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Things to Do in Tulln: An Underrated Day Trip from Vienna

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

I originally visited Tulln to see the Egon Schiele Museum and assumed I’d be back in Vienna by lunchtime.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

What I expected to be a quick half-day trip turned into multiple visits. Between the museums, DIE GARTEN TULLN, the beautiful Danube promenade, and plenty of green spaces, I quickly realised there was far more to do than I expected.

If you’re visiting Tulln, don’t make the same mistake I did. One day isn’t enough to see everything. You’ll either need to prioritise or plan a second visit.

Whether you’re interested in art, history, gardening, or simply spending a relaxing day by the Danube, here are the best things to do in Tulln.

1. Follow Egon Schiele’s Footsteps Through Tulln

Entrance to the Egon Schiele Museum in Tulln with a decorative metal gate spelling the artist's name and a large mural portrait on the building facade. Museum signage, garden plantings and a small staircase lead visitors into the former birthplace and museum dedicated to Egon Schiele.

Tulln is the birthplace of Egon Schiele, making it one of the best places in Austria to learn more about the famous painter.

A Schiele-themed visit to Tulln includes:

  • The Egon Schiele Museum, which focuses on his life and family
  • Schiele’s childhood home above the railway station
  • The Egon Schiele Trail, a 90 minute walking route connecting places from his childhood

Together, these attractions offer a fascinating insight into both Schiele’s life and the town that shaped him.

Want to know more? Check out my full guide to visiting Egon Schiele’s Tulln.

2. Visit DIE GARTEN TULLN

Bright pink roses bloom in the foreground while a large arch covered in climbing roses creates a floral tunnel behind them. Decorative allium seed heads add texture throughout the garden display.
Multi level observation tower rises above the treetops with steel supports, stairways, and viewing platforms stacked high into the sky. Tree branches frame the structure from below.
Tina in a pink floral dress poses beside oversized garden tool sculptures including a giant wheelbarrow and pitchfork. The playful installation stands along a gravel path surrounded by greenery.

DIE GARTEN TULLN is Tulln’s most famous attraction and markets itself as Europe’s first ecological garden show.

The site features dozens of themed gardens, a 30 metre viewing tower, a forest area, and plenty of inspiration for your own garden or balcony.

While I enjoyed my visit, I don’t think it’s a must-see. I’ve visited other show gardens in Lower Austria, such as Kittenberger Erlebnisgärten, that I personally preferred.

Some areas felt a little neglected, and the seating opportunities throughout the park are more pretty than comfortable.

In my opinion, DIE GARTEN TULLN is best for people who are genuinely interested in gardening, landscaping, or sustainable design.

Want to know more? Check out my full review of DIE GARTEN TULLN.

🌿 You can buy your Garten Tulln ticket online or at the ticket office

3. Stroll Along the Donaulände

Two deck chairs overlook the Danube River from a grassy riverside park in Tulln. A walking path follows the water past gardens and small docks beneath a sky filled with sunlit clouds.

The Donaulände was actually my favourite part of Tulln.

This green promenade runs along the Danube and is the perfect place for a relaxing walk. When I visited in June, there were sun loungers on the grass that anyone could use, making it a great spot to sit back and enjoy the river views.

While you’re here, keep an eye on the programme at the Donaubühne. This open-air stage hosts concerts and events throughout the year and sits right at the promenade.

4. See Hundertwasser’s Ship REGENTAG

Traditional sailing ship moored along the Danube River in Tulln with tall masts reflected in the calm green water. Thick clouds drift across the sky above the riverside promenade and marina area.

One of the most unusual attractions in Tulln is the Hundertwasser ship REGENTAG.

The colourful ship was designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who even sailed it all the way to New Zealand. Just seeing it from the outside is impressive and well worth a stop if you’re already exploring the Donaulände.

The ship is only open to visitors on a handful of days each year, so don’t be disappointed if you can’t go on board.

If you’re a Hundertwasser fan, be sure to check out my guide to the best Hundertwasser sights in Vienna as well.

5. See the Nibelungendenkmal

Fountain monument featuring bronze historical figures carrying flags and facing one another across cascading water. An open bronze book sculpture sits in the foreground while water arches over stone steps under a dramatic cloud filled sky.

The Nibelungendenkmal is one of Tulln’s most famous monuments and sits right along the Donaulände as well.

If you grew up in Austria, there’s a good chance you learned about the Nibelungenlied in school. This medieval epic poem mentions Tulln, which is why the town has its own monument dedicated to the story.

Even if you’ve never heard of the Nibelungenlied, the monument is worth a quick stop. The statues are impressive, and its location right by the Danube makes it easy to combine with a stroll along the promenade.

6. Relax at Hauptplatz

Historic main square in Tulln with a white baroque plague column surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges and blooming hydrangeas. Ornate street lamps and elegant town buildings line the pedestrian plaza beneath a bright blue sky filled with scattered clouds.

If you need a break from sightseeing, head to Tulln’s main square.

The spacious Hauptplatz is lined with cafés and restaurants and features plenty of benches and fountains. It’s the perfect place to slow down and soak up the atmosphere of the town.

During my visit, I stopped at SEA YOU COFFEE for a drink and a small snack. They usually offer a vegan avocado bread in the mornings. When I visited in the afternoon, I ordered bread with hummus and olives from the tapas menu.

I wasn’t particularly impressed by the homemade lemonade, which tasted more like cordial than fresh lemonade. Still, the outdoor seating made it a pleasant spot.

7. Learn About Roman History at the Römermuseum

Many visitors don’t realise that Tulln has a history that goes back much further than Egon Schiele.

During Roman times, the town was known as Comagenis and formed part of the Roman frontier along the Danube. There’s even a statue of Marcus Aurelius next to the Danube river, the Roman emperor spent a few years in Tulln.

Today, you can learn more about this period at the Römermuseum near the statue. The museum is open from early April to early November.

8. Cool Off at Aubad

Aubad is a large swimming lake surrounded by lawns, sports facilities, and plenty of space to relax. It’s a popular spot for both locals looking to cool off on a hot day.

I haven’t visited Aubad myself yet, but it’s high on my list for my next trip to Tulln. After enjoying the town much more than I expected, I’m already planning a return visit to explore more of what it has to offer.

Where to Stay in Tulln

If you’re only visiting Tulln once, I recommend staying overnight. After two visits, I still haven’t managed to see everything the town has to offer.

A great place to stay is Hotel Nibelungenhof. The hotel has a fantastic location right next to the Danube and offers beautiful rooms. It’s within walking distance of many of Tulln’s main attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring the town.

But if an overnight stay isn’t an option, it’s possible to visit Tulln as a day trip from Vienna. Then I’d suggest arriving early to make the most of your time.

🛏️ Book your overnight stay in Tulln

Smiling woman wearing sunglasses stands on a pedestrian bridge above a green river on a sunny day. Trees line the waterway while modern apartment buildings and the curved bridge structure frame the scene in the background.

Looking for More Day Trips from Vienna?

Tulln is one of the easiest day trips from Vienna, but it’s far from the only one.

Whether you’re interested in charming towns, beautiful gardens, historic abbeys, mountain scenery, or wine regions, there are plenty of fantastic places you can visit without needing a car.

If you’re planning a longer stay in Vienna, I highly recommend adding a few day trips to your itinerary. They offer a completely different side of Austria and are often much less crowded than the capital itself.

Check out my guide to the best day trips from Vienna for inspiration.

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Collage highlighting four of the best things to do in Tulln, Austria. The images feature the Egon Schiele statue, a rose garden in full bloom, the Nibelung Fountain, and a woman relaxing in a deck chair along the Danube. The text reads "8 Best Things to Do Tulln".
What to Do in Tulln Near Vienna

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.