[get_post_primary_category]
A Weekend Trip to the Countryside Near Vienna
DAY 1
Daytime: Wachau Valley Wineries
Free wine tasting
The thing we found that was strange was that none of the wineries appeared open. However, when we happened to stumble across an employee, they were more than happy to do a full pour. And by full, I mean like 3-4 full glasses worth (can’t you tell from my face in the picture above?).
The best part? It was all free, other than us willingly buying a bottle or two at the end (and bottles are very reasonable, starting at around €8). The area is mainly known for Grüner Veltliner, a delicious white wine.
Wineries we visited: Rabl, Jurtschitsch, and Weszeli (our favorite).
Dinner: Local Heuriger
Outdoor tavern with wine and charcuterie
We wandered from our Airbnb over to the village of Stein an der Donau (walking distance but up a hill a bit) and stumbled upon a lovely little heuriger in a winery garden. Their bar was a giant wine barrel and the backdrop was a hillside vineyard.
We ordered a cheese plate and a meat plate along with a side of bread, and two glasses of wine. Total cost was less than €25.
Heuriger we visited: Heuriger am Rebentor Resch (location)
DAY 2
Daytime: Gorge Hike
3 hour hike with waterfalls, streams and lots of greenery
Inside the building, purchase a combo ticket for €5. It gets you into the nature park plus a ticket for the train ride back to Wienerbruck at the end of your hike.
There are a few different hike options, but the one we did that was absolutely beautiful was the hike to Erlaufklause. It takes about 3-3.5 hours and is mainly flat or downhill until the very last hour (then it is all uphill).
You should first follow signs to Ötschergräben. A little over halfway, you’ll come across Ötscherhias, a quaint food/drink cabin. You’ll pass the gorgeous Lassingfall waterfall along the way. From the food cabin, follow signs for Erlaufklause. Towards the end you’ll pass a dam and lake—the train back is just beyond there.
ps. There are two portapotties along the way. One outside a cool water power station/museum about an hour in, and one at Ötschergräben. Bring some change to donate for their use.
What we hiked: Here’s a full map of the hike
Dinner: Lurgbauer
Organic beef farmer in the forest
The farm and restaurant are family-owned and run, and all the beef on the menu comes from the herd you can see out across the field. Pricey, but beyond delicious. Also be warned—there is no English menu, so bring a dictionary or download a phone app to help you figure out what is what.
Tip: Book a few days in advance and ask to be in the room with the windows. Visit LurgBauer.at
Alternative Night Event
Concert on the Mountaintop
In the venue there’s a drink and food shack with little yummy snacks you can purchase, but we recommend eating your main meal before heading up.
Cost: €55 for reserved seats
DAY 3
Your own adventure will depend on your route!
We hope that our description of our weekend trip outside Vienna helps you on your travel adventure! We’d love to hear about your own experiences and recommendations in the comments below!