Vienna Wine Hiking Day

Vienna, the Austrian capital, is renowned for its cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and rich history. Among its many attractions is the annual Vienna Wine Hiking Day, a delightful event combining hiking with the joy of wine tasting. This unique celebration occurs every autumn, typically in late September or early October. It allows participants to explore Vienna’s picturesque vineyards while sampling some of the finest local wines.

Vienna boasts 600 hectares of vineyards and approximately 170 vintners in regions such as Kahlenberg, Nussberg, Bisamberg, and Mauer. The unique combination of the Danube’s influence and the nearby Vienna Woods creates ideal climatic conditions for viticulture, setting Vienna apart from other major cities.

2024 Wine Hiking Day Routes

Follow the links below to download the Wine Hiking Day Maps for 2024.

Travel Information

Getting to Vienna and the Wine Hiking Day
Vienna is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easily accessible from various parts of the world.

By Air:
Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat) is the main gateway to the city, located about 18 kilometres southeast of the city centre. It offers numerous international and domestic flights. The city centre can be reached from the airport by train (S-Bahn), bus, taxi, or the City Airport Train (CAT).

By Train:
Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is a major hub with excellent connections to other European cities. Trains from cities like Munich, Budapest, Prague, and Zurich run frequently, providing a convenient option for travellers.

By Car:
Vienna is well-connected by motorways, including the A1 from the west, the A2 from the south, and the A4 from the east. While driving in the city can be challenging due to traffic and parking restrictions, park-and-ride facilities are on the outskirts.

Where to stay for the Wine Hiking Day

Vienna offers various accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets.

Hotel Sacher Wien: This iconic five-star hotel, located near the State Opera House, offers luxurious rooms, world-class dining, and impeccable service. It’s known for its rich history and the famous Sacher-Torte.

Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna: This modern luxury hotel is housed in a historic building on the Ringstraße. It offers elegant rooms, a spa, and several fine dining options.

Hotel Beethoven Wien: Located in the Naschmarkt area, this charming boutique hotel provides comfortable rooms with a blend of classical and modern décor.

NH Collection Wien Zentrum: Situated on Mariahilfer Straße, one of Vienna’s main shopping streets, this hotel offers spacious rooms and convenient access to major attractions.

Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt is a popular choice for budget travellers. It offers clean, affordable accommodation in a lively atmosphere.

Hotel Post Wien: A centrally located budget hotel offering simple yet comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.

The Wine and Vineyards of Vienna

Vienna is unique among major cities for its extensive vineyards within its limits. The Vienna Wine Hiking Day provides an excellent opportunity to explore these vineyards and enjoy the local wine culture.

Vineyards:
The city’s vineyards are primarily located in Döbling, Hernals, and Floridsdorf districts. These areas offer stunning views of the city and the Danube River, providing a beautiful backdrop for the wine hiking trails.

Wine Varieties:
Vienna’s vineyards produce a range of high-quality wines, focusing on white varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and the local speciality, Wiener Gemischter Satz. This latter is a field blend of different grape varieties grown together, harvested, and vinified simultaneously, resulting in a unique and complex wine.

Wine Hiking Trails:
The Vienna Wine Hiking Day features several well-marked trails that wind through the vineyards. These trails vary in length and difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and serious hikers. Along the routes, local winemakers set up stalls where participants can sample wines and purchase bottles to take home.

Exploring Vienna and Surroundings

Vienna is a city of immense historical and cultural significance, and there is plenty to see and do beyond Wine Hiking Day.

Key Attractions:

Schönbrunn Palace: This stunning baroque palace was the summer residence of the Habsburgs and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace gardens and the Gloriette are particularly beautiful.

Hofburg Palace: This former imperial palace in the centre of Vienna is now home to several museums, including the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments.

Belvedere Palace: A magnificent baroque complex housing an extensive art collection, including works by Gustav Klimt.

Cultural Experiences:

Vienna State Opera is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, offering a rich programme of operas and ballets.

MuseumsQuartier is a cultural complex that houses several important museums, including the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK).

Prater: A large public park featuring the famous Riesenrad Ferris wheel, providing great city views.

Day Trips and Surroundings:

Wachau Valley: This picturesque region along the Danube River is known for its terraced vineyards, charming villages, and historic sites such as Melk Abbey.

Bratislava: The capital of Slovakia is just an hour away by train or boat. It offers a charming old town and a rich cultural scene.

Lake Neusiedl is a large steppe lake near the Hungarian border. It is perfect for water sports, bird watching, and wine tasting in the surrounding Burgenland region.

Local Cuisine and Dining:
Vienna is famous for its culinary delights. Traditional Austrian dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Apfelstrudel are must-tries. The city’s café culture is also world-renowned, with historic cafés like Café Central and Café Sacher offering a quintessential Viennese experience.

Shopping:
Vienna’s shopping options range from luxury boutiques on Kohlmarkt and Kärntner Straße to quirky shops in the Neubau district. The Naschmarkt is a vibrant market offering fresh produce, spices, and international foods.

Nightlife and Entertainment:
Vienna has a lively nightlife scene, with various bars, clubs, and live music venues. The Gürtel area is particularly popular for its vibrant nightclubs and late-night bars.

Vienna Wine Hiking Day is a unique celebration that blends the pleasures of hiking with the joy of wine tasting. It offers a wonderful opportunity to explore Vienna’s scenic vineyards and experience its rich viniculture. Coupled with the city’s historical and cultural attractions, Vienna provides an unforgettable travel experience. Whether sampling local wines, exploring historic sites, or enjoying the vibrant cultural scene, Vienna promises a delightful and enriching visit.