Nature Lovers in Vienna and eastern Austria

Anybody coming to Vienna and nearby, I would be happy to share my experience of the beauty of nature and culture.
I am an Austrian by birth. There are many places and activities, not far from Vienna. Untouched rivers and forests, mountains with trails and via ferratas, old celtic cult places, springs and castles shrouded in legend, thermal springs,
waterfalls, remote alpine huts, caves and so much more. In Winter cross-country skiing and snowshoe-trekking are sports anybody can do. Just ask for information.

Hi helmut108,

Can you tell which are the nearest lakes to Vienna? I'm moving there for 6 months next week and would love to see the lakes before the weather gets too cold...

Thanks :)

Dear Helmut,

we recently moved to Vienna most likely for 4 years. Trying to do some trips over the weekends before it gets too cold for regular travels.
We would like to take the scenic Semmering Train, but we would need some info about it:
1.Starting from Vienna Südbahnhof can we take IC/EC to Semmering to see the best views and scenery of the trip or we should start from Gloggnitz by local train and get off at Mürzzuschlag?
2.How many hours shall we plan to spend on the trip without rushing through everything, but not staying there overnight?
3. How much would it cost for 2 adults without any discounts in Austria?
4.Is there any possibility to go there by car and would it give us better options?
Thank you in advance,
Best,
Éva
PS: Any other suggestions for day trips from Vienna will be highly appreciated. (We just did the wine/heuriger hiking tour. All of it by foot - was really great!)