Things to do in Vienna Woods

See the sights of Salzburg on a full-day tour from Vienna, with optional drop off for those who want to stay the night. Traveling in small groups of no more than 8 people, the intimate tour will take you through the breathtaking scenery of the Vienna Woods, with the peaks of the Alps in the distance, and on to the stunning Austrian lake district. Stop by picture-postcard Lake Attersee and visit the charming alpine village of St. Gilgen at lake Wolfgangsee, a famous location in the hit movie "The Sound of Music." Upon arrival in Salzburg, discover Salzburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town with your guide on a leisurely walking tour. Hear intriguing stories about the city's famous inhabitants as you pass Mozart's birthplace, the colorful gardens of Mirabell Palace, the cemetery of the Abbey of St. Peter, Salzburg Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace. Spend the afternoon in Salzburg with plenty of free time to purchase lunch and wander Mozart town on your own before making the journey back to Vienna with your driver.

Escape the bustle of Vienna on a half-day tour to the southern part of the Vienna Woods, on the city’s outskirts. Departing from a central city location, ride past the Roman city of Baden, famous for its hot springs, and head for the romantic Helenental Valley. Stop at the former hunting lodge of Mayerling and learn from your friendly expert tour guide all about how the lives of Crown Prince Rudolf and Baroness Vetsera came to a tragic end in 1889. Next, discover the 12th-century Cistercian Heiligenkreuz Abbey and visit the medieval cloister and tomb of the last Babenberger.

Hike the most accessible parts of the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) on the "house mountains" of Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg, visible from many parts of the city and both within the administrative boundaries of Vienna. After you’ve met your hiking guide, walk a rather steep but paved footpath until you reach the top of Leopoldsberg, from where you'll have panoramic views over Vienna and the majestic Klosterneuburg Monastery. Continue on a comfortable path through the forest to Kahlenberg hill, before a hilly descent among hillside vineyards to end at Grinzing, Vienna's best-known wine village, lined with rustic restaurants. Go to Heuriger, where the wine owners of the region sell their wine, and purchase a bottle or two to enjoy later!

Lower Austria is the cradle of Austrian viticulture, and this private wine tasting tour is your chance to visit the area's beautiful forests and vineyards of the Thermal Region, just south of Vienna. Take a 30-minute train ride to the heart of the Vienna Woods for a wine-filled day. Summer (April-October) Your summer tour will begin with a hike in the spa town of Baden, which was once a favorite country retreat of Beethoven. From there you will walk along forest trails towards a magnificent elevated viewpoint overlooking the Vienna Basin in all directions. This spot alone is a photographer's dream. Continue the trip by entering the neighboring vineyards, wandering through row upon row of lush green vines. Winter (November-March) Your train will bring you directly to the vineyards of one of Austria’s oldest wine-making institutions, steeped in middle-age tradition and history. While there, learn about how the monastic orders became wine pioneers of their time and their influence on Austrian viticulture. Sample a glass of local sekt (sparkling wine) to toast your arrival to Austrian wine country. The afternoon segment of both the winter and summer tours will be the same. You will continue to the picturesque wine village of Gumpoldskirchen for lunch at a traditional Austrian wine tavern. From there, you'll visit a local winery to enjoy an extensive wine tasting featuring the region's specialty wines, and to ask questions to local experts about modern-day wine making. Your tour later concludes with a short train ride back to the city center, just in time for your evening schedule.