Have you ever wondered what lies atop the highest peak in Vienna’s 23rd district? It’s the Eichkogel. This 428-meter-high mountain resides in Liesing. More precisely, it is in the Rodaun part.
The Eichkogel marks the southwestern edge of Vienna. Three sides of it border Lower Austria. The Wiener Graben at its foot forms the border between Vienna and Kaltenleutgeben.
North of the Eichkogel extends the Wiener Bürgerspitalswald. This forest lies within the municipality of Breitenfurt near Vienna. On the southeastern slope, in the Kaltenleutgebner Tal, sits a former cement plant. It once processed limestone extracted from the nearby Teufelstein. The Dürre Liesing stream flows through the valley. It runs alongside the Kaltenleutgebener Bahn line.
As part of the Wienerwald, the Eichkogel belongs to the Northern Limestone Alps. Its wooded summit consists of light gray limestone. This stone dates back to the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous periods.
But there’s another Eichkogel. This one is only 367 meters high. It lies just south of Mödling in Lower Austria. This Eichkogel is a protected nature reserve. Its climate and geology create ideal conditions. Here, dry meadows, scrub, and forests flourish. It teems with insect life.
Characteristic plants bloom here in spring. Look for Iris pumila, Adonis rose, and daffodils. The sandy loess soil attracts many soil insects. New species are always appearing on the Eichkogel. It is Austria’s most important gathering place for endangered species.
This Eichkogel is home to varied ecological niches. These habitats exist in a small area. It is a primary location for many endangered species. Over ten percent of the world’s population of certain species live on Eichkogel.
If you’re looking for refreshment after your visit, try the Gasthof Zum Eichkogel Wirt. Or cool off at the ocean bathing pond in Guntramsdorf. The Eichkogel offers not only natural beauty. It also provides opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.