Gentle Freedom.

Challenge: 3 (hiking boot)
Circuit: Hagenburg via Himmelhof, Stock im Weg, St. Veiter-Tor and Baderwiese
Length: 7.37km
Start point: Himmelhofgasse 84
Coordinates: 48°11'49.33"N, 16°15'14.27"E
Public transport: U4, S15, S45 > Hütteldorf Station (10 minutes by foot to the start point)

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

A sunny Day – the urbs decide to explore the former ski resort on Hagenberg, and find a nice route over the lush pastures with amazing views. The occasional steep bits and the frequent submersion in coll patches of woodland make the route very varied and interesting. The uniquely good view into Hanappi-Stadion while an exciting match is underway, is really ‘urbie’. And the roar of the fans when there is a goal is easy to hear.

In winter we revisited Himmelhof, which is on this route, to see how good it was for sledging – and we found that the long slopes are just right for exciting descents, especially on inflatable sleds, because they aren't so dependant on piste conditions, and work just great in deep snow.

Google_Map

ROUTE

Around number 84 Himmelhofgasse, it transforms into a little path, that follows the animal park wall. Arriving at the top of the hill, you are at the Markwardstiege, which ascends all the way to the barrier. Two paths lead away from here. Take the left, which travels parallel to the Carolaweg, until the path ends at a nice bench to stop and have a snack. (Landmark: long descent to Carolaweg).

Now it gets easier. Walk up Himmelhofwiese, cross the intersecting dirt path, and cross the next meadow until you reach the highest point, at a group of trees. From here, the animal park is once more in view. There is a path alongside, which you should follow to the left. Keep following the path along the wall, until the Sankt Veiter Tor [Sankt Veit Gate]. This is where the return journey begins.

Go through the gate into Lainz Animal Park, and keep to the right at first, then take the left path to Wiener Blick (Baderwiese). Arriving at the top, you find a gravel path, take this to the right, and follow the signs for Nikolaitor. When you get to the bottom, leave the animal park via the gate and follow Himmelhofgasse back to the start point.

AREA TIPS

Sankt Veiter Tor opening times
February, March and October: 9am to 6pm
April to September: 8am to 8pm
Open longer some days; Closed in winter

Nikolaitor opening times
February, March and October: 9am to 6pm
April to September: 8am to 8pm
Open longer some days; Closed in winter

Heurigenschenke zur Wildsau
A cosy tavern with a beautiful view
1130 Wien, Slatingasse 22
http://www.wildsau.at

Gasthof Lindwurm
Plain fare, cooked well and surrounded by forest meadows.
1130 Wien, Ghelengasse 44

Inflatable sleds
Airboard®, http://www.airboard.at