Wienerwaldsee, Vienna Woods Travel Guide

4.5 (215)

Discover Wienerwaldsee: A peaceful lake near Vienna offering scenic walks, birdwatching, and a refreshing escape into nature.

Escape the bustle of Vienna at Wienerwaldsee, a serene lake nestled in the Vienna Woods. Created in the late 19th century, this protected natural area offers walking trails, birdwatching, and a peaceful retreat surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests. While swimming is prohibited to preserve the water quality, the lake provides a wealth of other activities and stunning views.

A brief summary to Wienerwaldsee

Wilhelm Kress-Park, Purkersdorf, 3011, AT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wienerwaldsee.

Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the Wienerwaldsee is a haven for diverse avian species.
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake, as there are designated picnic areas within Wilhelm Kress-Park.
Wear comfortable shoes for the 4km walk around the lake.
Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to enjoy the serene sunrise over the lake.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Column of Pest

Castle Liechtenstein

Hofburg

Haus des Meeres

Naturpark Föhrenberge

Explore Wienerwaldsee on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Wienerwaldsee, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Vienna, take the S-Bahn (S50) to Purkersdorf Zentrum station. From the station, walk south along Pummergasse, then turn right onto Karl-Kurz-Gasse. Pass through the underpass, turn right again onto Fürstenberggasse, following the Wienfluss river. Continue following signs for Wienerwaldsee. The walk from the station to the lake is approximately 20 minutes. A single S-Bahn fare from Vienna to Purkersdorf Zentrum is approximately €4.40.
Driving

From Vienna, take the A1 west towards Linz. After about 20 km, take the exit for Auhof and merge onto B1 towards Purkersdorf. Continue on B1 for approximately 5 km, then follow signs for Purkersdorf. Once in Purkersdorf, look for signs to Wilhelm Kress-Park, where Wienerwaldsee is located. Parking is available near the lake. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €3 per hour or €12 for the day.
Walking

If you are already in Purkersdorf, you can walk to Wienerwaldsee from the town center. Head towards Wilhelm Kress-Park, which is a pleasant 20-minute walk. Follow local signs directing you to the park, and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Discover more about Wienerwaldsee

Wienerwaldsee, a serene and picturesque lake, lies approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Vienna, offering a tranquil escape from the city's vibrant energy. This artificial lake, created between 1895 and 1897 by damming the Wienfluss (Vienna River), was initially intended to serve as a source of fresh water for the city. Today, it stands as a protected natural area, a haven for diverse flora and fauna, and a popular destination for those seeking respite in nature.The dam, stretching 240 meters (787 feet) in length and reaching a height of 13 meters (43 feet), holds back the waters of the Wienfluss, creating a lake with a surface area of approximately 32 hectares (79 acres). While its primary function as a water reservoir has diminished, Wienerwaldsee continues to serve as a crucial flood control basin, protecting the surrounding areas from the Wienfluss's occasional high waters.Despite its proximity to the West Autobahn (A1), the Wienerwaldsee exudes a sense of tranquility. The surrounding landscape, characterized by rolling hills and dense forests, provides a stunning backdrop for the lake's calm surface. A well-maintained walking path encircles the lake, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The path meanders through wooded sections, past reed beds, and along the water's edge, providing diverse perspectives of the lake and its surroundings. The walk around the lake is about 4km long.While swimming and ice skating are prohibited in the Wienerwaldsee to preserve its water quality and ecological integrity, the lake offers a wealth of other activities. Birdwatching is a popular pastime, as the lake attracts a wide variety of avian species, including great crested grebes, grey herons, and various migratory birds. The surrounding forests are also home to numerous forest bird species, making the area a paradise for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts.On the northern shore of the lake, near the dam, stands a statue of Wilhelm Kress, an Austrian aviation pioneer. Kress dedicated his life to the development of aircraft, and in 1901, he tested one of his early seaplane prototypes on the Wienerwaldsee. Unfortunately, the aircraft capsized during the test flight, but Kress's legacy as a visionary inventor lives on through the monument erected in his honor.