Living in Hernals (17th District), Vienna
Hernals is a residential, green, and relatively quiet district, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. It's a great choice for budget-conscious students and young professionals seeking affordability, nature, and a strong local community.
🏙️Lifestyle & Culture
Living in Hernals provides a peaceful and largely residential lifestyle, with easy access to green spaces and a strong local community feel. Daily life here is relaxed, with residents enjoying walks in the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) on its western border, frequenting local shops along Hernalser Hauptstraße, and experiencing the traditional 'Heurigen' culture. It's popular with budget-conscious students due to more affordable rents and good connections to universities. The community is a mix of long-term Viennese families and a growing number of younger residents, fostering a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere. It offers a genuine slice of Viennese life, away from the tourist crowds.
🏠Housing & Flatshares
Flatshares in Hernals are common and affordable, typically housing 3-5 people. You'll find a mix of older Altbau apartments, sometimes with simpler finishes, and more modern residential buildings, particularly closer to the city border. Rooms are generally practical, and while many come unfurnished, some furnished options exist. Rent for a room usually ranges from €420-670, making it an attractive option for students and those on a budget. A security deposit of three months' rent is standard. While competitive for well-maintained flats, the overall volume of housing makes finding a flatshare more manageable here.
🚇Getting Around
Hernals offers moderate public transport connections. While it doesn't have a direct U-Bahn line running through its center, the U6 (e.g., Alser Straße) and U3 (e.g., Ottakring) are accessible from its borders. Several tram lines (e.g., 43, 44) provide essential connections to the city center, Universität Wien, and other parts of Vienna. Numerous bus routes fill in the gaps. Walkability is medium, as it's a larger district, but local amenities are usually within reach. Its proximity to the Wienerwald makes it excellent for cycling and hiking.
🍽️Food & Nightlife
Hernals' food scene is characterized by a mix of traditional Viennese eateries and local shops. Hernalser Hauptstraße is the main commercial artery with various restaurants and cafes. The district is particularly known for its 'Heurigen' (wine taverns) on its western slopes, offering a charming and authentic Viennese culinary experience with local wines and traditional food. Cafes range from classic local haunts to smaller, independent spots. Nightlife is generally quiet and focused on these 'Heurigen' and local pubs, offering a relaxed and community-oriented evening rather than bustling clubs.
Pros & Cons of Living in Hernals (17th District)
✓Pros
- •Affordable rent prices, ideal for budget-conscious students and young professionals.
- •Proximity to the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) for outdoor activities and nature.
- •Quiet and residential atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat from city noise.
- •Authentic Viennese 'Heurigen' culture and traditional local charm.
- •Good public transport connections via tram lines to the city center and universities.
✗Cons
- •No direct U-Bahn line within the district, requiring tram or bus connections.
- •Commutes to the very central districts can be longer than from inner-city areas.
- •Limited bustling nightlife and fewer trendy spots compared to central districts.
- •Walkability is medium in parts, often requiring public transport for longer distances.
- •Fewer cultural institutions and major attractions directly within the district.
💡 Insider Tips
Discover the charm of the 'Heurigen' on the district's western slopes, especially during warmer months for traditional food and local wine.
Take a hike or enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Wienerwald, easily accessible from the district's western parts.
Explore the charming local shops and cafes along Hernalser Hauptstraße for an authentic neighborhood experience.
✨ Highlights
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