Danube River (Donau Kanal)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Popular with Locals,
Sailing,
Swim & Snorkel,
Water Sports,
River
Until the late 19th century the Danube River, or Donau Kanal, was unregulated and formed a 5-mile (8 km) wide wetland which regularly flooded nearby villages around Vienna. In 1870 the river was dammed and a new river channel formed for shipping. The mighty river continued to flood periodically and after 1972 a new flood-control project was started. This resulted in the creation of the Danube Island and Danube Canal or Little Danube, which runs past the old town. Both are now popular as picnic areas. In June, the annual Danube Island Festival attracts over three million visitors.
In summer, the Viennese flock to the Old Danube to swim, sail, row, paddleboat and even surf! Okay, so that's in a wave pool but there are still three surf and sail schools, plus beaches including a nudist area. Something for everyone.
Latest Reviews
Review by Catherine P, USA, May 2013
Doing what: Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna
Lovely short cruise on the Danube. Melk Abbey is spectacular and definitely worth seeing.
Review by Rae, Philippines, January 2013
Doing what: Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna
it was a fantastic day trip which included a visit to the small but lovely towns of krems and Melk. Our trip included a free lunch en route to the Melk abbey. The views along the danube were fascinating. our tour guide offered information about the important sites along the way to wachau valley.
Review by Scott A, November 2012
Doing what: Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna
The tour is fantastic. The scenery is simply breathtaking and I was lucky enough to schedule my trip on the last day the boat trip on the Danube was offered for the season. The foliage, both in the forest and the vineyards was gorgeous. I just wish the boat trip could have started a bit earlier.
Practical Info
There are various boat tours you can take along the Danube, into the Danube Valley, up to Bratislava in Slovakia or downstream to Budapest in Hungary. Metro line U1 goes to the river, stops: Alte Donau (Old Danube) or Danube Island.
