Hermannskogel
Mountain Vienna's highest natural elevation and forested hill
On Vienna’s northern edge, Hermannskogel is the city’s highest natural point in the Vienna Woods; hikers use its forest trails and viewpoints to escape urban streets and survey suburban ridgelines.
Hermannskogel is the highest natural point in the city of Vienna, Austria, with a summit elevation of 542 meters above sea level. It sits at the edge of the Vienna Woods and is a recognized local high point.
The summit area is wooded and crossed by forest hiking trails that connect to longer routes through the Vienna Woods. A historic lookout tower, the Habsburgwarte, stands on the summit and is the main viewpoint over Vienna and the surrounding hills.
A lookout tower was built on the summit in 1888 and the hill has been used for recreation and day hiking since the late 19th century. The site has been managed as part of Vienna’s greenbelt as urban expansion reached the city limits.
Hermannskogel lies within Vienna’s city limits in the northwestern part of the city, on the edge of the Vienna Woods in the Döbling area. It is directly accessible from Vienna by footpaths and local public transport.
- Viewpoint: The summit lookout provides the best panoramic view of Vienna; the tower platform is the usual vantage point for city and forest vistas.
- Access: Accessible by several marked hiking trails and by public transport to nearby stations, making it a common short-day hike from the city.
What to See #
- Habsburgwarte: A brick lookout tower built in 1888 sits on the summit and provides the primary panoramic viewpoint over Vienna and the surrounding Vienna Woods.
- Summit and trail network: The summit area consists of wooded ridges and parkland crossed by a network of marked hiking trails that link to other Vienna Woods routes.
How to Get to Hermannskogel #
Hermannskogel is in Vienna’s 19th district (Döbling). From the city centre take U-Bahn line U4 to Heiligenstadt and then local buses or a 30-40 minute walk toward Nussdorf and the forested trails that lead up to the Habsburgwarte.
Tips for Visiting Hermannskogel #
- Hermannskogel is the highest point in Vienna-follow the trail to the Habsburgwarte for readable viewpoints and historical plaques.
- Wear good boots-the trail from Nussdorf is steep and can be muddy after rain.
- Combine with a walk through Döbling vineyards for wine and a more human scale of the hill.
Best Time to Visit Hermannskogel #
Best in spring through autumn for hiking and clear views across Vienna.
Weather & Climate near Hermannskogel #
Hermannskogel's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (648 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.