OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & PLACES TO GO FOR FREE IN VIENNA

Enjoying outdoor activities and exploring these free spaces adds a delightful dimension to your Vienna experience. Be sure to check event schedules and specific attraction details for any updates on free access.

Danube Island (Donauinsel)

  • Overview: Danube Island is a recreational oasis along the Danube River. It offers walking and cycling paths, sandy beaches, and various sports facilities. The island hosts events and concerts during the summer months.
  • Highlights: Beach volleyball courts, cycling trails, and water sports.
  • Address: Donauinsel, 1220 Vienna
  • Public Transportation: U1 metro line to Donauinsel Station
  • Free Access: The island is freely accessible throughout the year. Some events may have specific entry fees.

Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)

  • Overview: The Vienna Woods, or Wienerwald, is a vast forested area surrounding Vienna, offering hiking trails and scenic landscapes. It provides an escape into nature just a short distance from the city.
  • Highlights: Hermannskogel viewpoint, trails, and traditional Heurigen (wine taverns).
  • Address: Various entry points; one is near Cobenzl, 1190 Vienna
  • Public Transportation: Bus 38A to Cobenzl or other designated entry points
  • Free Access: The Vienna Woods are freely accessible year-round.

Stadtpark

  • Overview: Stadtpark, Vienna’s city park, is a green oasis featuring pathways, ponds, and numerous statues, including the famous golden statue of Johann Strauss. It provides a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
  • Highlights: Johann Strauss monument, Kursalon building, and the artificial waterfall.
  • Address: Stadtpark, 1010 Vienna
  • Public Transportation: U4 metro line to Stadtpark Station
  • Free Access: Stadtpark is freely accessible year-round.

Belvedere Palace Gardens

  • Overview: The Belvedere Palace Gardens offer a stunning backdrop to the historic palaces. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through well-maintained gardens with fountains, sculptures, and a view of the city skyline.
  • Highlights: Lower and Upper Belvedere, Orangery, and extensive Baroque gardens.
  • Address: Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna
  • Public Transportation: Tram D to Schloss Belvedere Station
  • Free Access: The gardens are freely accessible year-round. Entry to the palaces may have separate fees.

Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) Park

  • Overview: The area around the Riesenrad, Vienna’s iconic Ferris wheel, is a public park with open spaces and views of the historic amusement park. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed day out.
  • Highlights: Riesenrad, Prater Park, and nostalgic amusement attractions.
  • Address: Riesenradplatz, 1020 Vienna
  • Public Transportation: U1 or U2 metro lines to Praterstern Station
  • Free Access: The park is freely accessible year-round. Riesenrad and other attractions may have separate fees.

Augarten Park

  • Overview: Augarten is one of Vienna’s oldest and most beautiful baroque parks. It features wide avenues, historic flak towers, and the famous Augarten Porcelain Manufactory.
  • Highlights: Flak towers, Baroque gardens, and Augarten Porcelain Manufactory.
  • Address: Obere Augartenstraße 1, 1020 Vienna
  • Public Transportation: Tram 5 or bus 5B to Taborstraße Station
  • Free Access: The park is freely accessible year-round.

Donaukanal (Danube Canal)

  • Overview: The Donaukanal is a picturesque canal running through the heart of Vienna, lined with trendy bars, restaurants, and vibrant street art. It’s a popular spot for walking and cycling.
  • Highlights: Waterside bars, urban art, and scenic pathways.
  • Address: Donaukanal, various entry points
  • Public Transportation: U1 or U4 metro lines to Schwedenplatz Station
  • Free Access: The canal area is freely accessible year-round.

Vienna’s Public Squares

  • Overview: Vienna boasts several charming public squares, each with its own character. From Stephansplatz with St. Stephen’s Cathedral views to Karlsplatz with cultural institutions, explore these lively spaces.
  • Highlights: Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, and Maria-Theresien-Platz.
  • Address: Various locations in the city center
  • Public Transportation: Accessible via multiple metro and tram lines
  • Free Access: Public squares are freely accessible year-round.