Danube Island & Old Danube
Danube Island
The Danube Island is a 21 km long artificial island between the Danube and the New Danube — created during the construction of flood protection in the 1970s. Today, it is Vienna's city beach and leisure paradise: swimming in the New Danube (bathing quality!), barbecuing, cycling, inline skating, and in summer the Donauinselfest (end of June) — Europe's largest open-air festival with 3 million visitors and free entry.
- Beach: The Copa Cagrana (north shore) and the south shore have sandy areas, bars, and restaurants right by the water. Admission: free.
- Water sports: Stand-up paddling, kayaking, and water skiing on the New Danube.
- Access: Subway U1, station "Donauinsel" — 10 minutes from Stephansplatz.
Old Danube
The Old Danube is a natural oxbow lake — a tranquil lake in the middle of the city, perfect for boating, swimming, and chilling. Pedal boat rental, sailing clubs, beach baths (Gänsehäufel — Vienna's largest beach bath, €5 entry), and restaurants on the shore. Quieter and more "local" than the Danube Island — this is where Viennese spend their summer weekends.
Danube Tower
The Danube Tower (252 m) in the Danube Park offers from its observation deck (150 m) the widest view over Vienna — on clear days up to the Carpathians. Admission: €16. In the revolving restaurant, you can dine while the platform rotates once around its axis in 40 minutes.
