The 21 km Danube Island, originally built as a flood barrier, is today one of the most popular areas in the city for bathing, jogging, cycling and walking.

For more than 25 years the Danube Island, an artificial island in the Danube, has been protecting the city from flooding. It also acts as a filter between the river and its side channel, the so-called New Danube, and for that reason the water is particularly clear. This perhaps explains why the banks of both the New and Old Danube are so popular in summer. There’s plenty of room for sun worshippers and picnickers on the grass next to the water as well. There are also special barbecue areas and if you don’t have your own equipment you can rent one of the 15 grilling sites.

Relaxing and taking it easy

It is possible to rent a pedalo to get away from the banks and on romantic moonlit nights the boats are available until midnight. Then there are the restaurants and beach bars to recharge and refuel after a long day in the sun. Welcome to the island in the heart of the city!

Sport mecca

The Danube Island is particularly attractive for sports enthusiasts. The long flat strip is ideal for joggers, and a full circuit is about the same length as a marathon. Just about every means of propulsion on wheels can also be rented, and the asphalted paths are ideal for rollerblades, skateboards and scooters. Apart from normal bikes it is also worth trying out an e-bike, pedal go-cart, rickshaw or tandem. Finally, water skiers and wakeboarders have a water ski lift at Kaisermühlendamm.

Once a year the three-day Donauinselfest with free concerts by top stars from various genres attracts huge crowds, bringing up to three million people to the island for the weekend.
 

Danube Island guide

What? Where? When?
Answers to these and many other questions can be found at the Information Centre on the Donauinsel. The mobile team also provides visitors with helpful tips for finding their way around. There is even an app offering practical information directly to your mobile, available through a free wifi connection from this summer.
INFO: 22., Donauinsel, approx. 350 metres downstream from the Reichsbrücke (U1 stop Donauinsel); island app at: www.inselinfo.mobi

Island festival

“Live together, celebrate together” is the motto of the 29th Donauinselfest. Europe’s largest open-air festival offers free concerts with bands like Simple Minds, Ja Panik and Heinz from Vienna or DJ Antoine. Music, fun and sport are on the programme for the entire weekend. And the more daring can try out the Action & Fun island.
INFO: 22–24/Jun/2012. www.donauinselfest.at

Boating and cycling

The best way to find a quiet spot on the Donauinsel is to explore it by (rental) bike, rickshaw or boat. What’s more, the long flat paths are ideal for trying out inline skates or a tandem. Or you can just drift along the Neue Donau in a pedalo or motorboat and watch the action on the banks from a distance.
INFO: Copa Cagrana bike and skate rental: www.fahrradverleih.at; Booteria (Sunken City): www.donauinsel.at