Have you ever heard the whisper of the wind through the pines, carrying secrets of adventures past? Today, you stand before a rock face that has witnessed countless such stories. This is the Mizzi-Langer-Wand, a natural climbing park in Vienna’s 23rd district, Liesing, nestled within the Rodaun district. This crag’s name is a tribute to Maria “Mizzi” Langer-Kauba, a pioneering climber who, together with her husband, Franz Johann Kauba, established Vienna’s oldest sporting goods store in 1896. Mizzi was a passionate mountaineer and climber, and her reputation attracted fellow enthusiasts who gathered at the former quarry, forming a group known as the “Langer-Platte” – a testament to her influence.
Imagine this very spot teeming with climbers, scaling its 40-meter high cliffs in the late 19th century. The Mizzi-Langer-Wand possesses a unique history that goes back even further than Mizzi Langer. Its origins date back to 1754/55, when the former quarry was marked as “Montagne remplie de fort beau marbre” (mountain filled with very beautiful marble) on a map by Jean-Baptiste Brequin, though the rock is actually dolomite, not marble. Over time, the quarry was abandoned, leaving behind these impressive Dolomite cliffs that have been challenging climbers ever since.
Today, the Mizzi-Langer-Wand is a popular destination for rock climbers, offering a range of routes and challenges. Some particularly notable routes include the “Gro\u00dfe Dreieck” (Large Triangle), the “Kleine Dreieck” (Small Triangle), the “Fredkante” (Fred Edge), the “Rhinozeroshaut” (Rhinoceros Skin), and the “Verdauungsspaziergang” (Digestive Walk). The Mizzi-Langer-Wand attracts many enthusiasts who come here to practice their climbing and bouldering skills. If you look closely, you can even see the remnants of an air raid shelter that dates back to World War II at the foot of the wall. The shelter, which was over 130 meters long, offered sanctuary to the residents of Rodaun from air raids, particularly towards the end of the war.
The Mizzi-Langer-Wand stands as a symbol of Vienna’s rich climbing heritage, a place where history, nature, and athleticism come together. Even if you aren’t a climber, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder and the stories it silently whispers to anyone who listens closely enough.