Schenkenberg

The Schenkenberg is a hill in Vienna’s 19th district, Döbling, rising to 345 metres. It lies in the Obersievering district and forms the south-eastern end of the Pfaffenberg. To the north, the Reisenbergbach stream separates it from the Reisenberg, while to the south the Arbesbach divides it from the Hackenberg. The hill belongs to a chain of foothills that stretch from the eastern Alps. Its rocks consist mainly of flysch, a mix of quartz, limestone, marl and other conglomerates. The first written record of the Schenkenberg dates from 1329, when it was called in dem Schenkenberge. The name likely comes from the Mundschenk family, who once held land here. The Kuenringer, another local landowning family, were also known as the Oberste Schenken. Today the hill is surrounded by vineyards that cover its lower slopes. Visitors reach the top by paths that wind through these vineyards. At the summit a small clearing offers views across the surrounding hills and the city beyond. The contrast between the quiet hilltop and the nearby streets of Döbling makes the Schenkenberg a peaceful retreat. The geology of the hill is still visible in places where the rock layers have been exposed. The streams on either side add to the varied landscape that surrounds the hill.