Photo: Stefanie Jost
Vienna from above – 6 most beautiful viewpoints in the city
Hills, towers, or rooftop terraces
Vienna impresses not only with its history, coffee house culture, and quality of life, but also with breathtaking views. Want to experience the city from a whole new perspective? Then let's go up! Whether hills, towers, or rooftop terraces: here are the best spots to enjoy Vienna from above—ideal for your next visit or a special outing in your own Vienna.
This article cooperates with Dr. Koch Traumrealitäten - a real estate agent in Vienna with over 40 years of experience.
- City hiking trail 1 – Experience nature with breathtaking views of Vienna
- Danube Tower – Vienna's highest viewing platform with a 360-degree panorama
- Gloriette – Imperial charm and magnificent views of Schönbrunn Palace
- Haus des Meeres – A flak tower with panoramic views and a fascinating aquarium
- Stefaniewarte – Historic observation tower with spectacular views
- Prater Tower – Pure thrills with unique views over the Prater and the city
1. City hiking trail 1: Nature and panoramic views over Vienna
Photo: Stefanie Jost
One of the most beautiful ways to enjoy a view over Vienna is via City Hiking Trail 1. The route starts in Neuwaldegg and winds its way through the Vienna Woods up to the Jubiläumswarte lookout tower. The trail is well signposted and not particularly demanding – perfect for a weekend trip or a spontaneous afternoon outing.
From the Jubiläumswarte, you can see large parts of Vienna, from Wilhelminenberg to the city center. The contrast between city and nature is awe-inspiring: in front of you lie the densely populated districts, behind you stretches the green Vienna Woods. On clear days, you can even see individual landmarks such as St. Stephen's Cathedral or the Danube Towers.
- How to get there: Tram D, S-Bahn
- Tip: Best at sunset – the atmosphere is unique.
2. Danube Tower – Vienna's highest vantage point
Photo: Donauturm
At 252 meters, the Danube Tower is impossible to miss, and the highest point from which you can overlook Vienna. It was opened in 1964 for the International Garden Show and is now one of the city's most famous landmarks.
The express elevator takes you to the platform in just 35 seconds. From here, you can see the Danube with its bridges, the Danube Island, the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater, the old town with St. Stephen's Cathedral – and even Schönbrunn Palace in the distance. On a clear day, the view extends to the foothills of the Alps in the south and the Marchfeld in the northeast.
A special highlight is the revolving restaurant, where you can relax and enjoy the view from every angle while you eat.
- How to get there: U1 Alte Donau + Bus 20B
- Tip: With EasyCityPass Vienna, you get a discount on the admission price! It is imposing in the evening with a view of the illuminated city.
3. Gloriette: The most beautiful view of Schönbrunn Palace
Photo: Stefanie Jost
The Gloriette sits enthroned on the hill behind Schönbrunn Palace and is one of Vienna's most famous viewpoints. From here, the entire palace complex lies at your feet – with the Baroque building, the extensive park, the symmetrical gardens, and the zoo.
The view extends far beyond the city. You can see the city center with St. Stephen's Cathedral and the DC Tower in the background. Especially in the morning light or at dusk, the panorama looks almost like a painting.
- How to get there: U4 Schönbrunn
- Tip: Combine your visit with a walk through the park or breakfast at the Gloriette Café.
4. Haus des Meeres – The flak tower with panoramic views
Photo: Lukas Arnold, Ocean Sky Dachterrasse
A former flak tower in the middle of Mariahilf – today a popular meeting place for animal lovers and those who enjoy views. The tower is 47 meters high and houses not only a tropical greenhouse and an aquarium, but also a spectacular roof terrace on the 11th floor.
From the top, you have a 360-degree view of Vienna. Directly in front of you is Mariahilfer Straße, behind which you can see the Museumsquartier, the Natural History Museum, St. Charles's Church, and, of course, St. Stephen's Cathedral. In the distance, you can see the modern skyline of Donaucity and Kahlenberg in the west.
- How to get there: U3 Neubaugasse or U6 Gumpendorfer Straße
- Tip: The café “360° Ocean Sky” invites you to linger and enjoy the view – perfect in any weather. If you want to buy a souvenir in the Haus des Meeres shop, take advantage of the discount with your EasyCityPass Vienna!
5. Stefaniewarte: Vienna's most beautiful viewpoint on Kahlenberg hill
Photo: Sabrina Seidl
The Stefaniewarte was built on the Kahlenberg in 1887 and is one of the oldest observation towers in Vienna. It is located at an altitude of around 480 meters above sea level—the highest natural point in Vienna—and offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
From the top, you can see not only the entire city with St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Danube Tower, and the Giant Ferris Wheel, but also the Vienna Basin, the Danube, the Danube Island, and the green Marchfeld. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Slovakia and the foothills of the Alps.
- How to get there: Bus 38A to Kahlenberg
- Tip: Ideal in clear weather – the light just before sunset is beautiful here.
6. Prater Tower: Thrills with spectacular views of Vienna
Photo: Peter Gugerell, wikimedia.org
117 meters high, windy, and definitely not for the faint of heart: the Prater Tower is one of the tallest chain carousels in the world. As you spin around at lofty heights, you'll enjoy a unique view of the Prater, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, Donaucity, and large parts of the city center.
The view here is anything but static – Vienna passes you by in quick but impressive moments. The view is particularly spectacular at sunset or in the evening when the city lights are shining.
- How to get there: U1 or U2 Praterstern
- Tip: It's best not to get on right after eating – but for the brave, it's an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion – Vienna from above is always a good idea
Vienna has many beautiful sides, but the view from above is one of the most impressive. Whether you ascend into the sky, hike through the forest, or simply sit comfortably on a terrace, these places show you Vienna in all its diversity.
And once you've seen how the Danube winds its way through the city, how the domes and towers rise above the sea of houses, and how close nature is to the city, you'll appreciate Vienna even more.
Author: Dr. Koch Dream Realities
Christoph Koch: kochreal@kochreal.at