Vienna sits at the eastern edge of the Alps at an average elevation of 171 meters above sea level – with a nearly 400-meter difference in elevation within city limits. The Lobau in the east lies at 151 m while the Hermannskogel in the Vienna Woods reaches 543 m. Few European capitals offer such dramatic topography within a single city.
That works out to roughly 561 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 245 m, putting Vienna about 74 m lower.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 171 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 48.2082° N, 16.3738° E |
| Country | Austria |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Munich | 520 | Germany |
| Frankfurt | 103 | Germany |
| Dresden | 113 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Vienna (171 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Aachen | 174 | Germany |
| Kassel | 175 | Germany |
| Würzburg | 179 | Germany |
| Lyon | 182 | France |
| Wuppertal | 152 | Germany |
| Saarbrücken | 197 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Vienna above sea level?
Vienna averages 171 m above sea level. The range spans from 151 m in the Lobau lowlands to 543 m at the Hermannskogel in the Vienna Woods.
Why does Vienna have so many hills?
Vienna lies at the eastern edge of the Alps, where the Vienna Woods foothills extend into the city. These hills are geologically part of the Northern Limestone Alps.
Does the Danube flow through Vienna?
Yes – the Danube flows through Vienna at about 151–165 m above sea level. The Danube Canal, a side channel, separates the inner city from the 2nd district.