When and where was the Danube Island built? What was the purpose of this? Which major event takes place once a year on the Danube Island? What does the leisure offer look like?
The Danube Island – a 21km long leisure island of the Viennese – is a true nature and leisure paradise, especially in summer . Whether cycling, running, swimming, skating, boating, everyone will find what they are looking for here. The Danube Island was built between 1972 and 1988 and is no more than 250m wide . It is an artificial island between the main stream of the Danube and the New Danube. 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 could be flooded if there was a risk of flooding.
The excavated material was used for the construction of the Danube Island. The island was planted with approx. 170 hectares of forest and developed into a Nature reserve. Beaver, deer and hares can be found here, as well as rare species of birds and fish. 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 walking, cycling, running, skating. In summer follows swimming and sunbathing on the natural beaches or Nudist sections. boating, water ski lift, surf school, picnic, and special barbecue areas bring friends and families together here. The gastronomic offer is also impressive. The Copa Beach attracts with culinary delights from all over the world. It’s like being on vacation from the city, yet in the middle of it. 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. At the island info center you can rent bicycles to explore the island. The Vienna City Beach Club has become an “in” meeting place, with lounge music during the day, culinary delights, beach volleyball and party people in the evening. Beautiful sunsets can be enjoyed from the fixed moored ship 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 music genres are represented, even international bands come to Vienna. This major event is free and attracts millions of visitors . The red line U1 takes you comfortably from Stephansplatz to Donauinsel station in 10 minutes . Or take the U6 to Neue Donau and start exploring the Danube Island from the other side. A hydroelectric power plant at Weir 1, a training ship , a wakeboard lift, countless hiking and biking trails are other special features of Vienna’s Danube Island. Time Travel Tip: On a
hot summer day (often the case in July and August) we recommend a refreshing
refreshing cool-down on the Danube
Danube Island after a strenuous Sightseeing
Day. 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 Alte Donau afterwards. This is a place where the Viennese like to spend their summer. The standing water of the Danube arm is wonderful for swimming, boating, sailing, rowing or just 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
