The Kahlenberg area doesn’t really feel like part of Vienna itself, which is why it’s considered one of the most popular places for day trips outside the bustling city. It looks very rural and is surrounded by green fields, tall trees, and many vineyards. You can reach the top of the mountain by public transport or by walking along a marked trail that partly goes through the Vienna Woods. At the top of the mountain, there are two observation decks from which you can gaze out over the entire city.
One observation point is near St. Joseph’s Church, and the second is at the restaurant on the mountaintop. On days with good visibility, the city view is absolutely breathtaking, and you can even see as far as the high Schneeberg mountain, located about 60 kilometers south of Vienna, or the Small Carpathian Mountains in southwestern Slovakia.
If you’re unsure how the city is divided into districts, you can read our article “Vienna for Beginners” with all the information on Vienna’s city districts.
Get a glimpse of the nature and landscapes around Kahlenberg
The History of Kahlenberg
The mountain was uninhabited until the 17th century when it was gifted to the monks of the Camaldolese order by Emperor Ferdinand II. The monks who settled on the mountain established a monastery and St. Joseph’s Church. Its original name was Sauberg or Schweinsberg (Pig Mountain) due to the many wild boars that roamed there. Only later, during the time of Emperor Leopold I, was its name changed to Kahlenberg.
One of the most significant events in Vienna’s history took place around the mountain in 1683. The Polish King Sobieski arrived via Kahlenberg with his army and fought the Turkish invaders who were besieging Vienna. Thanks to him, the city was saved and did not fall into Turkish hands (who knows what would have happened if he had failed).
Interesting to know: Albert Einstein met with several local mathematicians and physicists in Kahlenberg in 1920 to plan what eventually became the Bilateral Encyclopedia of Science.
Besides views and hiking trails, there are several attractions for children, such as an animal farm and a high ropes course. We’ve gathered all the information here about Kahlenberg and all the attractions and activities in its vicinity.
The Best Attractions in the Kahlenberg Area
- Observation Deck and Café
- Stefaniewarte Observation Tower
- St. Joseph’s Church
- ORF Broadcasting Tower
- Landgut Animal Farm
- Vienna High Ropes Course
1. The Observation Deck over Vienna and the Café
When you reach the parking lot at the top of the mountain (you can get there on foot or get off at the last bus stop), you can reach the observation deck with a short walk. Entry to the observation deck is free. Next to the observation deck, there’s a nice café. On beautiful days with clear skies, you’ll be treated to a wonderful view.
Café Address: Kahlenberg Café Restaurant Am Kahlenberg 2-3
2. Stefaniewarte Observation Tower
This place is a small, ancient observation tower at the top of the mountain. The tower is 22 meters high, and from it, you can see even more stunning views than from the observation deck at the top of the mountain. The tower was built in 1887 and named after the Belgian Princess Stéphanie. Near the tower, an ORF broadcasting station was built, which is why some people avoid going there due to increased radiation. If you still want to visit the observation tower, entry costs 50 cents for adults and is free for children. The tower is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot at the top of the mountain.
3. St. Joseph’s Church
Near the city’s observation deck, there is an ancient church, St. Joseph’s Church. The church was built in 1629 in the Baroque style. It’s a nice and beautiful building. On the exterior wall of the church, you can see a plaque commemorating the heroic operation of the King of Poland, who marched with his army through Kahlenberg to liberate Vienna from the Turks.
Address: Josefsdorf 38, 1190 Vienna
4. ORF Broadcasting Tower
The Stefaniewarte observation tower was previously used for broadcasting antennas, but in 1974, a 165-meter-high broadcasting tower was built to replace the old one. The tower is used for Austrian television and radio, but its transmission power is high and also reaches Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The tower has become one of Kahlenberg’s symbols. It is not recommended to stay in its vicinity for too long due to the radiation intensity.
5. Landgut Animal Farm
A small and especially fun farm for the little ones. The farm has a variety of animals you can pet and activities for children.
Opening Hours:
- November to February: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on other days.
- March to September: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- October:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Thursday to Sunday, holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fees:
- Adult: 5.40 Euro
- Child (3-15): 4.40 Euro
- Family ticket (parents and their children): 17.50 Euro
Email for Contact: office@landgutcobenzl.at
Address: Landgut Wien Cobenzl, Am Cobenzl 96a, 1190 Vienna
How to get to the animal farm?
Take bus number 38A towards Kahlenberg and get off at the Cobenzl Parkplatz stop. To reach this bus, you can take the green U4 metro line and get off at its final stop, Heiligenstadt. There you’ll find a bus stop towards Kahlenberg. Alternatively, you can take tram D and transfer to line 38A.
Map:
6. Vienna High Ropes Course
Without a doubt, the high ropes course in Kahlenberg is a very popular attraction among visitors to the mountain. Whether you’re coming with children (and even if you’re not!), you’re sure to enjoy the high ropes course. The park is located in the heart of the Vienna Woods and is surrounded by wonderful nature. You can read detailed information about the Vienna High Ropes Course in the dedicated article we prepared about this fun attraction.
Map:
Address: Josefsdorf 47
How to Get to Kahlenberg by Public Transport or on Foot
Public Transport
You can reach Kahlenberg using bus line 38A. To get to this bus, you can take tram D and transfer in the Grinzing area, or take the metro, U4 line (the green line) to its last stop, Heiligenstadt, and then get on the bus. The price is the same as a regular city ride.
Interested in reaching Kahlenberg on foot? There’s a well-marked trail through the forest trees and vineyards!
Kahlenberg Hiking Trail – City Trail 1
If you’re not afraid of a bit of an uphill climb, the Kahlenberg trail is definitely a great option. Walk up the mountain through vineyards and wooded hills. The trail is a circular route, and at the end, you’ll return to your starting point.
- Starting Point: The last stop of tram D.
- Distance: 11 kilometers
- Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours
- Stops along the way:
- The final stop of line D and then:
- Zahnradbahnstraße
- Sulzwiese
- Eiserne Hand
- Beethovengang – Wildgrubgasse – Wildgrube
- along Höhenstraße – Sender Kahlenberg – Josefinenhütte
- Kahlenberger Straße
- Eisernenhandgasse
- Eichelhofweg – Eichelhofstraße – Nußberggasse – Bockkellergasse
- The final stop of line D.
- Options for stopping and refreshment:
- Café Restaurant Kahlenberg at the top of Kahlenberg mountain
- Heuriger (Austrian wine taverns) located along the way in Wildgrubgasse, Kahlenberger Straße, and Nußdorf
If you are interested in more hiking trails in Vienna, read the comprehensive information we have compiled on 11 recommended hiking trails in Viennese nature.
