The Best Day Trips From Vienna: Wachau, Burgenland & more

At Venture Vienna what we like to do the most is thinking about and developing unique day trips from Vienna to the most interesting surrounding regions. We know this part of the world very well, and exploring these off-the-beaten-track areas is what we like to do in our free time! There are so many gorgeous (and massively underrated) places to visit near Vienna which do not require a 3 hour minivan journey (yes Halstatt, Salzburg and Prague, I’m talking about you!). It just takes a little creativity and an innovation on our part to reach and enjoy them. As a result, we have developed unique itineraries to the Wachau Valley, Burgenland’s Neusiedlersee Lake, the romantic hilltop town of Mikulov in the Czech Republic, and the Vienna Woods just south of the Austrian capital. Most of these places are UNESCO World Heritage sites too! The focus of our day trips from Vienna is being active in nature, enjoying the landscapes, the local food and drinks, and to experience the essence of these hidden gems. We lift the lid on these ‘secret’ locales and show you something you cannot find elsewhere. We’re flexible and we can adapt any of our day trip itineraries to better suit you and your group too, so we look forward to working with you to create some lasting memories of your time in this part of the world…

our day trips from Vienna

Wachau Valley, Lower Austria

The Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located between Melk and Krems along the Danube River in Austria. For 33 kms, its dramatic cliffs and steeply terraced vineyards create a stunning backdrop for our adventure. Wander through charming medieval towns like Dürnstein, known for its blue church tower, historic cobblestone streets and the famous Dürnstein castle where Richard the Liuonheart was notoriously imprisoned on his return from the crusades; visit Melk Abbey, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture perched high above the river, or discover Spitz an der Donau, a typical Wachau wine village close to many wonderful hiking and biking trails. Foodies can sample the region’s apricot delicacies, its world renowned wines, and fresh river fish too. Medieval history, world-class wines, and incredibly beautiful landscapes – the Wachau has it all, so whether cycling, visiting local wineries, or exploring its medieval castles with us, the Wachau offers a great balance between natural beauty and cultural heritage that you’ll fall in love with. Just one hour west from Vienna, the Wachau Valley is east to reach via train at either Melk or Krems. Of all the possible day trips from Vienna that you should consider, make it this one!

MIKULOV, Moravia

Hidden behind the Soviet Iron Curtain, this romantic hilltop enclave was kept from the attention of many international tourists for decades. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Czech Republic’s South Moravian region, the charming town of Mikulov is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its rich history dating back to the 13th century, Mikulov boasts a captivating blend of architectural wonders, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Explore the iconic Mikulov Castle, a majestic Renaissance fortress towering over the town, offering panoramic views of the picturesque surroundings. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where pastel-colored buildings adorned with intricate facades transport you back in time. Wine enthusiasts will delight in the renowned vineyards dotting the countryside, producing exquisite Moravian wines ripe for tasting. Uncover the town’s Jewish heritage at the Jewish Quarter, home to the impressive Baroque synagogue and ancient cemetery. Whether strolling through vineyards, admiring historical landmarks, or indulging in local cuisine, Mikulov promises an unforgettable journey steeped in culture and charm. Mikulov is considerably easier to visit from Vienna than Prague, so if you’d like to visit then get in touch and we’ll work with you to make it happen!

lake neusiedlersee, Burgenland

Situated on the border between Austria and Hungary, Lake Neusiedlersee is a natural wonderland brimming with ecological diversity, cultural richness and big horizons! As one of the largest steppe lakes in Central Europe, it offers a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore the serene waters by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, taking in panoramic views of the local landscape and the surrounding vineyards. Discover the unique Pannonian flora and fauna thriving in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including rare bird species and endemic plants. Embark on cycling or hiking adventures along the scenic trails that meander through vineyards, charming villages, and lush wetlands. Burgenland is also known as producing some of the best Austrian cuisine, so immerse yourself in the best this region has to offer by visiting picturesque wine villages, where you can sample award-winning wines and savor authentic Pannonian cuisine. Lake Neusiedlersee is where nature, history, and gastronomy converge, and we showcase all of this to you on our sunset bike and wine tour. Indeed, in summertime Lake Neusiedl makes for the perfect day trip destination from Vienna, as Burgenland has the sunniest and warmest climate in Austria and is easily reachable in around one hour, which makes cycling or hiking through its pretty vineyards in early evening as the sun is setting, not only possible, but a real joy.

the vienna woods & semmering, lower austria

Embark on a journey through the idyllic landscapes of the Vienna Woods and Semmering, where nature’s beauty meets alpine charm. Easily accessible from Vienna by train, the Vienna Woods (otherwise known as the foothills to the alps) beckon with their lush forests, rolling hills, and hidden valleys. Explore the picturesque Thermal Region, with its spa towns, vineyard landscapes and forested trails, or the enchanting Wienerwald Biosphere Reserve, a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts, offering an array of scenic trails and panoramic viewpoints. Continue further to Semmering, a picturesque mountain resort renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and skiing. Summer invites outdoor enthusiasts to hike the route of the iconic Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its engineering marvels and breathtaking viaducts cutting through the rugged terrain. Whether seeking to reconnect to nature or a gastronomic adventure from the heart of Austria, the Vienna Woods and Semmering offer an easily accessible glimpse into Austria’s stunning alpine playground.

More reasons to book your day trips from Vienna with us...

Personal attention from native english speaking guides

We want you to feel special on all of our day trips from Vienna. We achieve this by cultivating a relaxed, yet professional approach as we do our utmost to show a side of these places to you that you simply cannot find elsewhere. Obviously, we think the locations we've chosen to bring you to are very special places, where nature thrives and man's ingenuity is on full show, so we look forward to meeting you and sharing these places with you.

Off-the-beaten-track day trips from Vienna

Many of these regions often aren’t the easiest places to get to without a car. We've spent a long time researching and developing the most innovative and unique ways to showcase these harder-to-reach places to you, in as sustainable and planet friendly way as possible. Other companies use the phrase 'off-the-beaten-track' but here at Venture Vienna we're experts at solving logistical problems and getting you to wherever you want to go!

Green travel and being active in nature

The Austrian public transport system is truly world class. For us not to make the most of this would be crazy, especially since it is the often the only way to connect our guests to some of these more remote hidden gems. In most cases there is simply no need to hire a minivan or private car, especially as we can also make use of our own mobility via pedaling, paddling or just good old fashioned walking!

booking your day trips from Vienna with us...

All of our tours and day trips from Vienna are adaptable to suit the needs of you and your group, so please get in touch with us at any time with a destination or activity in mind, and we’ll work with you to make the magic happen!