The Danube Island – Vienna’s local recreation area

When and where was the Danube Island built? What was its purpose? Which major event takes place on the Danube Island once a year? What are the leisure activities on offer?

The Danube Island – a 21 km long recreational island for the Viennese – is a true nature and leisure paradise, especially in summer . Whether cycling, running, swimming, skating or boating, there is something for everyone here. The Danube Island was built between 1972 and 1988 and is no more than 250m wide. An artificial island between the main stream of the Danube and the New Danube.

Flood protection creates nature reserve

The background was the Flood protection. Vienna can boast of being absolutely flood-proof ! With the New Danube , a relief channel was created parallel to the Danube that can be flooded if there is a risk of flooding. The excavated material was practically used for the construction of the Danube Island.

The island was planted with around 170 hectares of forest and developed into a Nature reserve. Beaver, deer and hares can be found here, as well as rare bird and fish species. The natural beaches attract colorful flora and fauna. The water of the New Danube is of good bathing quality.

As soon as spring arrives in Vienna, the Viennese make a pilgrimage to the Danube Island. Be it for walking, cycling, running or skating. In summer, there is swimming and sunbathing on the natural bathing beaches or Nudist areas. Boating, water ski lift, surf school, picnics and special barbecue areas bring friends and families together.

Vacation feeling in the city

The gastronomic offerings are also impressive. The Copa Beach attracts visitors with culinary delights from all over the world. It’s like a vacation from the city, but in the middle of the city. The world’s largest floating trampoline facility with 40 fields invites families with children to let off steam, as does the water playground. The new Danube Island climbing park is for those who are not water rats. You can hire bicycles to explore the island from the island information center .

The Vienna City Beach Club has become an “in” place, with lounge music during the day, culinary delights, beach volleyball and party people in the evening. Beautiful sunsets can be enjoyed from the moored boat with exotic cocktails. This guarantees a vacation feeling in Vienna.

Once a year, one of the largest open-air festivals in Europe is held on the Danube Island – the Danube Island Festival. All genres of music are represented, and international bands also come to Vienna. This major event is free of charge and attracts millions of visitors . The red line U1 takes you comfortably from Stephansplatz to Danube Island station in 10 minutes. Or you can take the U6 to Neue Donau and start exploring the Danube Island from the other side.

A hydroelectric power station at Weir 1, a training ship, a wakeboard lift and countless hiking and cycling trails are further special features of Vienna’s Danube Island.

Time Travel Tip: On a hot summer’s day (often the case in July and August), we recommend a refreshing dip on the Danube Island after a strenuous day of sightseeing. The Copa Beach or Vienna City Beach Club offer all the amenities of a “city beach”.

Another idea is to take the U1 to the Old Danube afterwards. This is a place where the Viennese like to spend their summer. The stagnant waters of the Danube arm are wonderful for swimming, boating, sailing, rowing or simply soaking up the sun. You can see the most beautiful sunsets in Vienna here!

More info: The Danube Island (wien.gv.at)

Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Danubes.JPG