Guided Vienna Woods Wine Hike: Hiking & Tasting in the Thermal Region
A full-day immersive journey through historic forests & vineyards, with an intimate wine tasting & Q&A with a local producer
- Duration: 7-8 Hours (full-day)
- Price: From €139 per person
- Activity Level: Easy to Moderate (9km walk)
- Meeting Point: Wien Mitte Station (10 mins walk from center!)
- Wine Tasting: Private tasting & Q&A with local producer
The Hidden Vineyards of Gumpoldskirchen & the Thermal Region
Escape the city crowds and breathe the fresh air of the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods). While most tourists stay in the Grinzing district, we take you deeper into the Thermenregion (Thermal Region) of the Vienna Woods. This area has been a hub of wine making since the Romans arrived 2,000 years ago.
Our hike takes you through the rolling hills and vineyards of Baden bei Wien – the elegant spa town favoured by Beethoven, and Gumpoldskirchen – one of Austria’s oldest and most prestigious wine-growing villages. En-route we’ll even hike above the lush forest canopy to an elevated viewpoint with views across the Vienna Basin to three different countries!
This isn’t a bus tour where you look through a window. You will walk through rows of vines, touch the limestone soil, and learn exactly why this ‘terroir’ produces some of the most unique white wines in the world – the magnificent Zierfandler and Rotgipfler varieties – that grow nowhere else on Earth. It’s the perfect blend of active adventure and world-class wine appreciation.
Highlights & Inclusions
- Guided 9 km hike through forested trails and vineyards of the Vienna Woods
- Wonderful photo opportunities en route, encompassing expansive hilltop views, vineyards and picturesque spa/wine villages, and winery cellars
- Return train transportation from Vienna
- Native English-speaking guide and Austrian wine expert on-hand throughout
- Exclusive and extensive afternoon wine tasting and Q&A and winery visit, encompassing all indigenous and specialty wines unique to the Thermal Region
Seasonal Adaptability: A Tour for All Seasons
The tour meeting point is Vienna’s ‘Wien Mitte’ railway station (09:00 between Apr-Oct & 09:30 from Nov-Mar). Once we’ve met and introduced ourselves, we’ll board a train southwards (approx 30 minutes) to the heart of the Vienna Woods.
On the summer itinerary we begin our hike in the lovely spa town of Baden, once a favourite country retreat of Beethoven. We meander through the classic village center and its gorgeous parks before hiking along forest trails towards a magnificent elevated viewpoint which overlooks the Vienna basin & the Wienerwald in all directions. This spot alone is a photographer’s dream!
We then enter the vineyards, wandering through row upon row of lush green vines to the pretty village of Gumpoldskirchen.
On the winter itinerary (Nov-Mar), our train from Vienna brings us directly to the vineyards of the Thermal Region and to one of Austria’s oldest wine making institutions, steeped in middle-age tradition and history. Here we’ll discover how the monastic orders became wine pioneers, develop an understanding of what has shaped the Austrian wine landscape over time, and consider in what direction it may be moving forward…we’ll discuss this all during our first wine tasting of course!
After the morning activity, we’ll then go for lunch at a local ‘Heurige’ or wine tavern (lunch not included).
The highlight of the day is our visit to a local wine maker in Gumpoldskirchen to taste the full range of local varieties, including the region’s unique Zierfandler and Rotgipfler wines.
This is a wonderfully intimate, unhurried experience, with plenty of opportunities to discuss all aspects of viticulture. This is a rare opportunity for an audience with a wine maker to ask questions on anything from how wine is produced to gaining insight into the challenges facing vintners today.
The tour ends with a short train ride back to the city, giving you plenty time to relax before your evening activities.
Our Slow Wine Philosophy: Sustainable, Expert-Led Discovery
At Venture Vienna, we believe that the best way to experience Austria’s viticulture is through the lens of Slow Wine Tourism. As experts in the regional ‘terroir,’ our guides lead you beyond the commercial tasting rooms and into the heart of the Thermenregion, focusing on biodiversity and low-impact travel. By utilizing Vienna’s efficient rail network and our own two feet, we ensure your journey is carbon-neutral while supporting small-scale, family-run estates that have practiced sustainable farming for generations. We don’t just pour wine; we provide an expert-led education on the rare, indigenous grapes of Gumpoldskirchen, fostering a deep connection between the land, the maker, and the glass. This is high-impact storytelling with a low-impact footprint.
Vienna Woods Wine Tour - FAQ
How do we get from Vienna to the Vienna Woods?
We meet at Wien Mitte (Landstraße) and take a scenic 30-minute train ride south. This allows us to keep our tours eco-friendly and gives you a chance to see the Austrian countryside like a local.
How difficult is the Vienna Woods hike?
The hike is classified as Easy to Moderate. We walk on established forest trails and vineyard paths. You should be comfortable walking for about 2.5 to 3 hours with occasional inclines.
Do I need hiking boots for this tour?
Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers with good grip are sufficient. Professional hiking boots are not required, but we recommend avoiding flip-flops or high heels.
What makes Gumpoldskirchen wine special?
Gumpoldskirchen is world-famous for two indigenous grapes: Zierfandler and Rotgipfler. These varieties grow almost nowhere else on Earth. On our tour, you’ll have a private Q&A with a local producer to taste these rare gems.
Is lunch included in the tour price?
To allow you maximum flexibility, lunch is not included. However, we have a reserved table at a traditional Heuriger, where you can choose from a range of local Austrian delicacies (meat, vegetarian, and vegan options available).
What is a 'Heuriger' in Vienna?
A Heuriger is a traditional Austrian wine tavern where winemakers serve their new wine. It is a cornerstone of Viennese culture, known for its “Gemütlichkeit” (coziness) and rustic food. We will of course be visiting one of these for our lunch stop on this tour!
Need To Knows!
- You don't need to be a wine expert to enjoy this tour - it is super relaxed and for everyone!
- To wear: Summer - shorts/light trousers, t-shirt, hat, extra layers/light rain jacket, comfortable footwear (trainers or hiking shoes). Winter - check the weather forecast on the day of your tour and dress accordingly
- The summer hike is accessible for most people, with regular breaks built into the itinerary. However, please note that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues or those who are not able to walk for 2-3 hours
- To bring: Summer - rucksack with drinking water, hat & sun cream, cash, fully charged camera; Winter - camera, cash & possibly an umbrella if rain is forecast.
- This tour has a minimum number of participants to go ahead
- Minimum age is 18 years old on the day of tour
Vienna Woods Wine Tour Booking Calendars
Book either our small-group Vienna wine tour or a private experience using our booking calendars below. Tours start in the winter season (Nov – Mar) at 09:30, and in the summer season (Apr-Oct) at 09:00.
Small-group Tours
Private Vienna Woods Tours
Vienna Woods Tour Meeting Point
We meet outside the main entrance to Vienna’s ‘Wien Mitte’ train station, next to the digital clock and temperature gauge. The station is easy to reach on foot from practically anywhere in the city center, as it is centrally located. If you prefer to use other means of transport, then you can of course arrive via taxi or tram depending on where you are staying.
The easiest method is on the u-bahn (underground/metro). Just head to the u-bahn station ‘Landstraße’, which is on the U3 orange and the U4 green lines. Look for the ‘Landstraße Hauptstraße’ exits and you should then be at street level at the main entrance. We meet here at 09:00 in summer (Apr-Oct) and 09:30 in winter (Nov-Mar).
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