Viennese forest: description, history, excursions and attractions

Today, the subject of our story will be the famous Vienna Wood. Austria is literally inconceivable without this beautiful green corner, located in its capital. In 2005, UNESCO awarded Vienna Forest Biosphere Park status as an area with a special cultural heritage and a unique natural landscape. If you were lucky enough to get to Austria, be sure to visit this place as well. It is not necessary to run around the local attractions, you can simply sunbathe on the lawn or admire the magnificent views that open from the observation platforms.

Viennese forest: photo, description

The biosphere park, whose area is 9,900 hectares, is located right in the capital of Austria. It captures the territory of seven administrative districts of Vienna. The main purpose of the park is to protect the environment, as well as the development of the region. The Viennese forest in Vienna is inhabited by a large number of animals and birds. On its territory there are more than two hundred species of various plants. As for the inhabitants of the local fauna, many of them are very rare and are on the verge of extinction. So, a few years ago local zoologists managed to bring out long-tailed owl again . And after three years, in 2011, for the first time in the last half century, the progeny of these animals was obtained in the Vienna forest. Also from the representatives of the local fauna one can distinguish an emerald lizard, which is on the verge of extinction.

In total, the Vienna Woods includes four natural parks and fifteen nature reserves. Its landscape consists of meadows, fields, forests, pastures and vineyards. Wine-making places for the most part retain their inherent rustic character: each guest of the park can spend time at dinner from dishes of national cuisine and delicious wine in a cozy wine inn or on the shady garden terrace.

How to get there

Despite the fact that the tour to the Vienna Woods is one of the most popular among the guests of the Austrian capital and is offered by absolutely all tour operators and agencies, you can visit this landmark yourself. Moreover, it's not difficult to get to the biosphere park: first you need to use the metro (line U4, stop Heiligenstadt), and then by bus number 38A, the route of which passes by the main observation platforms - Leopoldsberg, Kahlenberg and Kobenzl.

What to see in the Vienna Woods

As a rule, excursions to the biosphere park of the Austrian capital include visits to the following attractions: the fortress of Liechtenstein, the underground lake Seegrot, the monastery of the Holy Cross, the hunting house of the Emperors Mayerling and the resort of Baden. We suggest to learn more about each of them.

Fortress of Liechtenstein

Liechtensteinburg, located on the southern outskirts of the Vienna Woods, is the patrimonial castle of the princes of Liechtenstein. It does not represent a museum in the traditional sense of the word, but this place has a rich history. Family Castle Liechtenstein restored the family castle in the XIX century, and to this day it is their property. During the XII and XIII centuries the fortress was used as a temporary residence of representatives of this ancient family. Thus, Liechtenstein today stores almost a thousand-year history of the family of its founders. The castle is built in Romanesque style, the chambers are furnished with antique furniture, and also decorated with bas-reliefs and weapons. From the tower of Liechtenstein opens one of the most beautiful views of the Austrian capital. This picturesque place has long inspired creative people. Here, even films were shot: the Hollywood "Three Musketeers" and the Austrian "Commissioner Rex".

Underground Lake Seergette

The Viennese forest on its territory has the largest underground lake in the whole of Europe. Its area is 6200 square meters. In the middle of the 19th century a large deposit of gypsum was discovered on the local hill, which began to be actively developed. However, in connection with the flooding of the underground waters of the mines in 1912, the works were permanently discontinued. After 20 years it was decided to open the flooded galleries for boat trips, which are held here to this day. It is interesting that during the Second World War, military aircraft were produced in a mine protected from air raids.

Monastery of the Holy Cross

The Heiligenkreuz monastery (in translation - the Holy Cross) is often called the mystical center of the Vienna Woods. It is the oldest Cistercian monastery in the world. It is also interesting that since his opening, he has never interrupted his activities. Thus, beginning in the distant 1133, novices perform services seven times a day. The Viennese forest is considered one of the most important burial sites in the whole of Austria. Thus, in the Hall of the Assemblies of the Monastery of the Holy Cross four rulers of the oldest ruling dynasty in the country - Babenbergs were buried. Also in Heiligenkreutz is a very revered relic - a piece of the Cross of the Lord.

The hunting house of the Mayerling emperors

This place became notorious after the double suicide committed in it - the Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Rudolf and his lady of the heart, Baroness Maria von Vecher. Previously, the castle Mayerling, erected in 1550, belonged to the Heiligenkreuz monastery. But at the end of the XIX century it is acquired by the Crown Prince Rudolph, and the castle becomes the hunting house of the Habsburgs.

Viennese forest. Resort Baden

Once this place was the summer residence of the Kaiser. Today Baden offers to visit the medicinal thermal springs located on its territory to all comers. At your service first-class hotels, a rich cultural program and the opportunity to enjoy great wines from local varieties of grapes.