Forerunners of the Genussmeile: How the Genussmeile Thermenregion Wienerwald Opens Genussmeile Thermenregion Wienerwald is open: Sturm, Standln and 10 km of wine tasting from Mödling to Baden — the “world’s longest wine bar” in late summer 2026. Topics: News, Leisure & Culture, Food & Shopping.

The vineyards between Mödling and Baden have again become the “world’s longest wine bar.” The Genussmeile Thermenregion Wienerwald — the Thermenregion gourmet mile — opened in early September 2026, and even on the day before the official launch its forerunners (Vorboten) between Gumpoldskirchen and Pfaffstätten drew the first visitors. At 32 °C, with a glass of Sturm (young fermenting wine) and free Sonnenliegen (sun loungers) among the vines, the late summer (Spätsommer) showed its best side. This guide covers the Genussmeile Thermenregion dates, its three trail sections, the programme and practical tips for a weekend outing from Vienna.

What is the Genussmeile Thermenregion Wienerwald

The Genussmeile Thermenregion Wienerwald is an annual wine and gourmet festival in Lower Austria that takes place directly in the vineyards between Mödling and Bad Vöslau. For about 10 kilometres, the Standln (small wooden stalls) of local Winzerinnen und Winzer (winegrowers) line the walking paths through the Thermenregion — the wine region south of Vienna known for Pinot Noir, Zierfandler and Rotgipfler. As Wienerwald.info — the official Genussmeile site explains, the concept is simple: walk, taste, enjoy — no entrance fee, just Kostproben (tasting pours) and Schmankerl (savoury delicacies) at each station. Because of its length it is affectionately called the Längste Schank der Welt — the “world’s longest bar.” According to MeinBezirk Mödling, the mix of local Weingenuss (wine enjoyment) and Wienerwald scenery is what makes the mile a magnet for day trips from Vienna.

The Vorboten: Gumpoldskirchen — Pfaffstätten at 32 degrees

The official start of the Genussmeile 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, 5 September, but already on 4 September several Winzer had opened their Standln. The report on MeinBezirk describes this day as Vorboten — forerunners — an unofficial scouting walk between Gumpoldskirchen and Pfaffstätten, where stalls were “thankfully already open.” The phone app showed 32 °C, a light breeze brought a hint of autumn (Herbst) — perfect for a chilled glass of Sturm. Free Sonnenliegen and tiny Tischerl (little tables) made the pause among the vines almost summery. The star was clearly Sturm — sweet, cloudy, lightly fizzy — available only a few weeks a year. If you love Austrian Heuriger (traditional wine tavern) culture, this is Weinwandern (wine hiking) in its most natural form.

Sturm is not finished wine but fermenting grape must with 4–6 % alcohol, still fermenting in the glass. It is served chilled, tastes sweet and lightly sparkling, and is only available from late August to October.

Three sections — three mottos: Where to start

The Genussmeile Thermenregion is divided into three sections (Abschnitte A, B, C), each with its own motto. According to Wienerwald.info — Rahmenprogramm Genussmeile, the layout is as follows. Section A: Bad Vöslau — Sooß — Baden under the motto “Mach’s da gmiadlich” (“Make yourself comfy” in Viennese dialect) — the southernmost, calmest stretch with views of the Badener Berg. Section B: Baden — Pfaffstätten — Gumpoldskirchen — “Do rennt da Schmäh” (“Here the banter flows”) — the liveliest, with a dense sequence of stalls and music; this is where the Vorboten were spotted. Section C: Guntramsdorf — Mödling — “Do schau her” (“Come and have a look”) — the northern stretch with Wienerwald panorama and family wineries. The full route from Kottingbrunn/Bad Vöslau to Mödling takes 3–4 hours on foot without tasting stops. Shuttles run between sections and the trail is well signposted.

For first-timers, Section B is the best entry — highest density of Winzerinnen und Winzer and easy to reach from Gumpoldskirchen or Pfaffstätten stations. If you want quiet and photo spots, start early in Section A.

Official opening on 5 September in Gumpoldskirchen

The weekend highlight is the official opening on Saturday, 5 September 2026, at 13:30 on Schrannenplatz in Gumpoldskirchen with the local Musikverein (brass band). As MeinBezirk reports, the big rush of sun-hungry wine and Sturm lovers is traditionally expected from Saturday, when all stalls open. The Rahmenprogramm on Wienerwald.info lists concerts, Kellergassen tours, kids’ programme and tips for Anreise mit Öffis (arrival by public transport) — from Südbahn to Badner Bahn. Tip: take the S-Bahn to Mödling, Gumpoldskirchen or Baden and follow the Genussmeile signs — parking in the vineyards is full by 11 a.m. We gathered similar logistics tips for the summer vacation in Austria — an early start saves an hour of queuing.

The Genussmeile is more than wine. It shows how the Thermenregion lives: family wineries passed down for generations and a cultural landscape that needs to be cared for.

— Wienerwald Tourismus, organiser of the Genussmeile

Practical tips for your Genussmeile day

Good planning decides whether you enjoy or queue. There is no entrance fee — you pay only for Kostproben (usually 2–4 euros for an Achterl, i.e. 0.125 l) and Schmankerl. Bring cash — many Standln do not take cards. Wear sturdy shoes for gravel paths and pack water — there is almost no shade along the 10 kilometres. From Vienna it is 30–40 minutes by S-Bahn to Mödling, and for the return take a shuttle or taxi as the last Standln stay open until 18–19:00. Those travelling with children will find non-alcoholic options such as Traubensaft (grape juice) and Most; dogs on a lead are allowed but better left at home in the heat. Comparable seasonal food festivals like the apricot festival in Wachau show the same rule: seasonality is everything — with Sturm, too, the window is short.

Why now is the best time: Sturm, weather and atmosphere

Late August to early September in the Thermenregion is the short Sturm season and the transition from summer to autumn (Herbst). Warm days, cool-tinged evenings — this Spätsommer is exactly what the MeinBezirk report describes: light wind, warm Weinberge, the feeling of “Herz, was willst du mehr?” (“What more could your heart want?”). According to Geosphere Austria, the average early-September temperature around Vienna has been 20–22 °C in recent years, but heatwaves up to 32 °C like on the Vorboten day are becoming more frequent. For visitors that means: pack sunscreen and schedule tastings for the morning or after 4 p.m. Unlike single-site Weinfeste, the Genussmeile is Weinwandern through the landscape — exercise and enjoyment combined.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Genussmeile Thermenregion Wienerwald 2026? Officially the weekend of 5–6 September 2026, opening on Saturday, 5 September at 13:30 on Schrannenplatz in Gumpoldskirchen with the Musikverein. First Standln as Vorboten already open on 4 September, especially in the Baden — Gumpoldskirchen section. Check the Rahmenprogramm — dates may shift slightly with the weather.

Do I need a ticket and how much is a tasting? No ticket — free entry. You pay only for Kostproben and Schmankerl. An Achterl (0.125 l) usually costs 2–4 euros, Sturm a little less, small dishes 5–12 euros. Many Standln are cash only.

How do I get there from Vienna without a car? Take the S-Bahn or Badner Bahn to Mödling, Gumpoldskirchen, Pfaffstätten or Baden, then follow the Genussmeile signs on foot. The organisers explicitly recommend public transport (Öffis) — parking in the vineyards fills quickly. Read more about Heuriger culture in our story Viennese Heuriger in transition.

What is Sturm and how is it different from wine? Sturm is young, still fermenting grape must with 4–6 % alcohol, sweet, cloudy and lightly fizzy. It is served chilled and is only available from late August to October. Unlike finished wine it continues to ferment in the bottle and cannot be stored long.

Checklist: How to make your Genussmeile day perfect

The Genussmeile is 10 kilometres on foot, sun and wine — this checklist makes the day perfect.

• Cash in small notes — for Standln and Schmankerl.
• Sturdy shoes and headgear — gravel and strong sun.
• Water and a light snack — 15–20 minutes’ walk between stations.
• Section plan A/B/C — download the Rahmenprogramm and mark favourite wineries.
• Return Öffis ticket — don’t drive after tastings.

And most importantly — start early. As the Vorboten day on 4 September showed, it is quiet and free until 11 a.m., and you taste the best Sturm without queuing. After midday it gets crowded.

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