Discover nature & recreation in Vienna

Oberlaa

Oberlaa is a delightful green oasis in southern Vienna, featuring the Oberlaa Spa Park, idyllic paths along the Liesingbach stream, and moments of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Dear guests, friends, and readers,

My name is Inge, and I’ve been working at the Austria Classic Hotel Vienna for many years. Vienna is a big city with many sights to see, but sometimes it’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown and enjoy a bit of nature right here in Vienna.

That’s why today I’d like to introduce you to one of my personal favorite spots: Oberlaa in the south of Vienna. Many Viennese come here to take a walk, get some fresh air, or simply spend a few relaxing hours surrounded by greenery.
For us, it’s a little adventure every time! Here, you quickly feel like a child again. In short, nature right in the middle of the city. 
What many people don’t know is that the Liesingbach stream flows through several districts, from Favoriten to Liesing. Even though we’re in the city, it often feels like we’re out in the countryside.

The Oberlaa Spa Park—a green oasis in Vienna

The heart of Oberlaa is the beautiful Oberlaa Spa Park, one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Vienna. This expansive park was originally created for the 1974 Vienna International Garden Show (WIG) and remains a popular destination to this day.
When I stroll through the Oberlaa Spa Park in Vienna, I especially enjoy:

The park is so large that you’re always discovering new corners. Especially in spring and summer, everything here blooms in the most beautiful colors.

Tour of Oberlaa

Here’s a brief overview of how we plan a day of hiking:
Our route always starts at the Oberlaa U1 terminal station. You may already be familiar with this station as a starting point. Here, you can not only go for walks but also visit the Therme Wien, though today we’ll leave our swimsuits at home.

We start our walk through the beautiful Oberlaa Spa Park, one of Vienna’s largest and most beautiful parks. After just a few minutes, you can feel the stress melt away. Flower gardens, a small pond full of ducks, wide meadows with lounge chairs, shady trees. The perfect spot for a break or a little picnic. (A little tip—it’s also a great location for a photo shoot.)
From the spa gardens, we continue on to the Liesingbach, which winds its way through southern Vienna like a green ribbon. The path along the stream is well-maintained and popular with cyclists, walkers, and joggers, and is also ideal for strollers and dogs. You pass by community gardens, playgrounds, and quiet alleys. Everything is relaxed and peaceful! You can hear the babbling of the stream, the chirping of birds, and sometimes not a sound at all—just silence—or my kids :)

A Culinary Delight in Oberlaa

Of course, no leisurely stroll is complete without a break. Snacking on fruit really makes you HUNGRY!! Whether it’s a coffee and a slice of cake at Konditorei Oberlaa, a hearty fried chicken at Brückenwirt, or a glass of wine at a wine tavern in Inzersdorf or Rothneusiedl, there are plenty of opportunities to treat yourself to a break and get to know Vienna’s culinary side.
Another hidden gem is Franz-Karl-Effenberg Park—perfect for a quiet break or playing with the kids.
The hike along the Liesingbach stream in Oberlaa shows just how green, peaceful, and diverse Vienna can be. It’s a trip worth taking, whether for a few hours or a whole afternoon. Best of all, you don’t even need a car—the subway takes you right there. SUPER SUSTAINABLE! So the next time you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but don’t want to travel far, come to Oberlaa. Here you’ll find nature, tranquility, and a little bit of authentic Vienna.
(Here’s a little insider tip: Oberlaa has lots of farms, and you can often just walk in without an appointment to see the animals. If you meet a friendly farmer, you’ll likely be invited in for a bite to eat or given a little tour.)

Frequently Asked Questions