Historical Map of the Month: February 01.02.2025 - The selected map from the archive takes us back to 1882 and shows a detailed overview of the Vienna Woods, which was already a popular excursion destination at that time - and remains so to this day.
In February, the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying - BEV presents a tourist map of the Vienna Woods from 1882. This map, designed by Anton Silberhuber and published by the Österreichische Touristenclub (ÖTK), documents the then emerging fashion for hiking and shows important paths and trails for nature lovers. Distinctive villages in the Vienna foothills and along the Danube are recognizable, including well-known communities such as Tulln an der Donau, Korneuburg, Klosterneuburg, Purkersdorf and the urban area of Vienna itself.
Special features of the map
Many narrow paths are finely marked and in some cases highlighted in color, indicating different hiking routes and levels of difficulty. Inns, hunting lodges, quarries and railroad stations are also marked. The Lainzer Tiergarten is also mentioned as “K.K. Thiergarten”. The precise terrain depiction of the mountain ranges illustrates the characteristic hilly landscape of the Vienna Woods. Historic railroad lines and roads can also be seen, indicating the improved accessibility of the area for urban excursionists.
Historical context
The map dates from a time when the Vienna Woods were increasingly developed as a recreational area for the Viennese population. Due to industrialization and the expansion of the rail network, local recreational destinations became increasingly important. Maps like this helped hikers to find their way and reflect the beginnings of modern tourism.
Such maps are not only geographical documents, but also cultural-historical evidence of leisure activities in the late 19th century. They mark a time in which the Vienna Woods were both developed for tourism and increasingly placed under protection.
About the author of the map
Together with Franz Eduard Matras and Leopold Schiestl, Anton Silberhuber is one of the most important personalities of the ÖTK. As president of the ÖTK from 1881 to 1891 (and a member of the committee from 1885), he made a significant contribution to the club's expansion. Under his leadership, the number of members grew rapidly and new branches, mountain huts and lookout points were built. Numerous tourist guides and panoramas were also published.
Silberhuber founded a newspaper (ÖTZ). He also accompanied Crown Prince Rudolf on several trips to Carniola (now Slovenia) as well as to the coastal region and the offshore islands of present-day Croatia.
The historical map of the month thus not only provides an insight into the geographical features of the Vienna Woods in 1882, but also tells of an eventful time of emerging nature tourism in Austria.
Title: Touristenkarte des Wienerwaldes
Editor: Österreichischer Touristen Club
Author: Anton Silberhuber
Scale: 1:80 000
Publication: 1882
Format: 362 x 331 mm
The former historical maps of the month can be viewed in our online archive.