This Popular Fall Activity In Vienna Will Delight Outdoorsy Wine Enthusiasts

Every fall, Vienna invites locals and visitors alike to lace up their walking shoes and raise a glass during Weinwandertag, a wine hiking weekend that weaves through the vineyards surrounding the city. In about half an hour from the historic center, a ride on the Straßenbahn (tram) lands you among rolling hills, grapevines, and the scent of freshly baked Bretzeln (pretzels). It feels like you've been transported to the countryside, yet Vienna's skyline remains in view. While Austria offers several unforgettable hiking adventures, Weinwandertag gives locals and tourists alike the chance to explore Vienna's trails and embrace the sense of community tradition brings.

The city's wine culture has deep roots. In 1784, Emperor Josef II passed a law allowing anyone to sell wine from their own harvest, sparking a centuries-long love affair with Heuriger wine taverns. Weinwandertag celebrates this legacy, drawing thousands each September to sip, stroll, and soak up vineyard views. 

A few tips before you go: Entry is free, but like many Viennese locales, most taverns are cash only, so plan ahead. While you're there, don't miss sturm, a fizzy, sweet, and deceptively strong young wine available only in autumn. You can try this traditional wine in red, white, or rosé, but pace yourself — if you have all three, you're sure to wake up with a hangover! Non-drinkers and kids can enjoy Traubensaft, or fresh grape juice, while food lovers can expect hearty fare like sausages and cheese platters. It's the perfect combination of exercise, tradition, and indulgence, proving culture can be found beyond Vienna's top museums and classical music.

The most popular Weinwandertag route begins in Neustift am Walde, on this elegant city's leafy edge. From there, a well-marked 6-mile trail winds through the Vienna woods, weaving between vineyards and cozy taverns and finishing in Nussdorf by the Danube River. The event feels like more of a festival than a hike, with participants walking leisurely, lingering over glasses of Grüner Veltliner and plates of cured meats and bread while enjoying sweeping panoramas of the city below.

Expect rambunctious, friendly crowds as you walk through shaded forest paths until you arrive at the next Heuriger, where locals chat at long wooden tables, musicians play brass tunes, and children race between vines. The atmosphere is social and unhurried, with plenty of chances to stop and savor the view. The trail is hilly but manageable for casual walkers, though sturdy shoes are recommended.

While late September brings the buzz of the festival, the route remains scenic year-round. Autumn paints the vineyards gold and red, while spring offers fresh blossoms and quiet trails. Whether you join the official event or hike it on your own, the Neustift route captures the best of Vienna's countryside-meets-city magic and offers the most impressive views of the city.

Those looking to explore beyond the crowds have three alternate Weinwandertag routes to choose from, each with its own character. Strebersdorf to Stammersdorf in Vienna's 21st district of Floridsdorf, offers another 6-mile hike (this time on flat ground) on the city's northern edge. Beloved by locals for its relaxed vibe and authentic taverns, this route also has a treat for the little ones: the Magdalenenhof Children's Farm, where kids can enjoy a petting zoo — perfect for making the experience memorable for the whole family.

The Ottakring Trail is short and easy at just 1.5 miles, pairing views of Wilhelminenberg Palace (a 20th-century beauty featuring a hotel and restaurant) with a handful of welcoming Heurigen. For something different, the southern district of Mauer combines vineyard scenery with bold architecture over a 3 mile path. Here, the asymmetrical concrete blocks of the Wotruba Church provide a striking contrast to rolling hills and grapevines.

The event takes place September 27 and 28 in 2025. Can't make it? You can still enjoy the essence of Weinwandertag from spring through fall. Most taverns are open from May through November, and with trail apps like Komoot or AllTrails, it's easy to plan a DIY hike past open Heurigers. Without the festival signage or bustling crowds, the experience feels more local and intimate, yet no less magical. Whether you are sipping sturm on a crisp autumn afternoon or walking through blooming vineyards in spring, Vienna's wine trails deliver a timeless mix of nature, culture, and tradition, proving this elegant city has something for every traveler.