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Kronprinzessin-Stefanie-Warte: Vienna's Panoramic Peak

Ascend Kahlenberg's iconic Stefaniewarte for breathtaking Vienna views, a touch of imperial history, and a refreshing natural escape.

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The Kronprinzessin-Stefanie-Warte, or Stefaniewarte, is a historic observation tower atop Kahlenberg, Vienna's 'house mountain'. Built in 1887, it offers stunning panoramic views of the city, the Danube River, and the Vienna Woods. Named for Crown Princess Stephanie of Belgium, it's a testament to Vienna's imperial history and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Kronprinzessin-Stefanie-Warte

Local tips

  • Check opening hours before visiting, as the tower is only open on weekends and holidays from May to October.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Vienna, the Danube, and the Vienna Woods.
  • Combine your visit with a hike on the Kahlenberg. Numerous trails cater to various fitness levels.
  • Enjoy a meal or drink at the Skyline Lounge Restaurant on Kahlenberg for a dining experience with a view.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Vienna, take the U4 subway line to Heiligenstadt. From there, transfer to bus line 38A, which goes directly to Kahlenberg. The bus ride takes approximately 24 minutes and departs every 20 minutes. A single ticket for public transport in Vienna costs €2.40.

  • Driving

    Drive via Grinzing and the Höhenstrasse to Kahlenberg. Follow the signs for Kahlenberg. Parking is available at Kahlenberg and is free. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially on weekends. From the parking lot, it is a short walk to the Kronprinzessin-Stefanie-Warte.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the city center of Vienna to Kahlenberg takes approximately 20 minutes and costs between €16 and €21. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or app. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are also available.

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Discover more about Kronprinzessin-Stefanie-Warte

The Kronprinzessin-Stefanie-Warte stands proudly on Kahlenberg, offering unparalleled views of Vienna and Lower Austria. This 22-meter-high tower was erected in 1887 and named in honor of Crown Princess Stephanie, wife of Crown Prince Rudolf. Kahlenberg itself, reaching 484 meters, has been a popular destination for centuries, providing a natural vantage point. Originally known as Sauberg or Schweinsberg (Pig Mountain), Kahlenberg's history dates back to Roman times. The name Kahlenberg, meaning 'bald mountain,' emerged later, possibly due to cleared areas for vineyards. The Kahlenberg Railway Company commissioned the Stefaniewarte to enhance Kahlenberg's appeal. Designed by Fellner & Helmer, the tower features a simple rectangular stone structure with separate staircases for ascent and descent. Bricks from the old cable car to Leopoldsberg were reused during construction. Over the years, the Stefaniewarte has been renovated, including a major restoration in the early 1990s that added a glass-covered stair exit. In 2017, further renovations were completed for the tower's 130th anniversary. Today, the tower is maintained by the Döbling Nature Friends and is open to the public from May to October on weekends and holidays. Alongside the Stefaniewarte is a 165-meter high steel tower that serves as the transmitter for the ORF, the Austrian Broadcast Corporation.

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