Vienna can be proud of its tap water. After all, the city is supplied with 400,000 m ³ of fresh spring water daily from two mountain spring pipelines from the areas around Schneeberg, Rax, Schneealpe and Hochschwab. A positive side-effect of this is that on its way to Vienna, the water flows through hydroelectric power stations, which generates 65 million kilowatt hours of power, or enough for a small town. Vienna is the first city in the world to place the "White Gold" under the protection of the constitution.

The Vienna Water Tower in Favoriten is a relic from the time of drinking water supply before the second spring was constructed; it's no longer connected to the water network, but it is a striking example of the "industrial historicism" style and is definitely worth a visit.

Excursion tip:

In 1998, the first "Vienna water line hiking path" was opened along the most beautiful parts of the first Vienna spring water route. The hiking path is located just outside of Vienna, can be reached by public transportation such as bus or train, and is also manageable for leisure walkers.

Further information:

www.wienerwasser.at

1st Vienna Water-Line Hiking Path:
www.wien.gv.at/english/environment/watersupply/active/hikingpath.html

Brochure (German)

Vienna Water Tower in Favoriten:
10., Windtenstraße 3
Information about tours and exhibits:
+43 1 59953-31300
www.wien.gv.at/english/environment/watersupply/active/tower.html