Social Hike: Beethoven Hills + Seegrotte

Be inspired like Beethoven, who roamed these hills in 1814. After gathering at Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) we'll catch a 20-minute train to a quaint municipality just outside Vienna. A short walk will lead us straight through town and up to its thick walled neo-Gothic church. There, we start our proper hike up and around this picturesque mountain with its token 12th-century castle, which also starred in Stephen Herek's "The Three Musketeers". Expect a lush pine forest, magnificent views and impressive medieval architecture.

But that's not all. Underway we'll also take a detour to the nearby Seegrotte, Europe's largest underwater lake. A mystical place brimming with history.

Underway we'll have fun with ice breakers, discussion prompts and local trivia.

Highlights

• Seegrotte underwater lake
  

• Pepper tin chapel ruins
  

• Impressive castle built in the 1200's
  

• Roman-style amphitheatre
  

• Stone tower
  

• 15th century parish church
  

• City stroll
  
  

Finishing up the afternoon, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the town's medieval city center before hopping back on our train to Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof).

Your host is an outward-thinking individual who lived in three cultures on two continents. Fluent in 7½ languages, he visited 40+ countries from Nicaragua to North Korea and loves sharing off-beat travel stories. Ask him anything!

Total time: ~5½ hours
Language: English
Wear: Firm shoes, rain gear depending on weather

Price includes train tickets and friendly host. Discounts available for early birds, repeat participants, train pass holders (ÖBB-Klimaticket/Interrail) and groups. Entrance fee for the 1-hour Seegrotte guided tour and boat ride is ~EUR 18 (not included). In case of severely bad weather, this event will be postponed.