Hietzing Travel Guide

Discover Hietzing, Vienna's greenest district, with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, local food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Hietzing

Hietzing is a charming district located in the western part of Vienna, Austria, famous for its green parks, cultural attractions, and noble villas. The district is named after its original village of Hietzing, which was founded in the 13th century. Today, Hietzing is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a variety of activities to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Hietzing

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) - The world’s oldest zoo, located in the heart of Schönbrunn Palace’s gardens.
  • Schönbrunn Palace - A stunning 18th-century imperial building that served as the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty.
  • The Imperial Furniture Collection (Hofmobiliendepot) - A museum showcasing the collection of furniture from the Habsburg imperial family.
  • The Clock Museum (Uhrenmuseum) - A museum housing a diverse collection of historic clocks and timepieces.
  • Lainz Game Preserve (Lainzer Tiergarten) - One of the largest nature parks in Vienna.

Natural Attractions of Hietzing: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wilhelminenberg Palace and Park - A beautiful park situated on the hill with panoramic views of Vienna.
  • Roter Berg (Red Mountain) - A nature reserve that offers hiking trails with views of the entire city.
  • Maxing Park - A picturesque park with a small lake and rose garden.
  • Himmel Park - A lovely recreation area with a playground, café, and mini-golf course.
  • Auer-Welsbach Park - A small park located between Auer-Welsbach and Carola Street.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hietzing

Hietzing has several hiking and biking trails offering beautiful views and natural surroundings. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Lainzer Tiergarten - A former imperial hunting ground, which has several hiking trails, including a circular path that takes you through the entire park.
  • Wienerwald - A dense forest located on the outskirts of Vienna, offering cycling and walking paths.
  • Tullnerbach - A popular biking route passing through picturesque scenery and quaint villages.

Best Things to Do in Hietzing: Activities and Tours

  • Segway Tours - A unique way to explore the district by gliding through its streets and parks with a knowledgeable guide.
  • Vienna Fiaker Tour with Horses - A romantic way to explore Vienna’s highlights through a horse-drawn carriage.
  • Visit the Lainzer Tiergarten - An unrivaled opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Vienna’s largest park.
  • Tour of Schönbrunn Palace - A tour of the historical palace that was the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hietzing

Day Activity
1 Museum tour - visit The Imperial Furniture Collection and The Clock Museum
2 Hiking in Lainzer Tiergarten
3 Vienna Fiaker tour with horses
4 Tour of Schönbrunn Palace
5 Segway tour of Hietzing
6 Visit the Vienna Zoo
7 Relaxation day at Wilheminenberg Palace and Park

Food and Drink Scene of Hietzing

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wiener Schnitzel - A traditional Austrian dish consisting of breaded veal or pork, served with potatoes or salad.
  • Tafelspitz - Boiled beef served with traditional sides like horseradish sauce, cream spinach, and roasted potatoes.
  • Apfelstrudel - A dessert featuring sweet, diced apples baked in pastry dough.

Local Beverages

  • Vienna Lager - A light, crisp lager produced by Viennese brewers for hundreds of years.
  • Almdudler - A carbonated, herbal sweet soda that is popular in Austria.
  • Sturm - A young, locally-fermented wine that is sold in the fall.

Where to Stay in Hietzing: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Kavalier - A 4-star hotel with modern amenities located near the Schönbrunn Palace.
  • Elisabeth Hotel Premium Private Retreat - A 4-star hotel located near the Park of Schönbrunn.
  • Hotel Altstadt Vienna - A charming guesthouse in the heart of Vienna’s 7th district.

What to Buy in Hietzing: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Viennese Coffee - Vienna is famous for its coffee culture, and a bag of locally-roasted beans makes for a great souvenir.
  • Sachertorte - A famous chocolate cake originating from Vienna.
  • Porcelain from Augarten Vienna - A great gift to bring home, Augarten Vienna has been producing fine porcelain for over 300 years.

Local Culture and Customs of Hietzing

  • Tipping: Tipping is expected in Hietzing, and the average tip is 10% of the bill.
  • Dress Code: Casual attire is generally accepted in Hietzing, but you may want to dress up if going to a fancier restaurant or event.
  • Language: The official language of Austria is German, and many locals speak English as a second language.

Best Time to Visit Hietzing

The best time to visit Hietzing is between April and October when the weather is mild and the days are long. July and August can be hot, so it’s best to plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hietzing

Do:

  • Respect the environment and keep Hietzing free from litter.
  • Visit Hietzing’s cultural landmarks and monuments.
  • Use public transportation when visiting nearby areas.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in non-designated areas - smoking is not allowed in many public areas in Hietzing.
  • Be late - punctuality is highly valued in Austria.
  • Be disrespectful to waitstaff - servers are often well-trained professionals who take their job seriously.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hietzing

Hietzing is a relatively safe district of Vienna. However, it’s always a good idea to take general safety precautions when traveling, such as keeping your belongings close and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Hietzing

Austria has a high standard of healthcare, and there are several hospitals and clinics throughout Vienna. Visitors to Austria from the European Union with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have access to state healthcare. Non-EU citizens must have travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Getting to Hietzing: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hietzing

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the closest airport to Hietzing. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to Hietzing. Taxis are the most convenient, but also the most expensive option.

Bus Stations Near Hietzing

Hietzing has a well-connected bus network, with several bus stations located within the district. The most popular bus stations are Hietzing U-Bahn, Braunschweiggasse, and Altgasse.

Other Options

Hietzing can also be reached by train or tram, with several stations available throughout the district. The most popular train stations are Wien Hütteldorf and Wien Speising.

How to Get Around in Hietzing

Hietzing is easy to navigate by foot, but there are also several public transportation options available, including trams, buses, and trains. Tickets can be purchased at stations and kiosks throughout the district.

Where to Go Next from Hietzing: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Vienna City Center - Take a stroll through Vienna’s historic center, home to many well-known landmarks like the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
  • Grinzing - A lovely suburb of Vienna, known for its charming wine taverns and vineyards.
  • Danube Valley - A picturesque area north of Vienna, boasting beautiful countryside and quaint villages.

Conclusion

Hietzing is a treasure trove of cultural and natural attractions, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore history, nature, or food and drink, Hietzing has something to offer. Book your trip today and experience all that western Vienna has to offer.

Gloriette at Schloss Schönbrunn Gloriette at Schloss Schönbrunn Otto Wagner Hofpavillon Hietzing Otto Wagner Hofpavillon Hietzing Schönbrunn Palace Backside Schönbrunn Palace Backside Great Gallery, Schönbrunn Palace Great Gallery, Schönbrunn Palace Neptune Fountain Neptune Fountain Gustav Klimt's gravesite at Hietzing Cemetery Gustav Klimt's gravesite at Hietzing Cemetery Klimt Villa Klimt Villa Hietzinger Pfarrkirche Hietzinger Pfarrkirche Cafe Gloriette Cafe Gloriette Landtmann’s Jausen Station Landtmann’s Jausen Station Parkhotel Schönbrunn Parkhotel Schönbrunn