It’s no coincidence that Am Himmel means “in heaven” in German. A green meadow situated on a plateau in the Vienna Woods high above the city where the skies open wide, this patch of land is as mystical as it is panoramic. The good cafe-restaurant, Oktagon, and well-equipped forest playground make this an excursion spot equally beloved by families, nature-lovers and couples on a romantic outing.

In the middle of this meadow stands the symbolic Lebensbaumkreis, “The tree circle of life” with 40 trees of over 20 different species. Here, a person’s birthday corresponds to a species with which he shares character traits—an arboreal horoscope, if you will—and a loudspeaker in front of every tree will blare out the information. On weekends classical music pieces play from the speakers; listen to the concert from the amphitheater surrounding the tree circle.

The Am Himmel committee brought the project to life in 1997 as a natural monument to Vienna’s forests, and organizes various events during the year like “Bees’ New Year” in September, “Pumpkin Festival” in October and spectacular New Year’s Eve parties. At night, the meadow turns a bit eerie—especially if you unwittingly set off the motion sensor-controlled music.