Hornauskogel

The Hornauskogel rises to 504 metres as the third-highest point in Hietzing, the 13th district of Vienna. It sits in the south-west of the district, entirely within the Lainzer Tiergarten, a former imperial hunting ground. To the east the Kaltbründlberg is barely one kilometre away, while the Brandberg lies to the north-west. The slopes are mostly covered with mixed woodland typical of the Wienerwald, the north-eastern foothills of the Alps. Along the northern flank the Rotwasser stream begins its short course towards the river Wien. Its name first appears in 1788 as Hurnauskogel, later becoming Hornauskogl in 1819. The term comes from the Middle High German word for hornets, hornuʒ, recalling the insects once common on the hill. The forestry records of the late 18th century already list the area as a k.k. Waldung, showing how early the name was recognised. The hill’s modest height belies its importance as a local landmark within the Tiergarten’s quiet expanse. Visitors follow wide forest paths that wind through beech and oak stands on the Hornauskogel. The summit itself is crowned by a simple wooden cross, offering no panoramic tower but a peaceful spot to rest. The Rotwasser springs trickle nearby, adding the sound of water to the woodland stillness. On clear days the city’s skyline appears faintly to the north-east, while to the south the hills roll on towards the Vienna Woods. The hill’s modest elevation and gentle slopes make it an easy climb for walkers of all ages.