Too hot at home? Go on a day trip to break the routine and perhaps find solace from the calmness of a lake, the tranquility of a forest, or the pace of town life.
Day trips, as defined, are short excursions or outings taken to visit a place or attraction that is relatively close to one’s home or current location. These trips are typically completed within a single day, allowing people to explore new destinations or points of interest without the need for overnight stays. Day trips are a popular way to break the routine, experience something different, and make the most of limited time or resources. They can be enjoyed alone, with family or friends, and often involve a variety of activities, such as sightseeing, hiking, visiting historical sites, enjoying nature, or participating in recreational activities and of course, trying local cuisine.
That said, Vienna is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and charming towns, making it an ideal starting point for day trips. Here are some of the best day trips from Vienna:
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Wachau ValleyTravel time : — Located along the Danube River, the Wachau Valley is known for its vineyards, medieval castles, and charming villages. Take a boat tour, visit the Melk Abbey, explore the town of Dürnstein, and enjoy the stunning scenery. |
: 1 hr 4 min and 
: 1 hr 50 min|
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SalzburgTravel time : — The birthplace of Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music,” Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical and cultural heritage. Explore the Mirabell garden, the historic old town, visit Mozart’s birthplace, the Hohenfortress and take a stroll along the Salzach River. Don’t forget to try the salzburger nockerl, a culinary specialty of the city. |
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Lake NeusiedlTravel time : — Located on the border between Austria and Hungary, Lake Neusiedl is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest steppe lake in Central Europe. Explore the picturesque villages, go cycling or sailing, and enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the area. |
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GrazTravel time : — Located in southeastern Austria, Graz is a vibrant city known for its well-preserved historic center and excellent cuisine. Visit the Schlossberg, explore the UNESCO-listed old town, and admire the unique architecture. |
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EisenstadtTravel time : — This small city is known for its connection to classical composer Joseph Haydn, who lived and worked here. Visit Esterházy Palace, where Haydn was employed, and explore the charming town center. |
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Semmering RailwayTravel time : — A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Semmering Railway is a historic mountain railway that offers stunning views of the Austrian Alps. It is touted as the the world’s first true mountain railway. Take a scenic train ride, hike in the surrounding area, and visit the charming town of Semmering, home to the ski resort called Zauberberg. |
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KlosterneuburgTravel time : — Located just outside of Vienna, Klosterneuburg is home to the magnificent Klosterneuburg Monastery. Explore the monastery complex, including the stunning St. Augustine’s Church, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. |
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LaxenburgTravel time : Laxenburg is a market town in the state of Lower Austria’s Mödling district. It is primarily known for the Laxenburg castles and like Schönbrunn, served as the most significant summer retreat of the Habsburgs. Laxenburg is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Vienna. |
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Bratislava, SlovakiaTravel time : — Just an hour away from Vienna by boat/ship or train, Bratislava offers a glimpse into Slovakian culture and history. Explore the historic old town, visit Bratislava Castle, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this charming city. |
These are just a few of the many day trips you can take from Vienna. Depending on your interests and the time you have available, there are plenty of other options to explore the beautiful countryside and neighboring countries. If driving is not your forte, you can also take a cruise ship that goes around the Danube and stops at many towns and cities. You can choose to stay at a particular town and wait for the ship’s return while you explore on foot, bus, or go to the end destination. Such cruises usually include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
There are also cruises going around Vienna via the Danube canal and the Danube river. We recommend taking the full-round cruise that will take you around Vienna and see the city from the water, the cruise takes about 3.5 hours.
