'Fairytale' city that's one of Europe's most walkable

This is the perfect city break for those who want to explore stunning woodland trails and nature walks while soaking up world-class architecture

Vita Molyneux Travel reporter

02:19, 10 May 2026

The summer holidays are fast approaching, but many travellers return home feeling drained after attempting to cram too much into their break. If you’re weary of requiring a holiday to recuperate from your holiday, perhaps it’s worth exploring the slow travel movement.

An ideal way to adopt slow travel is by selecting destinations that promote relaxation and immersion in nature, with walking holidays proving particularly suitable.

Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise, explained: “Walking holidays offer flexibility and adventure, teaching travellers to enjoy the present moment and savour their travel experiences. You can still see the sights, but a more leisurely pace can offer a more rewarding trip.”

To assist travellers in striking the right balance, travel specialists from Iglu have put together a selection of premier European city breaks that also feature stunning walking trails.

They analysed data from the outdoor app AllTrails to pinpoint cities with the greatest number of walking routes situated within a 15-minute radius of the city centre.

Vienna in Austria stands out as one of the finest locations to appreciate nature while maximising your city break experience.

Celebrated for its natural splendour, the Austrian capital offers 250 walking trails and 12 official hiking routes, all readily accessible via public transport.

These 12 paths are conveniently numbered, making them straightforward to locate. For those seeking breathtaking scenery alongside a glass of wine, City Hiking Trail 1 is an ideal choice. Beginning at Kahlenberg, this seven-mile route offers sweeping panoramic vistas of the Danube River.

Ramblers can stroll through sprawling vineyards, some of which feature pop-up stalls where visitors can savour a glass or two.

Another firm favourite is City Hiking Trail 9, which meanders through verdant woodland and meadows before leading you along the boulevard in Leopoldstadt, where a host of charming cafés await for a delightful bite to eat.

City Hiking Trail 5, situated in Floridsdorf, is equally well-regarded amongst walkers.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, this six-mile trail is a hit with locals and treats visitors to open fields and an abundance of wildlife, including deer.

One traveller enthused on Tripadvisor: “We just returned from a week in Vienna. Absolutely magical city. It looks like a city of fairy tales. I think it’s more beautiful than Paris, and Prague. Gorgeous. It’s clean and well-kept, and there is an incredible amount of beautiful architecture and art. Trip of a lifetime.”