Outer West Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Outer West, Vienna with this comprehensive travel guide, including top places to visit, hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Outer West

Outer West is one of the 23 districts of Vienna, the capital city of Austria. As the name suggests, it is located on the outer side of Vienna, bordering Lower Austria. It is also known as “Hietzing”, after the name of the main town in the district. Outer West is a popular destination for tourists, as it offers a perfect blend of culture, history, nature, and outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Outer West

There are several places to visit in Outer West that are worth exploring. Here is a list of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
  • Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Zoo)
  • Hermesvilla
  • Lainzer Tiergarten
  • Otto Wagner’s Villa Primavesi
  • St. Charles Church

Natural Attractions of Outer West: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wienerwald (Vienna Woods)
  • Hüttelberg Nature Park
  • Lainzer Tiergarten
  • Schönbrunner Schlosspark
  • Schafberg (Sheep Mountain)

Hiking/Biking Routes of Outer West

Outer West is a paradise for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes:

  • Wienerwald Rundwanderweg
  • Hüttelberg Rundwanderweg
  • Lainzer Tiergarten Rundwanderweg
  • Leopoldsberg Hiking Trail
  • Kahlenberg Hiking Trail

Best Things to Do in Outer West: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours in Outer West:

  • Guided Tour of Schönbrunn Palace
  • Picnic at Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
  • Vienna Woods Tour by Bike
  • Segway Tour of Wienerwald
  • Wine Tasting Tour to Grinzing

Week-Long Itinerary for Outer West

Day 1: Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, and Hermesvilla
Day 2: Lainzer Tiergarten, Otto Wagner’s Villa Primavesi, and St. Charles Church
Day 3: Wienerwald Rundwanderweg (hiking/biking), followed by a picnic at Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Day 4: Hüttelberg Nature Park, Schönbrunner Schlosspark, and Schafberg
Day 5: Lainzer Tiergarten Rundwanderweg (hiking/biking) and Segway Tour of Wienerwald
Day 6: Leopoldsberg & Kahlenberg Hiking Trail, followed by a Wine Tasting Tour to Grinzing
Day 7: Free day to explore the district or take a day trip to nearby destinations

Food and Drink Scene of Outer West

Outer West has a rich culinary scene that reflects its cultural diversity. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wiener Schnitzel (breaded and fried veal cutlet)
  • Tafelspitz (boiled beef with root vegetables)
  • Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake with fruit compote)
  • Apfelstrudel (apple strudel)
  • Palatschinken (Austrian pancake)
  • Beuschel (veal lung)

Local Beverages

  • Wiener Gemischter Satz (Viennese mixed wine)
  • Sturm (new wine)
  • Ottakringer Helles (Viennese beer)
  • Almdudler (herbal lemonade)

Where to Stay in Outer West: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many accommodation options in Outer West, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.

  • Budget-Friendly: Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna at the Naschmarkt
  • Mid-Range: Austria Trend Hotel Park Royal Palace Vienna
  • Luxury: Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna Hotel

What to Buy in Outer West: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sachertorte (chocolate cake)
  • Porcelain from Augarten
  • Wiener Blut (perfume)
  • Vienna Philharmonic CDs

Local Culture and Customs of Outer West

Outer West has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Austrian, Hungarian, and Bohemian influences. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and appreciate tourists who respect their customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Outer West

The best time to visit Outer West is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer (June-August) can be hot and crowded, while winter (December-February) can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Outer West

Do:

  • Visit the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks
  • Take a hiking or biking tour of Wienerwald
  • Respect local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public areas
  • Be loud or disruptive in residential areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Outer West

Outer West is generally a safe district, with low crime rates. However, tourists should take the usual precautions, such as keeping valuables safe, being aware of their surroundings, and avoiding deserted areas at night.

Health in Outer West

The healthcare system in Austria is excellent, and tourists can access medical care even if they do not have insurance. Tourists should also be aware of ticks when hiking in wooded areas, as they can transmit Lyme disease.

Getting to Outer West: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Outer West

  • Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Bus Stations Near Outer West

  • Staatsoper (Opera House)

Other Options

  • Trams (Line 10 and 60)
  • U-Bahn (Subway) (U4 and U6 lines)

How to Get Around in Outer West

Outer West can be easily explored on foot, or by using public transportation such as trams or the U-Bahn (subway). Biking is also a popular way to get around, with several rental services available.

Where to Go Next from Outer West: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Vienna City Center (6 km)
  • Klosterneuburg Monastery (14 km)
  • Mayerling Lodge & Hunting Lodge (17 km)
  • Bratislava, Slovakia (77 km)

Conclusion

Outer West is a unique destination that offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the district’s famous landmarks, capture scenic views, go hiking or biking, and indulge in delicious cuisine, all while immersing themselves in the local culture and customs. With this comprehensive tour guide, one can plan an unforgettable visit to Outer West, Vienna.

Technical Museum Technical Museum Kirche am Steinhof Kirche am Steinhof Interior of the Wagner Villa, now housing the Ernst Fuchs Museum Interior of the Wagner Villa, now housing the Ernst Fuchs Museum Architectural sculpture at Karl-Marx-Hof Architectural sculpture at Karl-Marx-Hof Tiefauwiese; Meadow in the 17th district of Vienna. Tiefauwiese; Meadow in the 17th district of Vienna. Wiener Stadthalle Wiener Stadthalle Jubiläumswarte Jubiläumswarte Ottakringer Brauerei Ottakringer Brauerei Brunnenmarkt Brunnenmarkt Heidelbeerschmarrn, a variation of the classic Viennese dish Kaiserschmarrn Heidelbeerschmarrn, a variation of the classic Viennese dish Kaiserschmarrn Apple strudel with mint at Wirtshaus Steirerstöckl Apple strudel with mint at Wirtshaus Steirerstöckl A Heuriger in Nussberg, in the Wienerwald A Heuriger in Nussberg, in the Wienerwald A typical heuriger A typical heuriger 10er Marie 10er Marie