Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature! The Kahlenberg is located on the edge of the Vienna Woods while still within the city limits. At a height of 484 meters, it offers a stunning view across the entire city. On clear days you can spot Vienna International Airport or even, in the distance, the Schneeberg in the Lower Austrian Alps, where Vienna’s mountain spring water originates.

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The journey is the reward

The climb is worth the effort for many reasons! Hikers can reach the Kahlenberg viewpoint in about an hour’s walk from the Nussdorf terminus of streetcar line D. Along the way, hikers will walk through picturesque vineyards and past several heuriger wine taverns and rustic inns, perfect for a short break with wine and refreshments. This route is number 1 of Vienna’s 14 city hiking trails. If you’d like to hike even further, you can explore the neighboring Leopoldsberg (425 m).

Getting there by public transport is straightforward. Bus line 38A departs from Heiligenstadt subway station and takes you to the Kahlenberg via the wine neighborhood of Grinzing several times an hour, making the journey in less than 30 minutes. The interval is shortened further on weekends and public holidays. 

Autumn is a particularly special time in the vineyards, when not only the grape harvest takes place, but also the buschenschank taverns and heurige are in full swing. The Vienna Wine Hiking Day takes place at the end of September – and one of the routes runs along the foot of the Kahlenberg. By then, the leaves have usually turned yellow and orange, creating a unique play of colors above Vienna’s rooftops.

Activities on the Kahlenberg

Once at the top, there is more than just the fantastic views to enjoy. One of the best vantage points can be found at the highest point of the mountain. The Stefaniewarte tower is located there, whose height of 22 meters means that the mountain exceeds the 500-meter mark. It was built in 1887 and named after Crown Princess Stefanie of Belgium, the wife of Crown Prince Rudolf. Right next to the bus stop, slightly below, stands the Baroque pilgrimage church of St. Joseph with a black Madonna inside.

Between the self-service Café Kahlenberg and the mid-priced Skyline Restaurant is the breathtaking panoramic terrace, which offers views of Vienna’s skyline, the Danube and the surrounding countryside.

Activity fans and families especially will find what they’re looking for at the Kahlenberg Forest Ropes Park. With 17 courses across three levels of difficulty, it is one of Austria’s largest high ropes courses – featuring rope bridges, wobbly nets and flying foxes. After a brief introduction, adventurous visitors can immediately start climbing on courses up to 20 meters high. The Josefinenhütte is the ideal place to rest your tired climbing and hiking muscles and recharge your batteries with dishes from the varied Viennese cuisine.

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The Vienna Höhenstraße

Vienna’s longest road winds for a total of 15 kilometers through the foothills of the Vienna Woods: the Höhenstraße. It connects Neuwaldegg with Klosterneuburg, passing by the Kahlenberg and Nussberg as well. Numerous viewpoints with vistas over the city, the Danube and the surrounding vineyards, along with the slightly bumpy ride over cobblestones, create a unique driving experience.

© Jeff Mangione / KURIER / picturedesk.com

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