We would like to take a day or two and get out of big cities and get into the mountains/forests for some hiking/mountain lounging around Vienna. We won't have a car. What is the best way to do this? Any ideas on cute Alpine retreats accessible by public transit?
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
517 posts
You might consider the little town of "Puchberg am Schneeberg", which is about 80 kilometers outside of Vienna and is accessible by train. You will have to transfer at Wiener Neustadt. We did this and it took about 2 hours, including transfer. The best thing about the place is that it has an actual high Alpine Peak (the closest one to Vienna). In the summer there is a special train that takes hikers to the top where there is, in addition to stunning views (aber sicher!) a gasthaus that serves food and drink. Schneeberg really gives you a taste of the high alps. There are usually patches of snow up there through the summer. Lower slopes have thick forests and you can hike all the way down in several hours. If Puchberg seems too much of a stretch... The Vienna Woods offer great hiking. I live right at the edge of them. Stay in "Neustift am Walde" and you will feel like you are in a small town, although it is now a suburb of Vienna. The row of heurigers (rustic wine taverns) back up on the vineyards and behind the vineyards are miles of forests and hiking paths with (of course) gasthauses sprinkled in strategic spots. To get to Neustift am Walde take the U4 to Spittelau and then catch the 35A bus. Last 3 stops or so are in Neustift am Walde. Takes maybe 40-45 minutes from downtown. Very few tourists out there. I'm probably divulging a secret here. Have a great trip. I love this city!
Posted by
OP
Palo Alto
2 posts
Thank you so much for your suggestions! We can't wait to get out of town a little bit and do some hiking and drink in the scenery. Drinking some beer or wine afterwards couldn't hurt either!