Vienna - Five day trips beyond the Ringstrasse

Vienna has more than enough to fill a long weekend, but its surroundings are just as rewarding. The Austrian capital sits in a gentle landscape of vineyards, forests and river valleys, and several of the best destinations are reachable by train, bus or boat in a morning.

If you have a spare day, here are five ideas that suit different tastes and keep the pace relaxed.

The Wachau along the Danube

West of Vienna the Danube runs through the Wachau, a UNESCO-listed valley of terraced vineyards, castle ruins and small towns. Highlights include:

• Melk: a large baroque abbey on a hill above the river;
• Dürnstein: a picturesque village with a blue church tower and a ruined castle;
• apricots and wine: the region is known for both, and you can taste them at family-run estates.

You can travel by train and walk, cycle along the river path, or take a boat for part of the way.

Into the Vienna Woods

The Wienerwald, or Vienna Woods, begins almost at the city boundary. Beech forests, meadows and small hiking routes lie close to the final tram and bus stops. The Kahlenberg hill offers wide views over the city and the Danube, and the vineyards on the northern slopes are part of the city itself.

Bratislava, the neighbouring capital

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is only about an hour from Vienna by train or boat. Vienna and Bratislava are among the closest capital cities in Europe. Its compact old town has pastel buildings, small squares and a hilltop castle above the Danube. A day is enough for a stroll, a coffee and a view from the castle terrace. Bring a valid passport or identity card.

The spa town of Baden

South of Vienna, Baden bei Wien has been a place for rest and thermal water since Roman times. Elegant 19th-century villas, a pedestrian centre and a large park give the town a calm, old-fashioned charm. Composers, including Beethoven, spent time here, and the park paths are pleasant for a gentle walk. It is a good option for a half day.

Lake Neusiedl and the steppe

East of the city lies Lake Neusiedl, a very shallow lake on the border with Hungary. Reeds surround it, and large flocks of birds stop here on migration. The shore is flat and ideal for cycling, and the nearby wine villages produce reds and sweet wines. In summer, swimming and sailing are popular.

A few practical thoughts help you choose. The Wachau and Lake Neusiedl are best with a full day and a little planning, since the sights are spread along a river or a shoreline. Baden and the Vienna Woods are easier to fit around other plans, and you can decide in the morning depending on the weather. Bratislava works in almost any season, as its old town is small and has plenty of cafés to duck into when it rains. In autumn, the vineyards turn gold and the new wine appears in the taverns, which makes the countryside especially attractive.

Choose one trip, bring comfortable shoes, and finish with a meal at a Heuriger, a traditional wine tavern, before returning to the city.