Danube River at Vienna Tours
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The Danube River is among Europe’s mightiest, stretching from Germany to the Black Sea, and it helped grow Vienna into a major power center. The waterway branches into two as it enters Vienna: The Danube Canal passes through the center, while the river flows across the city’s northeastern edge. Both provide opportunities to relax and take in Vienna’s sights.
The Basics
Even though the Danube Canal and Danube River are part of the same waterway, they offer entirely different Viennese experiences. Take a cruise on the narrow Danube Canal to view some of the city’s architectural landmarks, along with colorful canal-side graffiti, or stroll along the canal’s paved pathways, popular with locals. And, while the Danube Canal isn’t ideal for swimming, there are beaches here, including beach clubs that serve drinks to sunbathers.
The Danube River, to the north of the city center, feels less urban. It’s divided into two branches, called the New Danube (Neue Donau) and Old Danube (Alte Donau). And, between the two is an island called Danube Island (Donauinsel). There, you’ll find a park that draws crowds of walkers, runners, and cyclists and is a scenic destination for swimming in warmer months.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Danube Canal flows through the historic center of Vienna, with access points throughout the city. To reach the Danube River, take the underground. Line U1 goes to Vorgartenstrasse on the south bank, Donauinsel on the island, and Kaisermühlen on the north bank. Line U2 heads to Donaumarina on the south bank and Donausstadtbrücke on the north bank. Line U6 goes to Handelskai on the south bank and Neue Donau on the north bank.
When to Get There
In late May, the Danube Canal hosts a festival called Donaukanaltreiben, which celebrates art, street food, design, and local culture. Danube Island has its own bash in June, called Donauinselfest, a free open-air music festival.
Cycling the Danube River
Riding a bike along the Danube River, which is flanked by cycling paths, is a popular way to explore Europe. One of the most beloved sections runs from Passau, Germany, to Vienna; even on a day trip, you can rent a bike in Vienna and experience a day by the Danube.
The Basics
Even though the Danube Canal and Danube River are part of the same waterway, they offer entirely different Viennese experiences. Take a cruise on the narrow Danube Canal to view some of the city’s architectural landmarks, along with colorful canal-side graffiti, or stroll along the canal’s paved pathways, popular with locals. And, while the Danube Canal isn’t ideal for swimming, there are beaches here, including beach clubs that serve drinks to sunbathers.
The Danube River, to the north of the city center, feels less urban. It’s divided into two branches, called the New Danube (Neue Donau) and Old Danube (Alte Donau). And, between the two is an island called Danube Island (Donauinsel). There, you’ll find a park that draws crowds of walkers, runners, and cyclists and is a scenic destination for swimming in warmer months.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cruising the Danube Canal is great for those who love street art and urban architecture.
- On hot days the Danube River offers swimmers a cool escape from the heat.
- Most cruise ships dock at Wiener Donauraum Länden, a short shuttle ride from Vienna’s historic center.
How to Get There
The Danube Canal flows through the historic center of Vienna, with access points throughout the city. To reach the Danube River, take the underground. Line U1 goes to Vorgartenstrasse on the south bank, Donauinsel on the island, and Kaisermühlen on the north bank. Line U2 heads to Donaumarina on the south bank and Donausstadtbrücke on the north bank. Line U6 goes to Handelskai on the south bank and Neue Donau on the north bank.
When to Get There
In late May, the Danube Canal hosts a festival called Donaukanaltreiben, which celebrates art, street food, design, and local culture. Danube Island has its own bash in June, called Donauinselfest, a free open-air music festival.
Cycling the Danube River
Riding a bike along the Danube River, which is flanked by cycling paths, is a popular way to explore Europe. One of the most beloved sections runs from Passau, Germany, to Vienna; even on a day trip, you can rent a bike in Vienna and experience a day by the Danube.
Address: Vienna, Vienna Region 1030, Austria
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Danube River at Vienna
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Small-Group Half-Day Electric Mountainbike Tour of Vienna
Discover Vienna’s green and leafy side on a four-hour bike tour of the city’s parks, canal-side paths, and picturesque vineyards. You’ll have a comfortable ride through the city on a fatbike with an electric assist, so you can pedal just as much as you want on the 21-mile 35-km) route. This 4-hour fatbike tour of Vienna includes all the equipment you need and snacks along the way, and it’s limited to four people for a fun, personal experience.
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From
$72.98
From
$72.98
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Cycling along the beautiful Danube banks
The Danube Cycle Path runs along the north bank through the Naturschutzgebiet Gemeindeau nature reserve. Shortly after passing the Greifenstein power station, you will arrive at the Korneuburg, "City of the Pied Piper" with its charming historic center. We cycle through the vast wetlands of Stockerau. At Greifenstein, you can take a break to visit nearby Stockerau, a town known for its summer theater. Climb the church tower for a beautiful view. A delicious snack and drink on the way if you feel like it :-)!
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From
$45.77
From
$45.77
Half-day bike tour in Vienna
Whether you are a local or a tourist, you can experience Vienna in a whole new way by bike. The metropolis is ideal for bike tours, because its well-developed bike path network offers ideal conditions for sightseeing on two wheels.
Our trained local guides will show you the most famous sights of the capital in the most authentic way during a 3-hour tour. On this tour you will get a deep cultural insight into the history of the development and development of Vienna.
Before you start, you will receive a suitable bike and a bottle of water for the tour.
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From
$37.11
From
$37.11
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
E-Scooter Tour through amazing Vienna!
We are going to cruise from the 15th district to the city centre through the city park of Vienna to the most urban and cool place in the whole city! From there we will discover some new hidden spots, cruise along the Danube canal, to continue then to the hippest neighbourhoods the city has to offer! We will end the tour close to the biggest public park in Vienna with its own amusement park! Come and enjoy the best the city has to offer on the WOLRDS FIRST E-SCOOTER TOUR!
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From
$62.17
From
$62.17
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