set off. We now focus on the best long day trips from Vienna. Sounds delicious! I was dreaming putting this post together. 3 Visit the Salzkammergut Alpine Lakes Region. The Vienna Woods have been romanticized in operetta, literature, and the famous Strauss waltz. The Collegiate Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Stiftskirche) is all that remains and stands out due to its striking ice-blue and white Baroque tower, a prominent landmark in the Wachau Valley. Today, the Roman remains are spread across 5 km between the villages of Petronell and Bad Deutsch Altenburg. When sightseeing in Linz, be sure to check out the Old Cathedral (Alter Dom) and the New Cathedral (Neuer Dom). In Hallstatt, wander through the narrow streets, take photos of the Dachstein mountains, hire a boat or walk through the Echerntal trail. To top it all, the staircase is decorated with a ceiling fresco celebrating the apotheosis of Emperor Charles VI. Melk was of great importance to the Romans and later to the Babenbergs, who built a castle here. The guided tour costs 12 EUR, payment in cash only! If you are planning on doing several (or even just one) during your stay in Vienna, we recommend that you book your accommodation close to one of Viennas main train stations. Whether you fancy treading lush vineyards, forests, and mountains, roaming charming towns, exploring historic castles and magnificent abbeys, or enjoy chilling by the water, our selection of the absolute best day trips from Vienna should cater to day-trippers of all stripes. Be ready to do your best Maria von Trapp impression, as you make stops at filming locations from The Sound of Music. The old castle kitchens now serve as a small tavern with tables outside in the main courtyard. The second room is the alluring library. Just east of Vienna lies Bratislava with its enchanting Old Town and medieval fortifications. In the summer, hordes of people flock to its lakeside beaches. Only 40 minutes from Vienna, its the ideal location for a brief but fascinating day trip. Explore Salzburg's Mirabell Gardens and UNESCO-listed Old Town on this day trip from Vienna. This tour takes in all the highlights, including a guided tour of Melk Abbey, a boat cruise along the Danube River or a meal (summer), and a trip to see views along the Wachau Valley. One of the most prominent buildings here is the 16th-century Baroque Town Hall, whose Renaissance origins are evident in its corner oriel window. Bratislava: Day Trip from Vienna by Bus and Boat. Some of our favorite day trips from Vienna can be done easily with the aid of the efficient Austrian public transportation system. Dont miss the majestic Prelates Courtyard which is surrounded by imposing buildings crowned with statues of the prophets and frescoes showing the cardinal virtues. The best thing that awaits you at the top of the ruins of Kuenringer Castle are the stunning views of Drnstein and the Wachau Valley. See Slovakias vibrant capital city on this day trip from Vienna to Bratislava. Here youll find a number of historic sites, one of the most famous of which is a beautiful monastery the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz. Similar to Gttweig Abbey, Altenburg Abbey also features a grand imperial staircase which is decorated with elaborate tracery, pilasters, busts, and urns. The emphasis is on train trips as snow outside of the city (it does not actually snow often in the city) can cause delays. The pretty town of Spitz finally swings into view some 17km (10.6miles) from Krems. Due to its architectural splendor, Salzburg is known by a variety of sobriquets such as the Golden City of High Baroque and the Florence of the North. Check out our in-depth article about how to spend the perfect day in Bratislava on a day trip from Vienna. Not much has changed since Mozart was born and raised here 250 years ago, including St Peters Stiftskeller serving food. How to get to Bratislava: International trains take one hour from Vienna to Bratislava. Nonnberg Convent, Schloss Leopoldskron and Hellbrunn Palacewhich are all within two hours of each other by foot. A couple of kilometers on, just after Wsendorf, you find the church of St Michael, in a hamlet with 13 houses. The places listed are located less than 100 km from Vienna and wouldnt necessarily require a full day to see. One of the reasons is that unlike Vienna and Salzburg, which are literally swamped with tourists year-round, Graz has managed to avoid mass tourist hordes, meaning you can enjoy the city in relative solitude. The librarys stupendous Rococo interior and ceiling frescoes show vast allegorical scenes. I highly recommend visiting the famous Kellerberg and Loibenberg vineyards if you love wine. The capital of Slovakia has a cute city center full of surprising statutes, and a huge castle overlooking the city from a hill. Pass major attractions like the Hofburg Palace, City Hall, and the Vienna State Opera as you drive along the famed Ringstrasse. Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See), often called the Jewel of Burgenland makes for a great day trip from Vienna, especially in the summer. The grand passageis a vast gallery with putti and sculptures. The part of the palace buildings particularly worth visiting is the early 19th-century Franzensburg Castle, a mock-Gothic moated castle. Next, you will want to head to Hohensalzburg, also known as Salzburg Fortress. Sound of Music Fans who want to follow in the footsteps of the Trapp family, check out Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain, Nonnberg Convent, Schloss Leopoldskron and Hellbrunn Palacewhich are all within two hours of each other by foot. The journey takes around one hour 50 minutes by car. Another attraction worth visiting in Spitz is the ruins of the 12th-century Hinterhaus Castle (Burgruine Hinterhaus). For those who have visited Ljubljana in Slovenia, you may be familiar with one of the architects names, Josip Plenik. However, due to the remote location of some of these places, they are better reached with the aid of a car. Now visitors can wander through its echoing chambers and enjoy a short boat ride out on its turquoise waters. While the Esterhzy family rooms are worth viewing, the main attraction of the interior is the majestic Haydn Hall (Haydnsaal). For more information check the website. This place is the ideal spot to head to if you desire a leisurely stroll or a picnic area, as the parks web of paths can take you high above the town. Kuenringer Castle was established in the 11th century and was heavily damaged in 1645 during the Thirty Years War by the passing Swedish army. Underground springs feed it, but when they fail it dries up. Kremss main thoroughfare, Landstrasse, is a busy, pedestrianized shopping street lined with old buildings. Want to find out more about the towns wealth? Your guide leads the way through charming villages and scenic landscape, making stops at UNESCO-listed sites such as the medieval town of Drnstein. The name Graz even comes from the Slavic word gradec, which means small castle. In a nutshell, these are our 23 favorite day trips from Vienna: We first take a look at the best short day trips from Vienna. The Vienna to Bratislava train takes one to two hours, making it one of the best places to visit near Vienna. Jul 23, 2023 9 Unforgettable Day Trips from Vienna Getting there and what to see Apr 3, 2019 [Updated February 2021] Its proximity to Eastern Europe makes Vienna the perfect base for day trips to great European capitals such as Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, and Ljubljana. Crossed by numerous walking and cycling tracks, the wooded hills covering an area of over 1,000 sq km are a perfect place for walking, climbing, and mountain biking. There are 11 walks to choose from, all easy day trips from the city, but the best lead travelers into the forest. He eventually planned to retire in Linz, in a home on a hill overlooking the city. Vienna is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Your email address will not be published. Carnuntum Archaeological Park is open daily from 09:00-17:00 (mid-March to mid-November). A few hours by car, a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt is doable, but very taxing. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Much of what to see in Stein lies along its narrow main street, Steiner Landstrasse, a sequence of crumbling old 16th-century Renaissance facades with beautiful arcaded courtyards and small cobbled squares. This full-day bike tour from Vienna gives you the opportunity to enjoy the idyllic Austrian countryside and sample locally produced wines. In all, some 250 different species of birds inhabit the lake, including the usual collection of storks, geese, duck, and herons. The 10 Best Day Trips From Vienna, Austria Vacation like a pro Your Trip to Vienna: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE Top Things to Do Top Museums Naschmarkt Guide Austrian Foods to Try Best Restaurants Nightlife in Vienna Best Places to Taste Wine Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Public Transportation Airport Guide 48-Hour Itinerary Day Trips You can get it in most restaurants, but only in the summer months. As far as castles go, Kreuzenstein is probably one of the most impressive in Vienna. Just follow the smell of punsch and gl. Adults 85.00 | Children 39.00. The journey takes two to three hours. Adolf Hitler spent nine years of his childhood in Linz and always considered the idyllic old city to be his hometown. If youre into rock climbing, pay a visit to Peilstein Klettersteig, one of the most picturesque climbs in the region and a favorite among the Viennese. Also worth seeing are the Liechtenstein Castle, a Gothic castle near Maria Enzersdorf with imposing towers and battlements and the Abbey of the Holy Cross (Stift Heiligenkreuz), a Cistercian abbey that has retained its fine Romanesque-Gothic character and which has more relics of the Holy Cross than any other site in Europe, except Rome. The journey takes around two to three hours. Expect to pass Austrias green countryside, a big difference from the snowy mountains we are accustomed to seeing in Austria! Some of the major attractions in Bratislavas Old Town include the imposing Gothic-style St. Martins Cathedral, the undeniably gorgeous Art Nouveau-style Blue Church, and the 14th-century Gothic Michaels Gate. Podersdorf also offers excellent pedal boating, sailing, and windsurfing facilities. Fringing the capital from the northwest to the southeast, this 45km (28-mile) swath of forested hills was immortalized in Tales from the Vienna Woods, Johann Strauss Jr's 1868concert waltz. It was later acquired by the Esterhzys, one of the wealthiest and most influential Hungarian noble families. These include the ossuary underneath St. James Church with the bones of more than 50,000 people and the nuclear bunker known as the 10-Z Fallout Shelter. Despite its name, the only furnishings in the hall made from real marble are the doorframes. To get from Graz to Vienna, you can simply take the train and youll be there within 2.5 hours. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Hallstatt followed by free time to explore independently, before your comfortable return journey. Podersdorf am See is one of the best places to go swimming in Lake Neusiedl, as the shore here is relatively free of reeds. Following a philosophy of living in harmony with nature, the spa complex has thermal water springs, and the result is an upscale wellness playground designed to bring out both your inner child and your spiritual self. Hi Guys Choose from 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8-hour tour options. The relief depicts the Persian deity Mithras slaying a cosmic bull, while a scorpion grasps its genitals and a dog licks its wounds. Art lovers! Built atop a rocky mountainside with views across the whole of the breathtaking Danube Valley, the abbey is a majestic Baroque style building that is overflowing with priceless art and contains impeccable gardens and is filled to the brim with enough history to excite history buffs to no end. When taking a day trip from Vienna, why limit yourself just to Austria, when there are so many country borders close by? Between May and September, your day trip will also include a Danube River cruise between the villages of Spitz and Melk. Home to numerous start-ups and global technology companies, Linz is often touted as being the future Silicon Valley of Central Europe. The small town of Laxenburg, situated 15 km outside the capital, is a popular joint for day trips from Vienna. These historic gardens were one of the grandest such palace parks in Europe at the time of Emperor Joseph II. The entrance costs 12 EUR. The Castle is surrounded by gardens and from the walls, you can view the city and the Danube. Visiting the monastery itself, however, requires participation in a guided tour. The journey is a mere one hour away from Vienna. The train journey from Vienna to Brno is 130 km, and trains leave frequently from the Hauptbahnhof station in Vienna throughout the day. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in the Wachau Valley. Brno is probably not the first destination that comes to mind as a day trip from Vienna since its in a whole different country. Pick from several daily departure times, and set sail from Krems. The gardens offer many recreational facilities such as boat rentals, cycling, skating, swimming, mini-golf, etc. Led by a local guide, pass the vineyards, abbeys, and forests of the countryside as you learn about the areas rich history. When the orchestra starts up, listen as your favorite pieces of classical music come to life and marvel at the impressive acoustics. If you are looking for clear waters, dwarfing mountains and cute houses then Hallstatt in Austrias Salzkammergut Lake Region is the Vienna day trip for you. Today, you see a city that focuses on the future of creativity through its vibrant arts scene which fuses music, art, technology, science and industry in a way that is true to the citys roots. Graz, so close to Vienna yet so different. Austrias Salzkammergut region is home to small lakeside towns worth exploring, but the drive from Vienna is not a short one. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Check out our 24h itinerary! This leaves a few hours for you to sightsee, shop, and dine on your own before the trip back to Vienna. The abbey complex is humongous and comprises a number of landscaped gardens, several courtyards, a collegiate church, a great library, a treasury, and, above all, a crypt.