Lainzer Tiergarten

Imagine you have an hour or two free, now let me take you on a walk in Lainzer Tiergarten - a recreation area that is easily accessible with public transport in Vienna and a lovely destination for Sunday hikes or Imperial sightseeing.

We start our journey at Lainzer Tor, where people of all ages get off the bus with their hiking sticks and set off on their pleasant walks. In the warmer days of the year, weddings and picnics take place on the grounds surrounding Hermesvilla.

On your way to the "Palace of Dreams" that emperor Franz Josef gifted Empress Elisabeth in order to keep her entertained and close by, you will meet cheerful groups of small children on their school trip, reading about the trees and eager to see the deer (but not feed them, since it is forbidden). You could probably also meet me there, marching my way in circles and listening to music with my earphones on.

I love Lainzer Tiergarten on a weekday, when you can enjoy it without the cheerful groups that fill the grounds on weekends; I love it in the early spring when the fields are covered in early purple crocuses; I love it in the summer when the trees over my favourite bench have spread their big green leaves above my head and butterflies are dancing in the air, as if they are drunk on all the sunshine falling on their wings; I love it in the winter when the road is covered in a thin white layer of snow and everything is still, but inviting. Most of all - I love it in the autumn, when it gets colder, but more colourful, and I get to share my almonds with the crows or just listen to the pebbles cracking under my feet when I walk.

And I know you will love it, too. If you have a family and want to spend a day at the playground with the children; if you want to go on a romantic date or just enjoy nature on your own. Hermesvilla is a well-known destination that is open not only as a museum, but as a restaurant and a café as well. If you are into hiking, one of the "Rundumadum" stamps is located at the Rasthaus Rohrhaus. There are also different events that take place at Lainzer Tiergarten and it's worth keeping an eye on them - from festive markets to the spring tradition for Maibaum...

Yes, I believe you will soon find an hour or two, won't you? ;)

And a little tip: Lainzerbachstraße is also a perfect destination for a walk, and this time, you could bring your dog with you. Lainzer Teich is part of this walk and if you're lucky, you'll get to see amazingly beautiful ducks and drakes there, but they tend to be camera-shy.