Top 18 Mountain Passes in the Vienna Woods
Best mountain passes in the Vienna Woods, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, are located in the northeastern foothills of the Alps. This region features forested landscapes and varying inclines, offering opportunities for cycling, hiking, and scenic drives. The passes provide a refreshing escape from the city, characterized by their natural environment and recreational routes.
Best mountain passes in the Vienna Woods
- The most popular mountain passes is Kleiner Semmering Pass, a mountain_pass known for its four serpentine curves. Caution is advised due to the smooth and worn asphalt surface, which can be slippery.
- Another must-see spot is Tulbingerkogel climb, a climb with sections reaching an 11.6% gradient. The Leopold-Figl-Warte observation tower at the summit offers views over the Tullnerfeld.
- Visitors also love Sulzer Höhe Pass, a mountain_pass popular with road cyclists. It features a constant, gentle uphill stretch from Vienna, making it suitable for training.
- Vienna Woods is known for its diverse mountain passes, including challenging climbs, scenic routes, and tranquil forest trails. The region offers a variety of terrain for cycling, hiking, and exploring viewpoints.
- The mountain passes in the Vienna Woods are appreciated by the komoot community. More than 19 mountain passes have been contributed, gathering over 180 upvotes and 12 photos from users.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Tulbingerkogel climb
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Sulzer Höhe Pass
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Switchbacks at Geschriebene Buche
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Inscribed Beech
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In Klausen-Leopoldsdorf you orient yourself in the direction of Vienna. It goes leisurely uphill along the Hainbach. The actual ascent only begins in the forest. The two turns of the written beech are among the most beautiful that the Vienna Woods has to offer. Unspectacular and wildly romantic.
Coming from Gruberau, after three kilometers and a few waves, you reach the Parzerkreuz and thus the actual ascent. From there it goes about a hundred meters up to the inconspicuous point on the saddle.
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Hengstl Pass
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North-east driveway from Pressbaum: The ascent from the north starts very leisurely in the center of Pressbaum, where you turn towards Klausen-Leopoldsdorf. You cross the Pfalzau and after about four kilometers you land on the actual ascent, which then winds up very nicely in three hairpin bends.
Southwest driveway from Klausen-Leopoldsdorf: From Klausen-Leopoldsdorf the ascent leads north towards Pressbaum / Pfalzau. After about 2.5 kilometers, the road branches off to the left to Hochstraß. We stay to the right and after a few meters of altitude we are at the apex. The driveway from the north (Pressbaum) is nicer.
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Switchback climb
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Rauchengern Pass (413 m)
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Northwest driveway from Rappoltenkirchen: In Rappoltenkirchen we keep on the L 123 in the direction of Vienna and Pressbaum. Shortly after the Tirolersiedlung (approx. Two kilometers after the end of Rappoltenkirchen), the actual ascent begins after a slight intermediate descent. After a few meters you will pass the Gasthof In der Au. After a prominent bend, it goes evenly, gently rising towards the apex
South-east driveway from Untertullnerbach: In Untertullnerbach we keep in the direction of Irenental. Under the tracks it goes along the Tullnerbach slightly uphill through the deciduous forest. After about two kilometers the forest clears and you pass the place Irenental. After leaving the village, the Ameisberg settlement is a little steeper uphill. And then the fun is actually over again. The last kilometer is flat.
South-east driveway from Tullnerbach: In Tullnerbach we take the underpass onto the L 123 (Weidlingbachstraße) in the direction of Rappoltenkirchen and Sieghartskirchen. After 2.5 kilometers we go through two hairpin bends. After that, the apex is already reached.
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Klammhöhe Pass
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Riederberg Serpentines
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Kleiner Semmering Pass
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Although the four beautiful serpentine curves invite you to take them close to the grip limit of racing bike tires, be warned against this here. The tar surface (in 2021) is very smooth and worn and has significantly less static friction than comparable routes. It's easy to slip away even on a dry road. Due to the location in the forest, the road is often damp / wet for longer and leaves and dirt also require additional attention. So be careful! And always remember: "The only way to get faster on the mountain is by going uphill, going downhill will only get you to the hospital faster."
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Tips from the Community
A stretch of road that is fun! 👍
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A very nice descent from Eilandberg to Sieghartskirchen. A pleasant gradient, even uphill, allows for a quick ride.
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Very nice area for road cycling
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If you're planning to explore this area by bike, on a run, or while hiking, make sure to bring your own beer. The region is known for its stunning views and outdoor activities, but finding a good beer spot nearby can be a challenge. Packing your favorite brew ensures you can enjoy a well-deserved drink after your adventure!
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A joy both on the ascent and on the descent, right on Vienna's doorstep.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most scenic mountain passes in the Vienna Woods?
The Vienna Woods offer several scenic passes. For panoramic views, the Tulbingerkogel climb provides expansive vistas over the Tullnerfeld, especially beautiful at sunset. Schöpfl, the highest point in the Vienna Woods, also features an observation tower with a 100 km view stretching from the Northern Limestone Alps to the Carpathian Mountains.
Which mountain passes are best for cycling in the Vienna Woods?
Cyclists will find several excellent options. The Sulzer Höhe Pass is popular for road cyclists due to its constant, gentle uphill stretch from Vienna, making it ideal for training. The Hengstl Pass is less traveled, offering tranquility and pleasant bends on its northern approach, making it a favorite for everyday training for Viennese cyclists. For a challenging ride with beautiful serpentine curves, the Kleiner Semmering Pass is a notable choice, though caution is advised due to the smooth asphalt.
Are there any mountain passes in the Vienna Woods with historical significance?
Yes, Exelberg Pass is well-known for its historical connection to motor racing, as it hosted the first Exelberg race in 1899. Today, it remains a popular route for motorcyclists and offers a scenic drive.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the mountain passes?
The Vienna Woods, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is characterized by its forested landscapes, primarily beech forests, and varying inclines. Many passes, like Exelberg, are surrounded by these forests. You'll also find rivers originating in these areas, such as the Eckbach and Halterbach near Exelberg.
What are the difficulty levels for cycling or hiking on these passes?
Difficulty levels vary. The Tulbingerkogel climb features challenging sections with gradients reaching 11.6%. The Sulzer Höhe Pass offers a constant, gentle uphill, suitable for intermediate cyclists. For hikers, Schöpfl, as the highest point, is a popular destination for mountain hikes, suggesting a moderate to challenging experience depending on the route.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain passes in the Vienna Woods?
Beyond cycling and hiking directly on the passes, the Vienna Woods offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore various waterfall hikes, enjoy running trails, or try gravel biking. The region provides diverse terrain for all these sports.
Are there any quiet or less-traveled mountain passes for a peaceful experience?
Yes, the Hengstl Pass is known for being less traveled, offering a tranquil atmosphere within the Vienna Woods. Similarly, the Switchbacks at Geschriebene Buche are described as a 'little gem for cyclists' because the route is hardly used by cars, providing a very quiet road through the forest.
Which mountain passes are good for a scenic drive near Vienna?
Exelberg Pass, located near the Vienna city limits, offers a scenic drive connecting Tulbing to the Wiener Höhenstraße. Its historical significance and popularity among motorcyclists also add to the experience.
What makes Rauchengern Pass a 'roller mountain' for cycling?
The Rauchengern Pass (413 m) is considered a 'roller mountain' due to its suitability for cycling, particularly for those circumnavigating the northern Vienna Woods. Its driveways are described as beautiful, offering a pleasant, undulating ride rather than steep, continuous climbs.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes in the Vienna Woods?
Visitors frequently appreciate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the challenging climbs and panoramic views, especially from spots like the Leopold-Figl-Warte at Tulbingerkogel. The tranquility of less-traveled routes like Hengstl Pass and the unique experience of cycling through forested switchbacks, such as those at Geschriebene Buche, are also highly valued.
Are there any observation towers or viewpoints on the mountain passes?
Absolutely. At the summit of Tulbingerkogel, you'll find the Leopold-Figl-Warte observation tower, offering extensive views over the Tullnerfeld. Additionally, Schöpfl, the highest hill in the Vienna Woods, features a high observation tower providing a 100 km view, and the University of Vienna's Leopold Figl Observatory is also located there.
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