Boating on the Old Danube

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Summer days on the Old Danube

Welcome to the Old Danube, an idyllic side arm of the Danube. About 150 years ago, this arm of the Danube became a standing body of water. Since then, no visitor can resist the charms of this relaxing spot, well-loved by Vienna's residents. The Old Danube is a true paradise for watersports and leisure activities in Vienna. The pretty shoreline landscape and refreshing water of the Old Danube attract many visitors, especially in summer. Dive into the variety of possibilities this special body of water offers you in Vienna: Swimming, boat rides, stand-up paddling, and enjoying – and all within easy reach on the subway.

Subway Station „Alte Donau“ (Old Danube)
© WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

Boat rides and stand-up paddling

There are all sorts of possibilities for the perfect break and unforgettable moments on the water of the Old Danube. Rowing, electric and pedal boats can be rented at many places. A romantic full-moon ride with Prosecco, or the popular Light Festival on the Old Danube are highly recommended. Make sure you reserve your boat in time at www.alte-donau.info

The calm water is also particularly well suited for stand-up paddling. More information at www.supcenter-wien.at.

From April to October, www.venturevienna.com offers the opportunity to explore the Old Danube on a guided kayak tour.

Swimming and enjoying

Vienna's natural pools have excellent water quality and tempt visitors to enjoy many pleasant hours on the beach. The most rustic outdoor swimming pool is the Gänsehäufel. It has been a staycation spot for Vienna residents for over 100 years. Small rented cabins – everyone calls them cabanas – tend to serve as the summer residences of well-tanned retirees. It is nothing unusual to hear the evening close of bathing song in summer. It signals to guests of the outdoor pool that the bathing day has come to an end.

A very special highlight on the Old Danube are the floating islands. They offer space for up to eight people with snuggle sofa, table, and sun canopy. Multiple islands can also be lashed together, so the number of users can be expanded as required. Casting off is very easy, thanks to the innovative controls. Once you've found a nice spot, simply throw the on-board anchor over the side. Entry aids make it possible to get back on board again easily after jumping into the water. You can more information at www.meine-insel.at

All this vacationing works up an appetite, and those who are looking to end their summer's day on the Old Danube with a good meal won't even need to leave the boat, but just pull up to the desired jetty: Fresh fish at the Alte Kaisermühle, French cuisine at the restaurant La Creperie, vacation treats at the Bootshaus or Viennese specialties at Gasthaus Birner, the Ufertaverne or at the restaurant Zum Schinakl are a fitting end to a perfect summer. Even more on enjoyment by the water in Vienna.

Old Danube

Alte Donau
1220 Vienna

Gänsehäufel

Moissigasse 21
1220 Vienna
  • Opening times

    • Anfang bis Mitte Mai Mo - Fr, 09:00 - 19:00
    • Sa - Su, 08:00 - 19:00
    • Mitte Mai bis Ende August Mo - Fr, 09:00 - 20:00
    • Sa - Su, 08:00 - 20:00
    • on holidays, 08:00 - 20:00
    • Anfang September bis Mitte September Mo - Fr, 09:00 - 19:00
    • Sa - Su, 08:00 - 19:00

Stand Up Paddling & Kayak Center Wien

Moissigasse 21
1220 Vienna

Zur Alten Kaisermühle

Fischerstrand 21A
1220 Vienna
  • Opening times

    • daily, 11:30 - 23:00
    • Only Th to Su from middle/end of September until shortly before Christmas, winter break: January and February

La Crêperie

An der Oberen Alten Donau 6
1210 Vienna
  • Opening times

    • Tu - Th, 10:00 - 23:00
    • Fr - Sa, 08:30 - 23:00
    • Su, 08:30 - 17:00

Das Bootshaus Alte Donau

An der unteren Alten Donau 61
1220 Vienna
  • Opening times

    • Mo - Fr, 11:30 - 23:00
    • Sa - Su, 09:00 - 23:00
    • on holidays, 09:00 - 23:00

Ufertaverne

An der Oberen Alten Donau 186
1220 Vienna
  • Opening times

    • April daily, 12:00 - 21:00
    • Mai - August daily, 09:00 - 23:30
    • September daily, 09:00 - 21:00

Strandgasthaus Birner

An der Oberen Alten Donau 47
1210 Vienna
  • Opening times

    • Sommersaison
    • Mo - Fr, 10:00 - 23:30
    • Sa - Su, 09:00 - 23:30
    • on holidays, 09:00 - 23:30
    • Wintersaison
    • Mo - Fr, 10:00 - 22:00
    • Sa - Su, 09:00 - 22:00
    • on holidays, 09:00 - 22:00

Restaurant Zum Schinakl

Laberlweg 19
1220 Vienna
  • Opening times

    • April - September daily, 11:00 - 23:00
    • October - March Tu - Su, 11:00 - 23:00
  • Accessibility

    • Main entrance
      • no steps (Double swinging doors 120 cm wide)
    • Further information
      • Seeing eye dogs allowed
    • Comments

      No special seats for wheelchairs, seating arrangements can be adapted accordingly.

      Parking more than 100 m away.
      No wheelchair-accessible restroom (access to toilets without stairs).

Meine-Insel Boat Rental

Laberlweg 19
1220 Vienna
  • Accessibility

    • Further information
      • Seeing eye dogs allowed
    • Special offers for people with disabilities

      The island boats are also suitable for wheelchair users as well as baby carriages.

    • Comments

      Parking more than 100 m away.
      No wheelchair-accessible restroom (access to toilets in the restaurant without stairs).

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