Which vantage points in Lower Austria offer special views over natural and cultural landscapes?

Particularly recommended: the Seekopfwarte above the Wachau, the Skywalk Hohe Wand, the Skytour Hochkar or the Hutwisch viewing platform in the Bucklige Welt - all with an impressive panorama, emotional impact and easy accessibility by hiking trail.

Are there hikes to culturally and historically relevant viewpoints?

Many routes combine landscape with cultural history: for example, the Ferdinand-Warte via Roman paths, the railway hiking trail with views of the UNESCO World Heritage Semmering railway or the Peilstein adventure trail with geological and alpine history.

Where can I find quiet, less frequented viewpoints with a special character?

On the Nebelstein in the Waldviertel or at the Ferdinand-Warte in the Dunkelsteinerwald, you can experience peace, closeness to nature and wide views away from the main tourist trails - complemented by historical traces and nature trails.

Which viewing platforms or lookouts in Lower Austria are architecturally special?

The Skytour Hochkar and the Skywalk Hohe Wand impress with their modern architecture and spectacular spatial experience - perfectly embedded in the alpine landscape. The "Vierte Wand" viewing platform on the Seekopf (Wachau) is an architectural and artistic landmark. Created by designer Klemens Schillinger and architect Eldine Heep, its shape is reminiscent of the Wachau wine terraces.

Which hiking destinations with a view can be easily reached by public transport?

Public transport is available: the railway hiking trail with a 20-schilling view via the Semmering Railway, the Seekopf viewing platform with a bus connection along the Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail, the Hohe Wand Nature Park with a hiking bus or to the Hochkar by bus from Scheibbs.

Which viewpoints in Lower Austria are geologically or historically exciting?

The Peilstein (fossils & limestone), the railway hiking trail (viaducts & UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Nebelstein (former border region & high moor) are recommended for those interested in geology and cultural history. These viewpoints combine foresight with background knowledge.

Which lookout points in Lower Austria offer both culinary delights and a view?

On the Peilstein in the Vienna Woods, on the Hochkar and in the Hohe Wand Nature Park, huts or mountain inns with regional cuisine invite you to take a break - often right next to the viewpoint.

What should I bear in mind when hiking to viewpoints?

Depending on the location, paths lead to viewpoints via narrow paths, steps or raised platforms. Surefootedness and a head for heights are therefore particularly important at viewing points. Special care is also required in the winter months (please check in advance whether the respective viewing platform is open). Further information on preparation, equipment and safe behaviour can be found in the rules of conduct for hiking.

The most beautiful viewpoints

When landscape becomes a view

From panoramic summits to historic lookouts and modern viewing platforms: In Lower Austria, you can hike to special perspectives.

©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Martin Fülöp

Seekopf viewing platform on the World Heritage Trail

A quiet place of power high above the Danube - those who dare to make the ascent through the Kupfertal valley are rewarded with a far-reaching view at the Seekopf.

Panoramic platform with views of the Wachau, Göttweig Abbey and the Alpine foothills
Trail through the Steinige Ries nature reserve: primeval forest & geological diversity
Historical and meaningful: Stage 11 of the Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail

Ferdinand-Warte over the Dunkelsteinerwald forest

A vantage point with far-reaching views and history: the Ferdinand-Warte combines forest tranquillity with panoramic views and opens up a view of a landscape full of stories.

View over Rossatz, Dürnstein, Krems and Göttweig Abbey
Built in 1890 and renovated in 2023, named after Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Hike along Roman roads, ancient traces and natural paths

20-shilling view on the Railway Hiking Trail

The view that everyone once knew: The 20-schilling viewpoint is a monument to technical mastery - and to the beauty of the Semmering.

Panoramic view of the Kalte-Rinne viaduct of the Semmering Railway UNESCO World Heritage Site
Once immortalised on the 20 schilling banknote - an iconic view that made history
Hike through forests, viaducts and alpine cultural history

360° distant view of the Nebelstein

On the Nebelstein, granite, vastness and border history merge into a tranquil experience between high moor, panoramic views and forest power.

360° panoramic view from the 1,017 m high summit, on fine days you can even see as far as the Ötscher
Adventure stations on nature, geology and former borders
Refreshments and overnight stay in the rustic Nebelsteinhütte

Die sanften Hügel der Wiener Alpen sind in ein mystisches Nebelkleid gehüllt, das die Landschaft in eine traumhafte Kulisse verwandelt. Die goldenen Strahlen der Sonne brechen durch die Wolken und verleihen der Szenerie eine zauberhafte Atmosphäre, die zum Verweilen und Entdecken einlädt. — ©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Maximilian Pawlikowsky

Skywalk Hohe Wand with a view over the Vienna Basin

The Skywalk on the Hohe Wand hovers above the landscape - and opens up views far beyond the Vienna Basin.

Spectacular viewing platform above the abyss, with views as far as Lake Neusiedl on a clear day
Circular hike through the nature park with forest trails, animal enclosures and lime kiln station
Refreshment stops with regional cuisine, for example at Alpengasthof Postl

Hutwisch lookout point in the Bucklige Welt

At Hutwisch, the highest elevation in the Bucklige Welt, tranquil countryside meets boundless views.

360° views over the Wechsel and Schneeberg mountains as far as southern Burgenland and Hungary
Scenic diversity of meadows, forest ridges and long-distance hiking trails
Refreshment stops in Krumbach and Bad Schönau, such as the Krumbacherhof inn and the Triad restaurant

©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Tereza Bokrová

Panorama & thrills on the Skytour Hochkar

On the Skytour Hochkar, the panorama opens up over a sea of peaks and a view 120 metres below your feet.

Suspension bridge and glass platform at 1,760 metres, in good weatherwith views of around 100 two-thousand-metre peaks
Alpine landscape with mountain pines, rocks and distant views as far as the Hohe Tauern
Regional cuisine on the mountain, for example at the Geischlägerhaus

Peilstein in the Vienna Woods

A place between forest, rock and far-reaching views: The Peilstein combines alpine features with the gentle character of the Vienna Woods.

Sweeping views from the rocky vantage point above the Peilsteinhaus to the foothills of the Alps
Adventure trail with stations on climbing history, fossil finds & limestone formations
Stop off at the traditional and nature-loving Peilsteinhaus