The Nasenweg is far more than just a hiking trail; it is a Viennese institution. It owes its unusual name to the striking geological shape of the mountain, the so-called “Nose,” which drops steeply down to the banks of the Danube at this point. Anyone who sets out on this trail is choosing one of the most intense and at the same time most rewarding hiking experiences in the Vienna Woods.
The history of the trail goes back a long way. As early as around 1800, Field Marshal Charles Joseph de Ligne had the original, wild hunting trail converted into a paved path. However, the Nasenweg did not take on its current appearance until much later. In 1877, the Austrian Tourist Club (ÖTK) took over its maintenance and developed it into a “promenade trail.” A comprehensive redesign finally took place in 1936 as part of the construction of the Vienna High Road. This incorporated the characteristic viewing platforms and massive staircases that still define the trail today and make it safe to walk.
A challenging ascent on the Nasenweg
The ascent is short but challenging. Over a distance of just about 1.5 kilometers, you climb approximately 250 meters in elevation. With a gradient of up to 70% in the steepest sections and a total of over 300 steps, the trail quickly works up a sweat even for experienced hikers. However, since the entire path is paved or cobblestone throughout and secured with sturdy railings, no special technical skills are required —though a good level of basic fitness is advantageous.
The panorama at the summit
The effort is rewarded as soon as you reach the plateau of the Leopoldsberg at an altitude of 425 meters. From the viewing platforms, an incomparable panorama unfolds. On clear days, the view sweeps across the vast Danube basin, the Danube Island, and the entire Viennese cityscape all the way to the distant peaks of the Alps. In addition to nature, culture awaits: the historic castle on the Leopoldsberg and the Baroque Leopoldskirche serve as reminders of the site’s eventful history, particularly the liberation of Vienna in 1683. The Nasenweg thus remains a perfect blend of athletic challenge and historical exploration.
