Nature in Vienna: An overview for tourists and Viennese

The area around Vienna, known as the Vienna Woods, is a large, wooded region that stretches across the provinces of Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland. It is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests and charming villages. It is a wonderful place for hiking, cycling or simply enjoying nature on a walk. Numerous vantage points offer impressive views of the surrounding area. Regional specialties can be sampled in the traditional inns. The Vienna Woods are a popular recreational area for the Viennese to get some fresh air and escape from everyday life.

• Highlights: Kahlenberg, Leopoldsberg, Lainzer Tiergarten
• Activities: Hiking, cycling, picnicking, enjoying the view
• Special features: Historic wineries, pure nature, panoramic views of Vienna

The Lainzer Tiergarten is a beautiful nature park in the southwest of Vienna, Austria. It was originally created in the 19th century as a hunting ground for the imperial family and is now a popular recreational area for locals and visitors alike. The park offers a variety of flora and fauna, numerous hiking trails, quiet spots and the famous Hermesvilla, the former summer residence of Empress Elisabeth. It is an ideal place to enjoy nature, go for a walk or simply unwind.

• Special features: Wild boars, deer, many bird species
• Tip: The Hermesvilla is a beautiful excursion destination in the park

Schönbrunn Palace Park in Vienna is a beautiful, historic garden complex that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It surrounds the famous Schönbrunn Palace, which was once the summer residence of the Austrian imperial family. The park is known for its magnificent flowerbeds, manicured lawns, artistic sculptures and the impressive Gloriette building, which offers a great view. The park is also home to the oldest zoo in the world, Schönbrunn Zoo, which is particularly popular with families. The park invites you to stroll, relax and marvel - a real jewel of Vienna!

• Highlights: Labyrinth, Gloriette, zoo
• Activities: Walks, jogging, family outings
• Special features: Historic gardens, beautiful flower beds

In the heart of Vienna lies the Stadtpark, a popular green oasis that invites you to relax and linger. Here you will find well-tended lawns, colorful flowerbeds and numerous sculptures, including the famous monument to Johann Strauss. The park offers a pleasant atmosphere for walking, relaxing or simply enjoying nature in the middle of the city. Both locals and tourists appreciate this place as a popular meeting point.

• Highlights: Johann Strauss monument, beautiful meadows
• Activities: relaxing, listening to music, picnicking

In the heart of Vienna lies the Volksgarten, a beautiful park that invites you to relax and linger. It is particularly famous for its well-tended flowerbeds, the picturesque rose garden, which is in full bloom in summer, and the imposing Theseus Temple in neoclassical style. Here you can take a leisurely stroll, sit in a café or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere - a popular place for locals and visitors alike.

• Highlights: Rose pavilion, view of the Hofburg
• Special features: Perfect for a short break in the countryside

The Danube Island is a long, narrow island in the Danube river that is perfect for recreation, sport and leisure activities. It offers numerous cycling and hiking trails, beautiful bathing spots and barbecue areas where you can spend time outdoors in comfort. In summer in particular, the island is a popular meeting place for water sports enthusiasts, sun worshippers and families who enjoy nature and the wide range of leisure activities on offer.

• Activities: cycling, inline skating, swimming, barbecues
• Special features: 21 km long island, many lidos

The Old Danube is a quiet, picturesque arm of the river in Vienna, which used to be part of the Danube river. Today it offers ideal conditions for water sports such as swimming, sailing and stand-up paddling. There are beautiful sunbathing lawns, cafés and cycle paths along the banks, inviting you to relax and linger. This is a popular place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy nature and get away from it all.

• Highlights: Water, sandy beaches, boat hire
• Activities: swimming, stand-up paddling, sunbathing

There is a popular bathing lake on the Wienerberg in the south of Vienna, which is known for its calm and relaxed atmosphere. Here you can swim in comfort, lie in the sun or simply enjoy nature. There are well-tended sunbathing lawns, playgrounds and hiking trails around the lake that invite you to take a stroll. Especially in summer, this place is very popular with families, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers who come here to cool off and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

• Activities: Swimming, mini golf, walks