Penzing (14th district)

The 14th district (Penzing) stretches from the densely built city far into the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), making it one of Vienna's largest districts by area.

Its most important building is the Church am Steinhof, Otto Wagner's Art Nouveau church on the grounds of the former psychiatric hospital. It is considered one of the most important religious buildings of modernism – and was so far ahead of its time that it was largely rejected when it opened in 1907. Opening hours are limited, so plan your visit in advance.

The Technisches Museum Wien (Technical Museum) is on the eastern edge of the district and is by far the best bet for rainy days with kids: big, lots to touch, easily half a day.

The district begins at Westbahnhof station and ends deep in the forest – about eleven kilometers lie between the two. In the densely built part, Gründerzeit buildings from the late 19th century and municipal housing define the scene; farther west come single-family homes and finally the Vienna Woods. From Hütteldorf, the last stop of the U4, several marked hiking trails start right there, without leaving Vienna.

Getting there: U3 (Hütteldorfer Straße, Johnstraße), U4 (Ober St. Veit, Hütteldorf), trams 10, 49 and 52.