Our 5 favorite day trips from Vienna
Even though you can definitely easily spend a week in Vienna just to take in all the sights and museums, soak up the atmosphere and of course eat all the amazing food we understand a lot of visitors like to see as much as possible during their stay. So why not squeeze in a day trip? You don't even necessarily have to rent a car (although it can definitely be more convenient) since our train network is both quite extensive, well-run and affordable.
So whether it's another city or an escape into the Austrian countryside you're looking for, we've got it covered. Here are our 5 favorite day trips from Vienna, all of them reachable within 1.5 hours tops via car or train.
Explore Wachau valley and its amazing wineries
The beautiful Wachau valley is one of Austria's main wine regions. Located right next to the Danube river, the rolling hills boast countless vineyards and just as many wineries which beg to be visited and sampled. It has recently become a very popular spot for weddings because of its laid-back and natural vibes. There's amazing food and drink to be had at very good value for money, too - and if you want to top it off with a few sights, how about Melk Abbey or the ruins of Duernstein castle?
Spend time lakeside at Neusiedl am See
Fondly referred to as "Sea of the Viennese" because of its close proximity to the country's capital, Lake Neusiedl definitely has a lot more to offer. How about relaxing and recharging at St. Martins Therme & Lodge? Explore tiny little villages such as Rust or Purbach? Catch a concert in a unique setting at Seefestspiele Mörbisch? Some of the best wineries in the country are also located around the lake. Our favorites: Scheiblhofer winery or Gut Oggau.
Check another country off your bucket list in Bratislava
Just an hour away from Vienna, the capital of Slovakia can be easily visited in a day. Just like Vienna, it's located right next to the Danube and has plenty to offer, from a quaint and picturesque old town to sights such as the Bratislava castle or the Old City museum. Make sure to try Bryndzové halušky (small, spaetzle-like dumplings with sheep's cheese called bryndza and topped with pieces of meat) which is the country's national dish. We would also suggest taking the Twin City Liner ferry from Vienna to Bratislava - such a fun way to travel!
A day on the slopes at Stuhleck
If you're visiting Vienna somewhere between November and April and you're looking for a way to burn off all those Apfelstrudel and Sachertorte slices you have been enjoying, here's a thought: Why not spend a day on the slopes at Stuhleck? This ski resort is just outside of the city and offers several snow and fun parks including ten lifts operate on a total of 24km downhill slopes. If you're more an aprés-ski kinda person, don't fret: There are several huts for lunch or afternoon breaks, too.
Take a hike at Raxalpe
How about checking out a part of the famous Alps while you're around? The Rax belongs to the northernmost part of the Kalkalpen and has plenty of different hikes to offer for everyone. The scenery is beautiful, the air is crisp and clear and if you're feeling a little lazy you can opt for the famous Rax cable car instead. Make sure you stop by picturesque Reichenau, a town which became a summer resort of the Viennese nobility in the 19th century.
