Are you looking for some exciting day trips from Vienna? Excellent! You have arrived at the right place. This guide will show you several beautiful places you can reach in 1 – 3 hours.
Vienna is a beautiful city full of palaces, pedestrian streets, and music in every corner. If you have spent 1, 2 or 3 days in the city and have some additional time, I can understand your desire of seeing a little bit more of the surrounding area.
In terms of Vienna day trips, there is a wide range of options. The most complicated thing is deciding where to go.
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Table of Contents
Day Trips from Vienna
Before moving on, I want us to be on the same page. In this guide, I am covering day trips to destinations that can be reached from Vienna in 1 to 3 hours. Also, I am highlighting sites with major appeal since I want to give you a “wow” factor. There are way more interesting places located close to Vienna but a visit to them is more suitable if you are spending an extended period of time in the city.
Well, seems like we have discussed what needed to be discussed. Let dive straight into the best day trips from Vienna!
Wachau Valley
In my opinion, the best day trip from Vienna is the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. This 25 miles (40 km) stretch of the Danube is as pretty as river valleys come.
For some inexplicable reason, this area is not very well known. A lot of people have no idea it exists and, as a consequence, do not have an interest in planning a day trip when in Vienna (big, big mistake!)
Well, if you haven’t heard of the place, you have now! Believe me, you want to visit this area full of red-roofed towns, castles, vineyards and stunning abbeys.
The Wachau Valley goes from Krems to Melk. The town of Krems is located about 40 miles (70 km) from Vienna. There are at least two ways to plan your day trip:
- Take the train to Krems, check out the town, take a bus to the town of Durnstein, check out the town, take a boat ride to Melk, tour the abbey, check out the town and take the train back to Vienna
- Or, take the train to Melk and do the abbey first thing in the day, take the boat to Spitz or Durnstein and continue moving by bus or train. Return to Vienna in the evening
- Whatever you do, do not miss the boat ride!
- The boats are quite nice. You can sit in the open-air area and admire the great vistas while enjoying your favorite drink. Check times and fares here or here.
- If you choose to book a tour for this day trip, I would recommend a company that works with small groups
Here is a short description of the main towns located in the Wachau Valley:
Krems
With about 24,000 residents, Krems is the biggest town in the Wachau Valley. The oldest part of town used to be surrounded by a defensive wall. Nowadays, Krems is famous for its 15th-century gate, Steiner Tor. The gate was restored to its former glory in 2005 to celebrate the 1,000-year anniversary of the city.
While in Krems, you can walk the old streets, buy pastries at a local bakery, indulge in a glass of wine produced in the area and try the famous peach liqueur.
Durnstein
Durnstein is notorious for two things, its blue church, which can be toured for a small fee, and its castle ruins. The visit to the castle is free but get prepared since it is a steep ride to the top. Once on the castle grounds, get prepared for gorgeous views of the Danube and nearby towns. King William Lionheart was a castle prisoner in 1192 during the third crusade.
Spitz
Spitz is very small and it appeals to those who enjoy outdoor (walking, hiking, biking) or gastronomic (fine dining, wine tasting) activities. The Hinterhaus Castle is located in the south part of town. In addition, it is a popular place to take the boat to Melk.
Boat Ride
A visit to the Wachau Valley is better savored from the water. A 1.5 to 2 hours ride will pass by the famous Agsstein Ruin and Schönbühel Castle.
You will see multiple resort towns and market towns too.
Melk
Melk Abbey is one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque ensembles. The Abbey was constructed over a rock overlooking the Danube.
A visit of the monastery includes the Imperial Staircase, the Imperial Corridor, the abbey museum, the Marble Hall, the balcony, the library and the abbey church as well as the abbey park with its Baroque pavilion and many other accents, the Northern Bastion with the Wachau Lab and a panoramic terrace, the mineral collection, and special exhibitions.
Visits to the Abbey are only possible with a guided tour. Check out times before stopping by (especially if you speak a language different from English).
During your visit, you can check out the Abbey grounds and the town of Melk.
Read more about the Wachau Valley on my post summarizing my visit.
Gottweig Abbey
Another day trip option consists of visiting the town of Krems and the Gottweig Abbey.
Göttweig Abbey is a baroque Benedictine monastery and often referred to as Austria’s Monte Cassino because of its fantastic location. Austria’s Monte Cassino watches over the southern entry to the Wachau south of Krems like a sacred fortress.
Göttweig Abbey was founded in 1083 as a proprietary monastery and became a Benedictine monastery in 1094. It was newly built in its current Baroque form in the early 18th c according to plans by J.-L. von Hildebrandt.
The Abbey is part of the Wachau Valley UNESCO inscription. Guided tours are offered daily. To reach the place from Vienna, it is easier to take the train to Krems (hourly trains depart from Vienna’s main station) and then, take the bus to the Abbey.
Photo by arcomonte26
Klosterneuburg Abbey
Seems like people living close to the Austrian capital had an affinity for abbeys. Well, we cannot blame them. The landscapes surrounding Vienna have a big spiritual touch.
This abbey is special since it was founded in 1114 by Saint Leopold III, the patron saint of Austria. The abbey church dates to the foundation years but the rest of the structure was constructed between 1730 and 1834.
The abbey has a 36-meter deep wine cellar and offers wine tasting to visitors. The Abbey can be easily reached from the center of Vienna using a combination of trains (U4, Heiligenstadt stop) and buses (238 or 239).
Bratislava
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia. The city is one of the four European capitals cut by the legendary Danube River. In addition, the city occupies the left bank of the Morava River.
The city has been affiliated to the Kingdom of Hungary, the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechoslovakia, and other entities. Slovakia became an independent country in 1993.
Since the city was under Habsburg rule for centuries, the architecture is similar to other cities you will find in Central and Eastern Europe. However, there is a certain quirkiness and uniqueness that distinguishes Bratislava. I found the city regal and fun at the same time.
Bratislava is another great day trip from Vienna. Hey, you got to visit an entirely different country from a city you are staying on!
The train connecting Vienna and Bratislava takes about an hour to travel the distance between the cities. You do not need to make reservations since multiple trains depart Vienna’s Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof) every day.
From Bratislava’s Main Train station, you will need to take a bus to Old Town. Make sure you have coins in order to buy tickets at the machines. I recommend stopping by the tourist information center at the train station (second floor). They can provide a free map and specific instructions on how to move around the city.
My post about 14 things to do in Bratislava gives you plenty of ideas to spend a day in the city.
Vienna Woods, Modling and Liechtenstein Castle
The Vienna Woods is a large belt of woodland full of historical towns, vineyards, hiking trails, spas, and castles. Because of its proximity to the city, it is a favorite weekend destination for Vienna residents.
You can spend half or the entire day in the Woods visiting towns such as Perchtoldsdorf, Modling, Baden, Gabltz, Stammersdorf, and Purkersdorf.
The Liechtenstein Castle and the Seegrotte, an underground lake, can be accessed from the town of Modling. This area is best seen by rental car or private tour.
Photo by Bwag
Salzburg
Salzburg can be reached from Vienna by train in less than 3 hours. If you have a desire to visit this beautiful city located at the foot of the Alps, you can have the experience but it will require a very early departure in order to maximize the day.
Salzburg’s train station is located within walking distance of the train station. Pick up a map from the tourist center before moving on. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the Center.
A day is enough to visit Schloss Mirabell and Gardens (of The Sound of Music fame), the Cathedral, St. Peter’s Abbey, the Mozart House, and the Hohensalzburg Castle. Do not miss the castle! Everything about it is incredible.
You should have some time to walk the narrow streets of Old Town, take the views from the river and eat Salzburger Nockerl (a meringue dessert).
Budapest
Budapest is located about 160 miles (250 km) from Vienna. A fast train will travel that distance in 2.5 to 3 hours. That means it is possible to visit Budapest from Vienna as a day trip if you get an early (very early) start. I will recommend spending more than one day in each city but, I know time may be limited.
The train stations in both cities are not a stone throw from the centers or main attractions. You have to factor the time it takes to travel from say your hotel to Vienna’s train station and then from Budapest’s train station to the Center.
Once in Budapest, start by visiting the sights on the Buda side (Castle, Church, Fisherman’s Bastion). Then, cross the Chain Bridge and visit the most notorious sites on the Pest side (Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Inner City and Vaci Street). Visit one of the cafes and try to fit a boat ride along the river. Those sites should keep you busy for the entire day.
For more ideas on what to see and do in Budapest, check out my post full of ideas.
Sightseeing Gear
Get ready for a day of sightseeing by bringing the right gear. Here is a list of the items I pack to explore cities and towns in California.
- Walking Shoes – Comfortable walking shoes are a must. I recommend investing in a good pair. My go-to brands are Clarks, Tevas, and Sketchers.
- Anti-Theft Bag – Keep your belongings safe by keeping them in an anti-theft bag. The ones manufactured by Travelon have a 5-points security system including an RFID blocking pocket. >>Check out their crossbody bag here If you prefer a backpack, this one is a good option
- Sweatshirt – A sweatshirt is a must to keep me warm during chilly mornings and nights. >Click to see this California appropriate option here
- Sun Block – Do not leave the house (or the car) without applying sunblock. I repeat, always wear sunblock when outdoors. >Buy sunblock here
- Lip Balm with Sunscreen – Protect your lips by applying a balm with sunscreen. >Get one of the best lip balms here
- Wide Brim Hat – A wide brim hat is a great way to protect your scalp, face, and neck. The ones manufactured by FURTALK come with an anti-UV function. >Buy this amazing hat here
- Hand Sanitizer – Do not forget to pack hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
- Sunglasses – These are another must when it comes to protecting from the sun. A polarized, sporty pair works better outdoors. >Take a look at this wonderful pair
- Water Bottle – Do not forget to bring water! Keep yours cold by taking a beautiful Hydro Flask water bottle. >Check out the insane options here
- THERMOS Tumblers – I have been a fan of the THERMOS brand since I received a tumbler as a gift. The tumblers keep drinks hot for hours. >>Buy THERMOS insulated tumblers here
- Camera – I have never gotten used to taking pictures exclusively with my phone. I prefer to use the Sony Alpha a6000. It is compact and takes gorgeous pictures. >Buy Sony Camera here
- Tripod – A compact tripod to take your photos and videos to a different level. >>Check out this popular option here
- Portable Power Bank – It is a pain to keep phones charged on trips (more if you are taking pictures, posting on social media, and navigating). Having a power bank is a lifesaver. The Anker portable charger can charge a phone 5 times. >Buy this incredible power bank here
More of Vienna
- Even if you are short on time, you can enjoy the best of Vienna in one day
- If you have more than one day in the city, I encourage you to read my post on what to do in Vienna in 1, 2 or 3 days
- Schonbrunn– Habsburg’s Winter Palace
- Naschmarkt – Vienna’s Largest Outdoor Market
- Hundertwasserhaus – one of the unique places in Vienna
What day trips from Vienna would you like to do? Do you have different recommendations?
Please, if you enjoyed this article, remember to share!
Ready to pin? Let’s do this!
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Lorelle says
Love your pics Ruth. Those Abbeys are just gorgeous! 🙂
jill says
This is quite the comprehensive list – I don’t know which one I would choose – they all look interesting. I guess I’ve not been to Salzburg so that might be my pick but I do enjoy small, quirky towns so I may lean that way. Beautiful photos!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
These are such great options for day trips from Vienna. I am hoping to visit Vienna and Budapest this year and would definitely do these day trips. Slovakia would be my best choice to make it a three county trip. Love the photos here to really inspire some wanderlust.
Deeptha says
Wow, Ruth! That is a very interesting and comprehensive list. The UNESCO-World-heritage site of Wachau Valley seems to be very popular as I recently read about it on a couple of other blogs. I think I will have to plan a visit to Austria again. There is so much that we have not seen. #FarawayFiles
California Globetrotter says
Would love to explore more of the Wachau Valley! I’ll be writing about Melk Abbey soon, but quite sad that when we went, they wouldn’t allow photos! I snuck one though! I’ve heard of Durstein, but some of the other towns you mentioned are cute and appeal to me! Thanks for introducing me! Happy New Year! #FarawayFiles
Jesh StG says
A very happy New Year to you Ruth and to your hubby! Vienna – a city like Paris -so many many things to see, but a little expensive:) Hope you’ll start up with your meme/challenge soon – I miss it:) Hope this year is easier and more peaceful for you than 2017!
Rhonda Albom says
You’ve shown some wonderful day trips from Vienna. I love the baroque interior of the Melk Church. Your post reminds me just how close all these great areas and cities are to each other in Europe.
Katy says
It’s not until you’re away from it that you realise just how compact Europe is. Love all these day trip ideas from Vienna but I think I would like to check out cute little Durnstein the most. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles Ruth
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
You’ve come up with some wonderful day trip ideas, Ruth. I’ve been to Vienna but would love to explore more of Austria. The pretty towns of the Wachau Valley really appeal to me as destinations. #FarawayFiles
Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World says
The hills are alive! With amazing Austrian day trip options! Look how cute those little villages are. I’m a sucker for an adorable town on the water. Thanks for sharing your always informative post with #FarawayFiles, Happy new Year from Copenhagen!
Neha Sharma says
Love the detailed information you’ve shared. Love the pictures even more!
Nicky says
So much great info, and your pictures are stunning! I regret not visiting Vienna for the day now when we were in Budapest, the architecture seems quite similar. Those Hapsburg certainly knew how to build!
Allison says
I’ve been to both Vienna and Salzburg but didn’t have a lot of time to get out of either cities. Apparently I need to make a return trip to explore the Wachau Valley. #FlyAwayFriday
Esther says
These look amazing!! Husband and I visited Bratislava for 2 days after we went to Vienna, I thought that was the perfect combo!
#FlyAwayFriday
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
We visited Vienna last year for the first time – such a beautiful city with so much to do! We haven’t done any of these day trips but almost all of them sound wonderful. Makes me excited to return to Austria!
Caity says
Your pictures are beautiful as always! I absolutely loved Vienna and would LOVE to see more of Austria. I didn’t realize that Vienna is so close to Bratislava, either. How cool! More places to add to the list. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Anisa says
I still need to go to Vienna so pinning this for future reference. I really want to go to Salzburg when I am there and maybe I can fit in another day trip. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Anda says
You make me very jealous, Ruth! You always visit these exciting places that I’d love to visit too. I’m planning to go to Salzburg and Vienna this year, so hopefully I’ll get to see Wachau Valley as well. This place reminds me a lot about the Elbe Valley, in Germany. #TheWeeklyPostcard
budget jan says
So many choices in this post. I would love to do a river trip and visit Bratislava from Vienna.
Anthony Braybrooke says
Great blog and selection of day trips for Vienna. I personally did things the other way round – Vienna was the day trip, coming from Bratislava. I think a day (perhaps 2) in Vienna is enough for me, but I do want to go back – maybe these day trips are the answer!
Sandra says
I love Austria! Although we’ve been to many places you wrote about there are a few we must see, like the abbys. That’s on our list now.
Katherine says
Awesome post! I’ve been to Krems and Durnstein, aren’t they so very iconic? I could scroll through pictures of those towns for ages and never get bored! We did a cycle tour down the Danube River and at one of our stops we hopped onto a boat to see things from the water. It was amazing! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Faith Coates says
Vienna has been on my list to see for many years and this year I have already booked my trip. I am hoping a weekend will be enough but after reading your post I don’t think so…lol..but this is really helpful for me to pick out my favourite places to visit #flyawayfriday
Kat says
Your pics are absolutely amazing! I have heard of Wachau Valley and it’s very surprising to learn that not many people know much about this place. At one time, I was planning a trip to Austria and was googling on daytrips but never knew that I could go Bratislava within a day! That’s cool 🙂 Something to consider next time. #FarawayFiles
Shona says
Fantastic info Ruth. Wachau Valley is beautiful. I’ve pinned for later and will definitely remember to do the boat! 🙂
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
We are dying to visit those Abbeys! You’ve really got our daydreams going with the day trips, and we’d like to take all of them. But those Abbeys are just amazing. Not sure when we’ll get a chance to go, but we’ve Pinned this for then. 🙂 Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Alexey says
I’m visiting Vienna in May and this post has made me very excited! Hope I’ll have a chance to try some ot this destinations, coz photos are stunning.
Janine says
What great day trips! I did a trip to Salzburg to do the Sound of Music tour and it was one of the best train trips I have taken to date! I need to come back and explore Austria more! Hope to see you at Fly Away Friday next friday!
Kana says
We’re off to Vienna in 2019 and I can’t wait! You’re definitely making me excited with all the gorgeous photos! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday; hope to see you again this weekend! xo
David | Travelsewhere says
Great list Ruth, I’ve visited most of these now but still find places I’ve missed. I’ve yet to see Spitz or Gottweig but want to go to both. Oh and the Vienna woods too! I’d add Brno to your list, its closer than Salzburg and quite interesting to see a different side to Czechia.
Odette says
I’ve been to Salzburg and Budapest but I had no clue there was so much more to do in the area. It all just looks so beautiful. Austria and Vienna’s surroundings are just stunning!
Caroline says
I didn’t realize there were so many options for day trips from Vienna! These all look like beautiful towns and great options, so hard to choose haha. I’m dying to get over to Vienna sometime so I’m gonna have to save this post for when I go!
Paola says
Really enjoyed reading your tips and now I think I need to visit Vienna again! ? Loved reading about the nearby sights but also the nearby cities. Nevwr been to Bratislava so this might be an idea! ???
Sarah Shumate says
This is such a great post! I’m saving for the next time we’re in Austria! 🙂
Of the towns on your list, I’ve only visited Melk, but we passed by several of the others in the Wachau Valley as we made our way down the Danube. I’d have loved to stop in every single one!
Carmelatte says
Great post and some really really inspiring ideas for a day trip from Vienna
Jacqueline says
These are all amazing places to visit! I have been to Vienna, but to none of the places around! Will keep this for my next trip and will make sure to check some of these beautiful places out! Thanks for sharing!
Laura says
Great post! I haven’t visited Vienna yet so I’ll put these on my list too! 😀 x
Portia Jones says
Wow, that’s a super comprehensive post! I haven’t been to Austria for a few years but I would definitely love to visit some of these places. I really like the sound of Spitz!
Leigh says
European villages are just the cutest! After falling in love with Switzerland last year, I’m so torn on my next European destination…Austria is high on the list, especially after seeing all the great little side trips!
Megan Indoe says
I dream of going to each and every one of these places! Wow, and how amazing that they are all so close to Vienna. We could seriously just use that as a home base for a bit and make tons of small trips!
MG says
What great ideas for day trips from Vienna! I loved reading the Salzburg section – brought back so many memories from when I visited from Munich, Germany a few years ago!
Raksha Rao says
Thanks for this list. I am heading to Vienna in March and was looking for day trips from Vienna. So, this is perfect!
Liz says
It’s so nice to read your recommendations as a local. Great choices. And I have to admit, I have never been to Stift Goettweig and need to put it on my bucket list!
Rosie Kerrigan says
These are ALL so incredibly lovely!! I absolutely adore Melk, that would really be the first place to see on a day trip from Vienna! <3
Mary says
Hey! Nice post ❤️ Lots of ads but a really good read!
Isabelle says
Dying to see Vienna! I will keep this post in mind for when I finally do go. Do you have any recommendations for the mountains/swimming?
Kathi says
I’m from Vienna and I love the ideas in here! My partner and I are visiting Vienna in June – his first time in the summer – and I was thinking about what we could do outside of the city. A day trip to Wachau it is! I didn’t realise it would be so easy to do by public transport!