Surrounding the imperial city of Vienna lies a treasure trove of scenic nature reserves, idyllic walking trails, panoramic alpine viewpoints, historic towns, and diverse family-friendly attractions. Best of all, many of these outstanding destinations are easily reachable directly by public transit from the city, meaning there is no need to rent a car in order to enjoy an unforgettable day trip.
If you are looking to diversify the urban landscape and discover Austria’s picturesque countryside, you can choose from the many destinations we have gathered here. We have organized the recommended destinations by travel time from Vienna so you can effortlessly find the places that best fit your itinerary. Inside each linked guide, you will find simple, step-by-step public transit directions from Vienna.
If you prefer a more seamless and comfortable experience, you can join a guided day tour from Vienna to top regional highlights such as the Wachau Valley or the Vienna Alps. Read more about recommended guided day tours outside Vienna »
Looking for more inspiration in the Austrian capital?
Explore our comprehensive guide to the best activities and sights in Vienna or find the top places to stay in our curated guide to hotels in Vienna’s historic Old Town.
