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Vienna to roll out free coronavirus ‘gurgle tests’ next week

The Mayor of Vienna has announced all people working or living in Vienna can be regularly tested for the coronavirus free of charge using a PCR "Gurgeltest".

Published: 26 March 2021 14:54 CET

coronavirus testing

ALEX HALADA / AFP

Vienna’s Mayor Michael Ludwig announced on Friday the test project Alles Gurgelt (everyone gurgles) will be extended to allow everyone in Vienna to take four free PCR gargle tests (Gurgeltests) per week.

As of next week, a total of 200,000 tests per day will be available for residents of the city.

The tests can be collected and returned at participating BIPA and other REWE stores, which include Billa, Merkur and Penny as well as at the petrol station shops BP-Merkur Inside, Jet-Billa Stop & Shop and Shell-Billa Unterwegs.

Tests can be used to visit the hairdresser

The tests are carried out at home, and involve gargling with a saline solution for 60 seconds before collecting the liquid in a test tube to be returned for testing.

If you drop off your sample before 9am, you can get your test result within 24 hours.

The tests can also be used to visit a hairdresser or any other businesses with a test requirement, if you video yourself gargling and send the appropriate proof of ID to the online platform.

EXPLAINED: What is Austria’s test requirement to visit hairdressers?

According to laboratory partner Life Brains representative Michel Havel, the tests used for Alles Gurgelt are more than 98 percent accurate.

More information on the free testing scheme is available here.

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Five of the best city hikes in Vienna

Vienna is surrounded by great nature, and the city has created 14 well-marked hiking trails in the city and its surrounding area. All of them are easily accessible by public transport. Here, we list five of the most interesting and beautiful ones.

City hiking trail 1 – Kahlenberg

This hike is one of the most popular ones. It takes you to Kahlenberg, a famous hill located in the Vienna Woods, about 484 meters above sea level.

The hike starts at the end of tramline D in Heiligenstadt, and it takes you around Kahlenberg and the surrounding hills in a loop, where you, in the end, return to the starting point.

Kahlenberg is a great location for hiking. It is close to the city and offers a great experience of pure nature and beautiful views. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of Vienna, the Danube River, and the surrounding countryside.

The route is well-marked, 11 kilometres long, and it will take you around 3-4 hours to finish the loop. You can also choose to increase the time by taking breaks at the many vineyards and great viewing points that you will pass by.

The trail will take you to many interesting places, such as Kahlenberger Church. This historic church dates back to the 17th century and is popular for both spiritual reflection and great views. It is located at the top of Kahlenberg, and it is a perfect place to slow down, spend some time, and enjoy the surroundings.

If you want to eat something or try some local wine, you can do so at one of the many Heurigen that you will pass by. Here, you can taste different wines straight from the vineyards. A “Heuriger” is an Austrian wine tavern typically found in wine-growing regions.

City Hiking Trail 2 – Hermannskogel

This trail passes over Hermannskogel, which is 542 meters above sea level and the highest point in Vienna.

From Habsburgswarte, a historic observation tower, you can enjoy a great view of Vienna and the surrounding area, and on clear days, you can even spot Schneeberg in the distance.

The route is characterised by forests, vineyards, and many different Heurigen, where you can stop for a snack or some drinks.

The trail is 10 kilometres long and will take you 3-4 hours to complete.

It is one of the more challenging trails as you walk up to the top of Hermannskogel. However, the great views from there are likely to make the effort worthwhile.

The trail starts and finishes at Sievering in Döbling.

READ ALSO: Five unforgettable locations for camping in Austria

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City Hiking Trail 4 – Jubiläumswarte

This hike is a favourite to many; it takes you through Dehnepark in the district of Ottakring to Jubiläumswarte, a lookout tower on a hilltop from which you have a great view and, on good days, can sometimes spot Schneeberg, the closest highest mountain to Vienna.

The hike starts at Rettichgasse station and leads into Dehnepark, a beautiful recreation area with a lot of vegetation, ponds, and a playground. It ends at the same spot after you have taken a loop by exploring the other side of the hill from where Jubiläumswarte stands. This side allows you to walk through a beautiful forest where you can find a lot of nice spots for having a picnic.

The trail is approximately 7 kilometres long, and it usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.

If you prefer not to bring your own food, you can enjoy some traditional food at Großes Schutzhaus Rosental.

City hiking trail 5 – Bisamberg

The hike takes you from Stammersdorf in Floridsdorf to beautiful Bisamberg, a hill located in the northeastern part of Vienna.

Bisamberg is a great location for hiking. Here, you can explore the surrounding nature, vineyards, and traditional wine taverns (Heurige) and enjoy incredible views.

The route is 10 kilometres long, mainly flat, and leads you through vineyards, forests, and fields. It typically takes around 3-4 hours to complete, and if you are lucky, you might spot a deer.

If you are hungry or want to try some wine from the vineyards, you can visit different Heurigen in Stammersdorf and Strebersdorf.

The hike starts and ends in Stammersdorf, accessible via tram 31. Stammersdorf itself is also worth a visit, it is a cute village where you can find many historical buildings, traditional wine taverns and local restaurants.

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City Hiking trail 12- Wienerberg

This trail leads through Wienerberg, one of Vienna’s most famous local recreation areas, in the south of the city.

Wienerberg offers one of Vienna’s largest recreational areas, with lots of greenery, trees, plants, ponds, and playgrounds. It is a popular place for practising sports, walking, or having a picnic.

This hiking trail is about 22 kilometres long, making it Vienna’s longest city hiking trail. It will take you around 5-6 hours to complete the route.

The path takes you through Wienerberg to Vösendorf, a municipality with a historic town centre and a beautiful castle dating back to the 11th century, which is well worth a visit.

The hike starts at Frödenplatz, just outside of Wienerberg.

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READ MORE: Train travel in Austria: The best day trips from Vienna

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