Vienna is located at 16˚ east longitude and 48˚ north latitude , at the transition between two climate zones: the moderate, Central European transitional climate and the dryer, Pannonian climate. The Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve  in Vienna covers an impressive 9,900 hectares. Specifically, it encompasses the seven Viennese districts of Hietzing, Penzing, Ottakring, Hernals, Währing, Döbling and Liesing. The aim is to protect nature, where living space and species require this protection, but simultaneously to develop the region further through responsible management.

Covering 1,350 km ² , the Viennese Woods offer living space for 2,000 plant species , 150 species of breeding birds and many other endangered animals. For example, the locally extinct Ural owl has been reintroduced here. The endangered green lizard also lives here. Many different tours familiarize visitors with the variety of species that exist in the Vienna Woods. 15 nature reserves and 4 nature parks belong to this unique natural landscape, as do meadows, pastures, fields and vineyards.

For the most part, the vineyard locations have maintained their village character and extend an invitation to while away carefree hours drinking, eating and listening to Viennese music at cozy 'Heurige' taverns and outdoor dining areas. By the way, Vienna is the only city to have vineyard operations within its city limits!

The Vienna Woods contain a network of marked walking and hiking paths and are therefore an ideal local recreational area, which can be easily reached using Vienna's public transport system. With the recreational route planner , you can choose from 39 mountain bike routes (10 of which start in Vienna) and 12 hiking routes (4 of which start in Vienna) and find the most suitable one for you.  

The true local mountains for the Viennese in the ridge of the Vienna Woods are the Leopoldsberg and the Kahlenberg , on which the Stefaniewarte look-out (named after Crown Princess Stephanie) invites you to pay a visit. From here, a view across the city and the Vienna Woods can be enjoyed. On clear days, one can see as far as the Schneeberg and Rax mountains, the last foothills of the Alps, from where the city sources its excellent drinking water .

Additional hiking paths in Vienna