Ever feel like escaping the city for a breathtaking view? That’s exactly what the Hubertuswarte offers. Here we are standing before this magnificent tower.
The Hubertuswarte is located on the Kaltbründlberg. At 508 meters, this is the highest point in Hietzing. It lies in the middle of the Lainzer Tiergarten. This spot is a popular destination for hikers. The Hubertuswarte is well-known far beyond Hietzing’s borders.
Let’s take a closer look at the Hubertuswarte’s history. The tower was built in 1937. It stands 22 meters tall. Are you ready to climb the 122 steps? I promise, it’s worth it.
From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view. You can see all of Vienna. The Wienerwald stretches out before you. On clear days, you can even spot the Ötscher mountain in the distance.
The Hubertuswarte is named after Saint Hubertus. He was the Bishop of Lüttich. Saint Hubertus is the patron saint of hunting. His feast day is November 3rd. He is often depicted with a deer and a crucifix in its antlers.
Before the Hubertuswarte, Empress Elisabeth of Austria loved this view. She used to visit the Hornauskogel. There was a wooden structure there for surveying purposes.
During World War I, the Kaltbründlberg became important. It was higher than Hornauskogel. The hilltop was clear of trees after logging. A simple structure was built for military observation. It was part of the “Brückenkopf Wien.” This was a defensive bulwark against possible Russian or Italian attacks.
After the war, the Lainzer Tiergarten opened to the public in 1919. It quickly became a popular destination. The military observation tower fell into disrepair. Tourists missed having a good viewpoint. People wanted a proper observation tower. The Kriegsgeschädigtenfonds owned the land. They were asked to take on the project. There was a suggestion to reuse materials from a destroyed military bunker. This bunker dated back to World War I.
Eventually, the Kriegsgeschädigtenfonds agreed. The Hubertuswarte was completed in September 1937. There was no official opening ceremony.
The Hubertuswarte offers a fantastic panoramic view. Look around and enjoy the scenery. It’s a perfect place to reflect on the history.