The Danube begins in Germany in the Black Forest and ends its journey in the Black Sea. It is the second longest river in Europe, crossing the entire Austrian territory for almost 320 km. Vienna is no exception: the magnificent river flows through the veins of the Austrian capital for 23 km. In particular, it criss-crosses an entire section of the historic centre. The old branch of the river has been converted into a promenade. Bordered by historic buildings, walls covered in street art and cafés of all kinds, Vienna also lives by the river. For this reason, visiting the city by boat is an excellent way to discover it in a new light. You can personalise your itinerary, take a moonlit stroll with your loved ones, or opt for a kayak for a swim in the summer. Full steam ahead!
Discovering Vienna by water is a wonderful idea. Climb aboard a speedboat and let yourself be carried along the Danube, without getting tired. DDSG Bleu Danube offers a wide range of sightseeing and themed cruises. In particular, the company offers itineraries that vary in length depending on the time you have available (between 1 and 3 hours).
Cruise ships on the Danube in Vienna.
- © Kiev.Victor / ShutterstockThe programme includes a visit to the historic centre and the city's emblematic buildings, as well as the Urania observatory, which forms part of Green Vienna. A final tour takes us through the modern district overlooked by the gigantic Danube Tower.
📍 Address: Franz-Josefs-Kai 2, Vienna
👛Fare: from €24
👉 All information is available on the company's website.
If you prefer more intimate excursions, we recommend a trip on a private water taxi. Every day from 2pm to midnight, river shuttles offer tours of the city with romantic night-time walks and tours.
It's the ideal way to enjoy a special stroll with your family, friends or partner. You can bring your own picnic or take advantage of the on-site catering service.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi on the banks of the Danube.
- © S.Borisov / ShutterstockIn this way, you can visit a number of emblematic places on a short or long tour of the Danube Canal.
The water taxi can be used for hen parties, company celebrations and birthdays. The itinerary and duration of the trip will be designed according to your personal wishes. The tour can even be tailored to suit your wishes.
👉 Booking and information on this website.
The Viennese yellow taxi has swapped its wheels for a sturdy hull. The river shuttle takes passengers to the city centre every day, for small groups of up to 8 people. And for wine-lovers, the company plans to take you on a tour of the city while sampling wine in a small local tavern.
It's the ideal choice for short trips on and off the Danube Canal. You can also take the yellow shuttle bus from the landing stage at Nussdorf, below the weir (Schemmerlbrücke). The shuttle can be hired every day until midnight.
👉 Booking and information on this website.
For sports fans, the Danube can also be discovered with a little elbow grease. There's nothing like a canoe or kayak trip to combine sport and discovery. Several establishments on the banks of the Danube offer this type of service.
Canoeing on the Danube River.
- © Cuca Rivani / ShutterstockThis is particularly true of Venture Vienna, which specialises in kayak hire and offers great rates. If you're lucky enough to visit the city during the summer, the rental companies on the Old Danube sometimes offer rides during the full moon. An evening outing that makes the experience even more enjoyable.
It costs €79 per person for a guided kayak tour, from 9am to midday, with an optional swim in summer, and €69 per person for groups of 4 to 8 adults.
👉 Booking and information on this website.
Whichever way you choose to travel on the Danube, you'll be sure to admire the footbridges that span the river and offer spectacular views over the city. Not to be missed is the Josef-von-Schemerl-Brücke bridge, adorned with architectural details and pretty statues.
Le pont Reichsbrücke.
- © Onjira Leibe / ShutterstockAnother remarkable bridge is the Reichsbrücke, one of the longest bridges in Europe. It was built in the 1930s and links Vienna's city centre to the Donaustadt district. The bridge was renovated in the 1980s and is now a gathering place for the city's residents, notably for New Year' s fireworks and the Danube Island Festival, a popular open-air music event.
Vienna
