If your visit to Vienna lasts long enough to tire of coffee and Sachertorte (is that even possible?), then you might want to escape on a day trip outside the city.
- See also: How far is Vienna from…
Day trip suggestions
Vienna is well connected. So even if you don’t want to hire a car*, then trains, buses and boats get you many places quickly and easily. This includes travel to other countries.
One of the joys of the city is its close proximity to Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Bratislava, for example, is just over an hour from Vienna. And even Prague and Budapest are doable on a day trip (at a pinch).
I’m working to bring you helpful articles on travelling to all these places and others more local. Here my tips so far:
The Alps
Austria is 99% mountains, 1% chocolate. Possibly.
The Alps stretch almost the entire length of the country, only petering out just before they reach Vienna. Which means the mountains aren’t that far away.
Vienna even has a “local” ski resort: Semmering is close enough to make a day’s skiing a reality, and you can still be back in time for dinner.
- More info: How to visit the Alps from Vienna
Salzburg
It takes just over 2 hours to reach Salzburg by train, with frequent departures from Vienna.
The Salzach river runs alongside the beautiful old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Wander down the famous Getriedegasse street among the historic buildings to find Mozart’s birthplace, for example.
- More info: How to visit Salzburg from Vienna
Roman Carnuntum
Remarkably, follow the Danube downriver out of Vienna for about 40km and you reach the location of a major Roman town and military base. This is where, for example, the 14th and 15th Legions kept the German tribes at bay (think Gladiator).
Carnuntum has various historical sites, including extensive reconstructions, a museum, and two amphitheatres. And, for some reason, an awful lot of ground squirrels.
- More info: Carnuntum Roman archeological park
Schloss Hof Palace and Gardens
Two Viennese palaces and a city palais were not enough for Prince Eugene of Savoy, a man whose wealth was not matched with modesty.
The baroque Schloss Hof estate might be considered his “little place in the country”. If by “little” you mean a huge palace with extensive gardens and grounds.
Fill a day trip with a palace to tour, gardens to admire, and a set of estate buildings full of surprises (wandering turkeys, Lipizzaner horses, and hidden rose gardens, to name but three).
More info: Schloss Hof