7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Vienna

Vienna, is a city that blends historical charm with a vibrant contemporary culture, making it an ideal base for digital nomads. While the city itself offers plenty to explore, the surrounding regions are dotted with fascinating destinations perfect for weekend getaways. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, there's something for every type of traveler. Here are seven fantastic places to visit for a short trip from Vienna, including three off-the-beaten-path locales that promise unique experiences.

Salzburg

Just a short train ride away from Vienna, Salzburg is a city that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Known as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for "The Sound of Music," Salzburg's baroque architecture and stunning alpine backdrop make it a must-visit. Explore the historic Altstadt, visit the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, and stroll through the Mirabell Gardens. For music lovers, attending a classical concert in one of the city's historic venues is a sublime experience.

How to Get There: The quickest way to Salzburg from Vienna is by train, with the journey taking about 2.5 hours. There are frequent direct trains available from Vienna's Hauptbahnhof.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to indulge in Salzburg's famous Mozartkugeln, a delicious chocolate confection named after the composer. They make for a perfect sweet treat or souvenir.

Where to Stay: Hotel Sacher Salzburg offers luxurious accommodations with views of the Salzach River, and it's famous for its Sacher-Torte, a decadent chocolate cake.

Where to Eat: For a traditional Austrian meal, head to St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, considered one of the oldest restaurants in Central Europe, dating back to 803 AD.

Wachau Valley

The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a picturesque region along the Danube River known for its wine, apricots, and scenic landscapes. Rent a bike and cycle along the river, stopping at vineyards for wine tastings and quaint villages like Dürnstein, where you can see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. A river cruise is another relaxing way to take in the sights of this beautiful area.

How to Get There: The Wachau Valley is best reached by train from Vienna to Krems, which takes about an hour, and then by bus or bike into the heart of the valley.

Travel Tip: Visit during the apricot blossom season in April for stunning views, or in autumn to experience the grape harvest and wine festivals.

Where to Stay: The Gartenhotel & Weingut Pfeffel Dürnstein offers a unique stay with vineyard views and a rooftop pool.

Where to Eat: Try Heuriger, traditional Austrian wine taverns, where you can enjoy local wines and regional specialties.

Baden bei Wien

Baden bei Wien is a spa town located just south of Vienna, famous for its thermal springs and charming Biedermeier architecture. It's the perfect place to unwind, with numerous spas offering a range of treatments. Take a leisurely walk through the rose gardens of Doblhoff Park, visit the Beethovenhaus where the composer spent his summers, or try your luck at the Casino Baden.

How to Get There: Baden bei Wien is easily accessible by train from Vienna, with the journey taking approximately 40 minutes.

Travel Tip: If you're visiting in the summer, don't miss the chance to attend one of the concerts or operettas at the open-air Sommerarena.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Schloss Weikersdorf offers a historic setting with a modern spa area, set in a former Renaissance castle.

Where to Eat: Enjoy a meal at El Gaucho, a steakhouse located in the Casino Baden building, known for its high-quality meats and elegant atmosphere.

Laxenburg Castle

Laxenburg Castle, just outside Vienna, is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape from the city. The castle complex and its extensive park are perfect for a leisurely day of exploration. You can rent a boat to paddle on the castle's pond, visit the Franzensburg castle on an island, or simply enjoy a picnic in the lush green surroundings.

How to Get There: Laxenburg Castle is a short bus ride from Vienna, with the trip taking around 30 minutes from the Vienna Opera.

Travel Tip: Check out the special events and exhibitions that often take place at Laxenburg, especially during the summer months.

Where to Stay: While there are limited accommodations in Laxenburg itself, nearby Mödling offers charming options like the Hotel Babenbergerhof with comfortable rooms and a cozy atmosphere.

Where to Eat: The Schlossrestaurant Laxenburg offers traditional Austrian cuisine with a view of the castle's beautiful grounds.

Neusiedler See

Neusiedler See, Central Europe's second-largest steppe lake, is a paradise for birdwatchers, windsurfers, and nature lovers. The lake is surrounded by reed beds and small villages, with plenty of opportunities for cycling and wine tasting. The nearby National Park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel is a haven for migratory birds and offers guided tours to observe the diverse wildlife.

How to Get There: The lake is about an hour's drive from Vienna or accessible by train to Neusiedl am See, followed by a short bus ride to the lake.

Travel Tip: Visit the charming village of Rust, famous for its storks nesting on rooftops, and try the local specialty, sturgeon.

Where to Stay: Seehotel Rust provides comfortable lakeside accommodation with the added bonus of a spa and outdoor pool.

Where to Eat: The Mole West offers a modern dining experience with stunning views over the lake and a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Klosterneuburg Monastery

Just a stone's throw from Vienna, Klosterneuburg Monastery is an off-the-beaten-path destination that boasts a rich history and cultural treasures. The monastery is renowned for its impressive medieval architecture, the Verdun Altar, and its own winery. Take a guided tour to learn about the monastery's history and end your visit with a wine tasting of the local vintages.

How to Get There: The monastery is easily reached by a 20-minute train ride from Vienna, followed by a short walk from the Klosterneuburg station.

Travel Tip: Time your visit to coincide with the Klosterneuburg Monastery's annual wine festival, where you can sample a wide variety of wines produced by the monastery's vineyards.

Where to Stay: For a local experience, try the Hotel Schrannenhof, a family-run hotel with a cozy atmosphere, located in the heart of Klosterneuburg.

Where to Eat: The Stiftskeller Klosterneuburg is a traditional Austrian restaurant within the monastery grounds, offering hearty local dishes and a selection of monastery wines.

Hinterbrühl Grotto Railway

For an unusual and adventurous weekend getaway, visit the Hinterbrühl Grotto Railway, the oldest underground lake railway in the world. Located in the Seegrotte, a series of underground caves filled with water, the railway takes you on a mystical journey through the caverns. Learn about the history of the grotto, which was once a gypsum mine, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this subterranean world.

How to Get There: The Hinterbrühl Grotto Railway is accessible by a combination of train and bus from Vienna, with the total journey taking around an hour.

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, as the temperature inside the grotto remains cool throughout the year.

Where to Stay: The nearby town of Mödling offers quaint accommodations such as the Hotel Beethoven, which is housed in a historic building with modern amenities.

Where to Eat: After your underground adventure, enjoy a meal at the Grotto's own restaurant, which serves traditional Austrian dishes in a unique setting.

Whether you're looking for a cultural excursion, a nature retreat, or an offbeat adventure, these weekend getaways from Vienna offer a delightful escape for digital nomads seeking to balance work and exploration.