A short trip to the northern outskirts of the city is all it takes to experience the Pannonian-influenced climate and the rolling hills one would normally expect further south. The area around Salmannsdorf, Neustift am Walde, and the narrow streets of the former wine-growing villages boasts architecture and scenery that fully justifies the name “Viennese Tuscany.” On the stony soils with a high lime content, first-class white wines such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and the traditional Viennese Gemischter Satz thrive here. On the weekend, a wine hike through the Viennese Tuscany is very tempting in the sunny weather.
If you start your tour in the spring, the delicate pink almond blossoms will greet you along the paths before the grapevines begin to bloom in early summer. If you start your hike in Grinzing heading toward Nußdorf, you’ll come across a real curiosity right at the start. Here, prominent grapevines grow that are dedicated to international figures such as Romy Schneider or the Dalai Lama.
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Almond blossoms and regal grapevines along the way
To explore the area, it’s best to choose one of three specific routes. The short “pleasure loop” (approx. 3 kilometers, 1 hour) takes you directly from Nußdorf up the slope into the vineyards on a gentle incline. Those with more stamina should opt for the moderately difficult classic route (approx. 6–7 kilometers, a good 2 hours). From Grinzing, past winding vineyard cottages, up to the plateau. The most challenging route (approx. 10 kilometers, 3.5 hours) starts in Neustift am Walde, demands some steep climbs, but offers the most peace and quiet off the paved paths.
Three Routes: From a short leisurely loop to a 10-kilometer tour
No matter which route you choose, the destination on the Nußberg remains the same. Once you reach the top, a sweeping view of the entire Vienna skyline and the Danube opens up. Right here, the local winemakers serve wine in their taverns nestled directly among the vines. A chilled glass of Gemischter Satz, paired with a tasty slice of bread spread with quark —that’s all you need for a perfect afternoon outdoors.
🍇 Location: Nußberg & wine villages (Grinzing, Nußdorf, Heiligenstadt, Salmannsdorf, Neustift am Walde) ⏰ Best time: March to October (wine taverns often only open on weekends when the weather is nice)
