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| Semmering, made by packnpin |
If you're looking for beautiful towns and villages near Vienna where you can enjoy views of mountains and lakes (still not that stunning as those near Salzburg), and that are reachable by train within approximately two hours, here are some great options:
1. Semmering
- Location: Lower Austria
- Highlights: Semmering is famous for its mountain scenery and the historic Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area offers hiking trails with panoramic views, and during winter, it's a popular ski destination.
- Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train from Vienna.
2. Schneeberg (Puchberg am Schneeberg)
- Location: Lower Austria
- Highlights: Puchberg am Schneeberg is a charming town at the foot of Schneeberg, the highest mountain in Lower Austria. The Schneeberg Railway (a cog railway) takes you up the mountain for breathtaking views.
- Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by train from Vienna.
3. Neusiedl am See
- Location: Burgenland
- Highlights: Situated near Lake Neusiedl, this town offers beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding vineyards. It's a great spot for water sports, cycling, and enjoying the unique steppe landscape.
- Travel Time: About 45 minutes by train from Vienna.
4. Rax (Reichenau an der Rax)
- Location: Lower Austria
- Highlights: Reichenau an der Rax is a popular destination for those looking to explore the Rax mountain range. You can take the Rax cable car to the mountain plateau for hiking and stunning alpine views.
- Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by train from Vienna (with a short bus ride to the cable car station).
5. Mariazell
- Location: Styria
- Highlights: Mariazell is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains, known for its basilica and as a pilgrimage site. The area offers beautiful alpine scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours by train from Vienna.
These towns and villages offer easy access to beautiful natural landscapes, whether it's mountains, lakes, or both, all within a short train ride from Vienna.