Vienna , Austria

Private Semmering Railway Hike

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About this experience

We'll hike the route of the world's first mountain railway, the UNESCO listed 'Semmeringbahn', completed in 1854. Breathe alpine fresh mountain air and take in soulful views & wondrous feats of human engineering in Lower Austria's highest region. Suitable for railway, nature & hiking enthusiasts alike, our tour gets you out of Vienna and into the wild.

From beautiful alpine vistas to marvellous viaducts and bridges intricately woven into the mountain landscape. The Semmering Railway is a photographer's dream and one of the best places to go hiking near Vienna.

I am a trained first aider & wildlife biologist, so let me guide you safely through the hills and forests - no organisation, stress, nor clock watching required. Disengage your brain and plug into nature instead!

Available options

Private Semmering Railway Hike

What's included

Dedicated native English-speaking hiking guide

Return train travel to and from the region

Nordic walking poles of various sizes are provided on request

Detailed itinerary

We meet at the main entrance of Vienna’s central railway station, the ‘Hauptbanhof’, for initial introductions before boarding the train to Semmering. En route we'll have plenty of time to talk about the upcoming hike and to get to know each other better!

The first stage of our hiking route takes us from Semmering to what is arguably the most famous & spectacular viewpoint of the entire railway, one that was immortalised on the old 20 schilling note used in Austria before they adopted the euro.

Perhaps the most impressive visual spectacle along the entire Semmering Railway (and there’s a lot of competition in this category!) is the mighty two-tiered Kalte Rinne Viaduct. While railway enthusiasts may already be aware of this magnificent feat of engineering, anyone can appreciate how beautifully it has blended with nature, thanks to the visionary designer, Carl von Ghega.

At the end of the hike, we stop for much deserved refreshments at a traditional Austrian tavern, where beer is served – hooray!

On our return journey back to Vienna we use regional trains to enjoy the rest of the mountain railway and its gorgeous views at a nice relaxed pace. You’ll arrive back to Vienna’s main station at around 5pm.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please check the weather foreacast for Semmering on the day of your tour and dress accordingly!

The trails are mostly flat and clear but sturdier walking/hiking shoes are nonetheless recommended

Meeting point

On the main concourse level just walk outside to the main entrance (the one with the big clock and the words 'Wien Hauptbanhof' on the glass wall above the doors).

About Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.

Top Attractions

Schönbrunn Palace

A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour

St. Stephen's Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury

Belvedere Palace

A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.

Historical/Art/Museum 2-3 hours €16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere

Vienna State Opera

One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.

Cultural/Entertainment 2-4 hours (performance length) €10-200 depending on performance and seat

Hofburg Palace

The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours €14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection

Must-Try Local Dishes

Wiener Schnitzel

A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Tafelspitz

Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.

Dinner Gluten-free, dairy-free

Sachertorte

A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Apfelstrudel

A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Vienna Woods Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Coffee house hopping Spa day at a luxury hotel Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending opera or concert performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center

By train

Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof

By bus

Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Innere Stadt Leopoldstadt Wieden Hietzing

Day trips

Bratislava

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Salzburg

300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight

The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.

Hallstatt

200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.

Festivals

Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive