Vienna Travel Forum

Hi

We've got one day spare to play with! Can anyone recommend any pretty places/villages just outside Vienna? Are the Czech villages worth visiting?
Don't really fancy doing any more palaces. Is Neusiedlersee worth visiting? Thank you

It's hard to answer your question without knowing what places you will already have seen or have plans to see. My feeling on Austria is that no matter which direction you go you are bound to find some great little villages. It is especially good if you have a car. You will find some true gems. I would take a drive from Vienna to Linz for example, and perhaps stop off in Melk on the way to see the Benedictine Abbey. If you really don't want to do any more castles or architectural type stuff, you can still enjoy some truly beautiful scenery all along the Danube. As I said before, tell us where you will have been and where you are planning to go and I'm sure the suggestions will be plentiful.

Neusiedlersee (Lake Neusiedl) is the second-largest steppe lake in Central Europe, straddling the Austrian–Hungarian border. Neusiedl town itself is in my opinion nothing special but I am sure you can find other nice villages around the lake.

What about Dürnstein? An absolutely stunning village surrounded by the amazing landscape of Wachau. You can go there by boat (from Krems) or train (also via Krems). It is too small for palaces, but packed with lovely little shops and restaurants. You can also walk up to the castle ruins and enjoy the beautiful view from there.

Baden is famous for its Roman spas. One hour tram ride from the city centre of Vienna.

Another option is Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia which with all due respect is a village compared to Vienna. You can take the so-called Twin City Liner from Vienna city centre (Schwedenplatz), it takes you 1 hour 15 minutes. The view is very nice. Bratislava's old town is charming enough and perfect for one day's stroll.

I agree, the nicest villages close to Vienna you probably find in the Wachau area around Dürnstein and Spitz. The area also an Unesco world heritage site, especially famous for its vineyards, picturesque villages, castle (ruins) and Melk abbey.

Neusiedlersee is also nice in my consideration, especially in case the weather is fine. I find the village called Rust nicer than Neusiedl itself though - it has lovely old buildings, nice patios and there are a lot of storks nesting on the roofs.

In case you want to cross the border, Bratislava in Slovakia is interesting for a daytrip (the castle, the centre...) as well as Brno in Czech Republic.

Regards