Due to its convenient geographical location, it is possible to take interesting day trips to scenic destinations from Vienna. Read more about the top 9 best day trips from Austria's capital city

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Vienna can be proud of its good geographical position - on the Danube, in the very heart of the EU, not far from the border with several European countries. That is why you can easily go on a fantastic one-day trip from the Austrian capital. Explore the outskirts of Vienna, learn more about the history of neighboring Austrian cities or go on a trip abroad.

Whether you drive your own car or use public transport, Vienna is a convenient base for traveling to nearby attractions. Magnificent ancient castles, fascinating lakes, wine villages and bustling cities. Our top picks for the best day trips from Vienna that you'll love next.

Vienna forest

The Vienna Woods is known for its wine gardens, vineyards, hiking trails and picturesque settlements. Previously, the hunting grounds of the Viennese royals were located here.

The Vienna Woods is home to many historic sites, including Mayerling's hunting lodge and Heiligenkreuz Abbey, one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in the world.

Take a leisurely stroll through the city center, sip world-class wines and kayak down the Danube.

- Distance from Vienna: the forest is located 50 kilometers from the center of Vienna. You can get there by train, bus or rented car.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a picturesque village that is one of the most famous places in Austria. The first thing you need to do in Hallstatt is take a walk along the embankment. You can also rent a water bike in the form of a swan or swim in the lake in good weather. Be sure to visit the world-famous “Beinhaus” church – a tiny chapel dating back to the 12th century and home to over 600 spectacularly painted skulls. Regardless of the season, there are always many tourists in Hallstatt, because this place is a real pearl of Austria.

- Distance from Vienna: Whether you choose to travel by public transport or drive, Hallstatt is easily accessible both ways. The journey takes about three hours by any type of transport.

Graz

The clock tower "Uhrturm" is the main attraction of the city and one of the most famous sights in Austria. It is located on a small hill, you can climb here by several hundred steep stairs or use a less tiring way: the cable car called "Schlossbergbahn".

Another important place in Graz is the museum of modern art "Kunsthaus", where various exhibitions of contemporary artists are held. Due to its strange appearance, local residents also call the museum "Welcome Stranger".

For lunch or a hot coffee, go to one of the many cafes near the city hall.

If you have time, take a walk in the beautiful park around “Schloss Eggenberg”.

Graz is the second largest city in Austria and the capital of Styria.

- Distance from Vienna: 2.5 hours by car. Travelers traveling by public transport can use direct trains and buses that run several times a day.

Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley is known for its wine, castles and beautiful towns. This is a fantastic place that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most picturesque towns in the valley are Dürnstein and Melk, boasting beautiful baroque architecture and nearby fortresses.

The valley is located on the banks of the Danube and is covered with terraced vineyards. Dry white wine is usually made here from Riesling and Grüner Veltliner grapes.

- Distance from Vienna: 1 hour by car. There are also direct trains from Vienna to Melk and Krems, and from there you can take a bus to smaller cities. However, traveling by car will give you more mobility, allowing you to stop at any village, castle or winery you choose.

Grinzing village

Grinzing is a picturesque rural Austrian village whose history dates back to 1114. However, the village was repeatedly destroyed by wars, the current buildings were created in the 19th century.

Grinzing is unusual in that local law allows people to buy tiny pieces of property where grapes can be grown. It is also famous for its many typical Austrian cafes (Heuriger) where you can taste the best delicacies in the region.

- Distance from Vienna: 30-40 minutes by car.

Lublyana

The capital of Slovenia is quite small in size, but this fact is what makes it so charming. The main attractions, such as the town hall or the famous triple bridge, are concentrated in the old town. Stop by several baroque churches and palaces to admire the works of the famous architect Plečnik.

You can enjoy stunning views of the city near the Ljubljana Castle on the hill. It can be reached by numerous paths or by using the funicular.

After the walk, try local cuisine in one of the excellent restaurants and end your visit with a walk in the green Tivoli Park.

- Distance from Vienna: 3.5 hours by car.

Lake Bled

You can also see one of the most famous lakes in Slovenia, Bled, during a one-day excursion from Vienna. It is a fabulous blue lake surrounded by mountains, the highlight of which is a tiny island with a shining white church in the middle of the lake.

Be sure to sail around the lake on a traditional Pletna boat, which is a bit like gondolas in Venice, but with a difference - they are powered by two oars instead of one. If you spend more than one day in Bled, be sure to visit the Vintgar Gorge.

- Distance from Vienna: about 4 hours by car.

Bratislava

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, is located close to the Austrian border. It is a great place for a day trip from Vienna. Most of the sights of the city are located a few minutes away from each other. The most picturesque part of Bratislava is the Old Town, and the main attraction of the capital is Michael's Gate - one of the four gates that remained here after the times when Bratislava was a fortified city. This bright yellow building also houses the city's oldest museum, the Bratislava City Museum. The observation tower offers a panoramic view of the city. The old Town Hall also deserves the attention of travelers.

- Distance from Vienna: the duration of the trip by car is about 1 hour. There is also a train to Bratislava from Vienna's main railway station. Total travel time is just over an hour.

Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. The city is rich in places of interest, but we advise you to visit the main ones in one day - Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellert Hill, Buda Fortress, Hungarian Parliament, Szechenyi Thermal Baths, St. Stephen's Basilica and the Chain Bridge.

One of the best ways to see all of Budapest's highlights is on a Danube cruise. It is worth noting that the city is equally fantastic both during the day and in the evening lights.

Finally, be sure to try the traditional Chimney Cake.

- Distance from Vienna: about 2.5 hours by car. It is also relatively easy to get to Budapest by public transport, there are many trains and buses from Vienna.

Best time to travel to Vienna

The best months to get to know Vienna and the places closest to it are from April to May and from September to October, because during these periods the weather is mild and there are few tourists. Most travelers come to Vienna in the summer to enjoy the warmth and sun.

Also, Vienna is simply one of the best destinations in Europe for tourists who want to visit Christmas markets.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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