10 Best Road Trips Near Vienna

The Wachau Valley is a spectacular expanse of rolling hills and forest surrounding the magnificent Danube River. Stretching between the towns of Melk and Krems, the 40-km-long valley is dotted with medieval buildings, monasteries, castles, and villages.

In the summer months, the vine-cloaked hills allow for some wonderful hiking opportunities, while an afternoon cruise on the Danube is an excellent choice when searching for relaxation. A prominent landmark is the Melk Abbey, a Baroque abbey church with a museum displaying fine art. The Wachau Valley is an ever-popular road trip destination as it’s only an hour’s drive from Vienna.

Seegrotte is a large cave system with the largest underground lake in Europe. The lake has surprising origins, bursting (quite literally) into life in 1912 when the site's former gypsum mines were accidentally flooded by 20 million liters of water. The newly formed grotto lake became a tourist attraction in 1930 and has been a popular destination for Vienna day-trippers ever since.

Featuring a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels and secret passages, Seegrotte makes for a fascinating sight. Joining an underground boat ride on the lake is something you'll have in memory for quite some time.

Klosterneuburg Abbey is a fascinating landmark perched high above the Danube in Vienna's northern outskirts. Founded in the 12^th century, the site has been a religious and cultural center for hundreds of years. The abbey features a Romanesque church with striking baroque features, dazzling frescoes in the Marble Hall, and the renowned enameled panels of the Verduner Alter.

The huge abbey also features 2 eye-catching copper domes, with several buildings added to the original structure in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. As well as architectural wonders, Klosterneuburg Abbey is home to the oldest wine-growing estate in Austria, so expect to return from your visit stocked with award-winning rieslings or reds.

The Vienna Woods is a picturesque forest known for its rolling vineyards, quaint villages, and idyllic walking routes. Located around 40 km from Vienna, the area is a hugely popular road trip destination. The Danube runs through the woods, making it a great place for a spot of kayaking or riverbank strolling. The area is home to some world-class wineries, and it's possible to book wine-tasting tours to learn more about the fascinating production process.

The Vienna Woods were once the favorite hunting grounds of Viennese royalty. The former hunting lodge at Mayerling is a great place to begin a leisurely stroll through the historic forest. The stunning Lichtenstein Castle is well worth a visit, as is the Kahlenberg mountain, with its splendid views across the Danube.

Semmering is a pretty town in the Austrian Alps, less than 2 hours from Vienna by road. Known for picturesque views and world-class ski slopes, this charming town is a favorite weekend getaway for locals all year round.

However, it's in the wintertime that Semmering really comes to life, thanks in no small part to its powdery slopes and excellent-quality skiing. The area is a regular host of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, boasting 14 km of slopes at Zauberberg and a massive 26 km at nearby Stuhleck. Both resorts also open later than many nearby spots. Their 8.30 pm closing time allows for amazing night-time ski opportunities.

Carnuntum is a historic attraction built on the site of a once-thriving Roman city of the same name. Located around 40 minutes from Vienna by road, the ancient city was home to around 50,000 inhabitants in its 1st-century heyday and would have dwarfed the modern capital back then.

Today, ancient ruins are spread across rolling fields and grassland, one of which is the fascinating Archeological Park Carnuntum. Visitors have a chance to get up-close and personal with bygone Roman living. Here, history buffs can explore a faithful reconstruction of some of the city's most important buildings, including Roman baths, a citizen's house, a mansion, and a gladiator school's practice arena.

Grinzing is an idyllic district on the outskirts of Vienna that's known for its charming houses, winding streets and stunning scenery. Situated at the base of rolling hills on Vienna's northern perimeter, the area feels more like a standalone village than part of a capital city.

Grinzing is the hub of Vienna's wine-making industry, making it a great place to sample some local wines. The surrounding vineyards are undoubtedly among the biggest attractions for visitors. Traditional houses and narrow streets provide a great backdrop for some wonderfully memorable explorations. Many heuriger (local taverns) offer outdoor seating in the summer months, allowing for alfresco and scenic wine testing sessions.

Eisenstadt is a picture-perfect city south of Vienna that was once the home of one of Austria's most famous composers. Known as the “Father of The Symphony”, Joseph Haydn lived in the city for many years. His former home operates as a museum celebrating his remarkable life. Another tribute to Haydn – and a great place to catch a classical performance – is the Haydnsaal concert hall, with its opulent frescoes and Baroque features.

Elsewhere in the city, the Esterházy Palace is an unmissable landmark, thanks to its beautifully landscaped gardens and collection of royal treasures.

The Melk Abbey is a hilltop complex known for its lavish Baroque monastery church and impressive library building. Though the site was culturally important to the Romans, it was the Babenbergs who built the first castle here. In 1089, the building was donated to Benedictine monks, who then converted it into a fortified abbey.

With its imposing spires and octagonal dome, the monastery church is perhaps the town’s standout attraction. The church interior has to be seen to be believed, with endless cherubs, baroque frescos, and shiny faux marble competing for attention. Elsewhere, the painted tier ceilings of the library and marble hall are worth exploring. Be sure to look out for temporary exhibitions in the north bastion.

Neusiedler See is a scenic lake that's hugely popular with Viennese day-trippers. Covering a massive 315 sq km, this is Central Europe's largest endorheic lake – stretching across the Austrian border into Hungary. The surrounding area is an excellent destination for lovers of the great outdoors, thanks to its jaw-dropping scenery and abundant wildlife.

The lake attracts visitors all year round, with each season offering different sights and activities. You can witness the colorful spring blossom, while summertime allows for some serious sun-worshipping. Autumn is the time for annual wine festivals to burst into life. Come wintertime, the frozen lake transforms into a natural ice rink.