Where To Get The Best Views Of Vienna: A Local Guide!

The city of Vienna is nothing short of amazing, and with such a rich history and some of the most stunning architectural structures is Europe, it’s no wonder that millions of people flock here each year from around the world. The thing is though, most people only see the city from the ground – which is of course a fantastic way to see it – however, if you’re travelling all this way, shouldn’t you take the time to experience the city from all available angles?

Below I have put together a list of some of the best ways to experience Vienna from above; places where you will experience the most amazing views of the city that are on offer. The best part is, there is literally a place to suit every type of traveller, from the stock-standard popular tourist attractions that are easy to get to, right through to invigorating hiking trails and breathtaking outdoor experiences, there are even a few places listed that even many of the locals don’t really know about! I hope you are able to find the place which will maximise your experience of one of the greatest cities on the planet; Vienna.

DANUBE TOWER (DONAUTURM)

Come to the famous Danube Tower (Donauturm) of Vienna and experience what is arguably one of the best views of the city you will find. Set in the pristine and beautiful Donau Park, surrounded by lush green meadows and the amazing Danube River, the Danube Tower is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Take the express elevator up to the viewing deck, which sits a breathtaking 150-metres above the ground, and experience stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the city, as far as the eye can see – you just won’t find a view like this anywhere else in Vienna!

DAS LOFT BAR & RESTAURANT – SOFITEL HOTEL

Located on the 18th floor of the magnificent Sofitel Hotel in Vienna, the spectacular Das Loft Restaurant and Bar will literally take your breath away. Quite simply, there is no better place to check out the never-ending sprawl of Vienna, than from this fantastic central location! Relax with a cold beverage or an amazing meal, and enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the city and its surrounds. With views as far as the eye can see, you will be in awe of this truly beautiful city that is Vienna.

SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE GLORIETTE

Perched atop of Schönbrunn Hill in the centre of the magical and spectacular palace grounds, the commanding structure of the Gloriette stands watch, looking over the sprawling city of Vienna, as far as the eye can see. Originally built back in 1775, it is here where you will not only find one of the best views of Schönbrunn Palace, but also one of the best views of Vienna as a whole. It goes without saying, the Gloriette is a must-see for any visitor to the majestic Schönbrunn Palace Gardens!

HIRSCHGSTEMM – LAINZER TIERGARTEN

Located in the centre of the Lainzer Tiergarten, Hirschgstemm is the central lookout tower for the park, providing uninterrupted 360-degree views of Vienna, as well as the Viennese Woods (Wienerwald), as far as the eye can see! There are several entry doors to the Lainzer Tiergarten, which provide different access paths to the Hirschgstemm. Unfortunately though, the return walking distance from the main gate (Lainzer Tor) is about 10-kilometres. There are plenty of rest stops and benches along the way, as well as traditional Austrian huts serving hot food and cold drinks, so if you’re willing to make the effort, the view is one of the best in Vienna, and it is well worth the trip!

LEOPOLDSBERG

Leopoldsberg is arguably Vienna’s most famous hill, standing around 424-meters tall, overlooking the mighty Danube River which flows below at its base. This stunning location is well-known for its picturesque hiking trails through the Viennese Woods, as well as its unobstructed views of the city which are nothing short of breathtaking. Take the day to explore these pristine natural surrounds, then rest for a meal in one of the area’s traditional wine cellars and restaurants, called “Heurigen”. It’s a way of seeing Vienna that most people don’t get the opportunity to experience, and it should not be missed!

VIENNA WINE WALK (NUSSBERG)

The Vienna Wine Walk is one of the city’s most famous walking trails, located on the mountain of Nussberg, on the outskirts of town. Take the short tram ride to the village of Nussdorf, and begin the walk up the hill towards the local vineyards. The trail is a wonderfully tranquil experience, as you trek through the countless rows of the vineyards and gaze over the beautiful city of Vienna, with unobstructed views as far as the eye can see. There are several small wine taverns along the way, so you can take your time, and sit back and relax with a glass of the local produce as you take in the picturesque scenery which surrounds you.

GIANT FERRIS WHEEL OF VIENNA

The Giant Ferris Wheel of Vienna, or the Wiener Riesenrad to the locals, is one of the most iconic images of the city. Located in the Prater Amusement Park in Vienna’s 2nd District, tourists flock here from around the city to take a ride and experience the stunning views of the surrounding area, right through to the Danube River. Standing 65-metres tall, the Giant Ferris Wheel of Vienna has been one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions since it was erected in 1897, and it will continue to be so, long into the future.

SAINT STEPHAN’S CATHEDRAL – SOUTH TOWER

Centred smack-bang in the middle of Vienna’s Historic 1st District, you will find the world-famous Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, which draws people from all over the world to its doors. What most visitors are unaware of, however, is the South Tower, accessible only through a small door found at the rear of the cathedral, on the outside of the building. Climb 67-metres up through the tight and winding staircase, consisting of 343 stairs, and you will find yourself at the top of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral South Tower, with unobstructed views of the whole of Vienna. While the climb is demanding, the views are certainly worth the journey!

KAHLENBERG

Kahlenberg is a small hill on the outskirts of Vienna, which stands 484-metres tall and is located in the heart of the Viennese Woods. Make the journey to its peak by public bus, where you can experience fantastic unobstructed views of the city, take a short stroll through the many surrounding vineyards, or even hike some of the area’s most tranquil walking trails. There are also several authentic Austrian restaurants on offer, called “Heurigen,” so it’s very easy to make a full-day of it and experience Vienna in a way most tourists don’t get the opportunity too, away from the standard run-of-the-mill tourist trail!

AM HIMMEL

Am Himmel – roughly translated to “In The Sky” or “In Heaven” – is a stunning parkland set on the edge of Vienna where the city meets the magnificent Viennese Woods (Wienerwald). Am Himmel is a fantastic place to escape the city and spend a day relaxing in the natural beauty of the surrounding green forests and lush meadows, especially in the summer time when the sun is out! With amazing views over Vienna, and with many great hiking trails in the area, Am Himmel really is the perfect place to get away from the hustle-and-bustle or the regular Viennese tourist destinations.

HOTEL SCHLOSS WILHELMINENBERG RESTAURANT & CAFE

The fabulous Hotel Schloss Wilhelminenberg Restaurant & Café stands tall on the outskirts of Vienna, where the city meets the famous Viennese Woods (Wienerwald). Serving traditional Austrian cuisine from breakfast right through to dinner, come and experience a delicious meal on the terrace as you gaze over the surrounding vineyards, and take in one of the most breathtaking views of the city at the same time.