In a nutshell
- The Danube Island is the perfect day trip destination in Vienna — find out what a perfect summer day there looks like right here!
- We love exploring the Danube Island by bike and going swimming in the New Danube.
- Our tip for families: The water playground on the Danube Island is a real highlight — pack a change of clothes for everyone.
What is the Danube Island in Vienna?
The Danube Island is a 21-kilometer-long and only 250-meter-wide artificial island between the Danube and the New Danube, built in the 1980s for flood protection.
Today, the Danube Island is Vienna’s most popular recreational paradise, with beautiful swimming spots, bike paths, bars, restaurants, and plenty of activities for the whole family.
Danube Island Highlights on a Map
For a better overview, we’ve marked the best things to do on the Danube Island on a map. We’ve also indicated where the nearest subway station is for getting there.
How to Explore the Danube Island
The Danube Island is Vienna’s most popular recreational paradise and perfect when you need a break from sightseeing in Vienna.
The 21-kilometer-long island is huge — you could easily spend several days there. But if you’re only in Vienna for a long weekend, we recommend exploring the Danube Island by bike. That way you can cover a lot of ground quickly and really take in the island.
There are great bike paths everywhere on the Danube Island and no cars. Cycling here is actually a lot of fun!
Alternatively, you can also explore on inline skates, skateboards, or pedicabs. Or just go for a walk.
No bike? No problem! Right at the Donauinsel subway station you’ll find a large bike rental at CopaBeach.
At CopaBeach you can also rent all kinds of sports equipment, from inline skates and skateboards to pedicabs and kids’ bikes.
You’ll find another bike rental at the tram stop Floridsdorfer Brücke, which stops directly on the Danube Island.
Our tip: You can also tour the Danube Island using the rental bikes from Wiener Linien. WienMobil bike stations are located throughout the city — just download the app, rent a bike, and ride.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Danube Island
If you’re visiting the Danube Island in summer, make sure to pack your swimsuit. You’ll find the most beautiful beaches in Vienna right around here!
In general, swimming in the Danube itself is dangerous due to the currents. On the left bank of the Danube Island there are occasional access points to the water, but we don’t recommend it.
Safer — and much nicer — is swimming in the New Danube on the right bank of the island. The New Danube is the narrower side channel between the Danube Island and Donaustadt, and the water quality there is generally excellent.
Most of the official swimming areas and beaches are on the right bank of the New Danube and around the Old Danube.
Here’s a look at the most beautiful beaches around the Danube Island.
The Most Beautiful Beaches Around the Danube Island
On the Danube Island itself, there are small access points, swimming docks, and pontoons for swimming in the New Danube throughout. The swimming areas are mostly on grass, with some nice shaded spots under trees.
If you’d rather relax on a sandy beach, head to the right bank of the New Danube.
- Family Beach: a 250-meter-long, free sandy beach with a shallow area for toddlers (max. 1 meter deep), a playground, restrooms, and a restaurant near the Neue Donau subway station.
- Pirat Bucht: a free, 200-meter-long sandy beach near the Donaustadtbrücke subway station with restrooms, shaded spots, and a gentle entry into the water.
- CopaBeach: A great spot on the New Danube with a sandy beach, beach bar, restaurants, bike rental, and swimming all in one.
- Nudist Beach: If you like soaking up the sun without a swimsuit, you can do so undisturbed at the FKK area Floridsdorf in the northern part of the Danube Island.
Swimming at the Old Danube
Honestly, our favorite swimming spots in Vienna are not on the Danube Island itself, but around the Old Danube in the Donaustadt neighborhood. It’s right near the Danube Island though — just two subway stops away.
A detour to the Old Danube is absolutely worth it in summer. You’ll find official lidos, free beaches, natural swimming spots, and swimming docks. Pure vacation vibes!
- Bundesbad Alte Donau: large outdoor pool with a swimming dock, lawn, trees, a café, playground, and restrooms. Admission from 7 euros.
- Strandbad Alte Donau: lovely outdoor pool with two swimming pools, a kids’ pool, and a swimming dock on the Old Danube. Restaurant, restrooms, and playground on site. Admission from 6 euros.
- Strombucht: shaded lawn with a gentle entry into the water. Restrooms, benches, lounge chairs, and a drinking water fountain available.
- Arbeiterinnenstrand: free lawn with trees and gentle access to the Old Danube. We love the name of this swimming spot!
Danube Island with Kids
Visiting Vienna with kids? Then the Danube Island is just the right destination for you. There are attractions and activities for children of all ages everywhere you look.
There are playgrounds, sports courts, and great swimming spots. Here are our two top picks for the Danube Island with kids.
Water Playground on the Danube Island
The water playground on the Danube Island is a massive play area for splashing around and burning off energy.
Kids can jump in puddles, build sandcastles, play in the mud, and cross a small pond using a rope ferry. With a lock system, they can even re-enact river traffic on the Danube. Your kids will absolutely love it!
There’s a separate splash area for toddlers, plus showers so everyone can rinse off after playing.
Like many things to do on the Danube Island, the water playground is only open from approximately May through the end of September.
Our tip: Pack swimsuits and a change of clothes — for the parents too. Nobody stays dry.
The water playground is our standout pick on the Danube Island. But we can also recommend two more playgrounds on the island:
- Donauinsel Playground: 500 meters from the water playground, near a public restroom.
- Floridsdorfer Brücke Playground: small playground next to the only parking lot on the Danube Island. Restroom available.
Trampoline Park on the New Danube
On the right bank of the New Danube, you and your kids can let loose on the world’s largest floating trampoline facility.
With 40 trampoline fields, you’ll be jumping with your kids against the stunning backdrop of the Vienna skyline.
The Danube Jumping trampoline park is just a few meters from the Reichsbrücke and the Donaubrücke subway station. Admission starts at 5 euros for 10 minutes of jump time.
Our tip: CopaBeach is right next to the trampoline park — we already mentioned it as a swimming spot and beach bar. The two go great together: jump first, then cool off in the New Danube.
The Best Activities on the Danube Island
On the Danube Island, you can do more than just bike and swim. There are also some seriously exciting water sports options — from stand-up paddling and wakeboarding to rafting.
Or just cruise lazily along the New Danube in a paddleboat.
Exploring the Danube Island by Boat
Is a boat cruise on the Danube a bit too low-key for you? Want to head out on your own terms?
Then rent a boat from Booteria boat rental and cruise around the Old Danube at your own pace. You can choose between a paddleboat or an electric boat.
You can reach the boat rental either from the Donauinsel subway station or via the floating pedestrian bridge Ponte Cagrana.
Rafting and Kayaking on the Danube Island
If boating feels too tame, our next recommendation is right up your alley: wakeboarding, rafting, or kayaking on the New Danube!
Adrenaline junkies will be in their element here. On a 250-meter-long whitewater channel, you’ll ride the waves in a rafting boat. No prior experience needed — a guide accompanies you throughout, and you’ll get a wetsuit and safety gear on site.
Alternatively, you can book a beginner kayaking course. You’ll get a theoretical introduction and learn how to safely navigate a kayak.
Head to Vienna Watersport Arena for all the info on courses and activities.
Cool Bars and Restaurants on the Danube Island
All that activity is bound to work up an appetite. No problem — the Danube Island has some great restaurants and cafés to keep you fueled.
Here are our picks for restaurants and bars on the Danube Island:
- Himmel & Wasser: a cozy grill restaurant and a perfect pit stop on a bike tour of the Danube Island.
- It´s Amore: Delicious pizza and pasta on the banks of the New Danube in a lovely setting.
- Sansibar: Bar and beach club on the riverbank with beach access and great cocktails. There’s dancing here too.
- Mosquito: small restaurant with a view of the Danube Island. The grilled fish on a stick is excellent!
- CopaBeach: The beach bar connects directly to the Danube Island via the Ponte Cagrana. A perfect way to end the day with cocktails on the beach at sunset.
Real Insider Tips for the Danube Island
Since the Danube Island is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, it can get crowded — especially in summer.
We know a few genuine off-the-beaten-path tips around the Danube Island that you won’t find in every Vienna travel guide.
- Grill Spot 10: The island has many barbecue spots worth visiting even if you’re not grilling. Grill Spot 10 is our top local favorite on the Danube Island — easy to reach by public transit, restrooms nearby, shade, a van selling drinks and ice cream, and views of the skyline. And it’s not crowded.
- Dechantlacke: a charming little swimming lake in the woods, away from the Danube Island, in the Donau-Auen National Park. 15 minutes on foot from a transit stop.
- Gänsehäufel: small island in the Old Danube with a lido, café, water slide, mini golf, restrooms, and playgrounds. A vacation oasis right in the middle of the city and a true under-the-radar pick. Admission from 6 euros.
Bonus Tip: The Bridges of the Danube Island
The Danube Island is connected to the Vienna city center and Donaustadt by numerous bridges.
Some of these bridges are real highlights, especially if you have a passion for architectural photography.
- Ponte Cagrana: floating pedestrian bridge connecting CopaBeach to the Danube Island. Open in summer only.
- Walulisobrücke: lesser-known pontoon bridge for pedestrians in the southern part of the Danube Island. Open in summer only.
- Stadlauer Ostbahnbrücke: railroad bridge over the Danube near the Vienna Prater. A great photo subject.
- Donaustadtbrücke: subway bridge that can also be crossed by bike. Beautifully lit at night.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Danube Island in Vienna
What is the Donauinsel in Vienna?
The Donauinsel is an artificial island between the Danube and the New Danube, built in the 1980s.
It is 21.1 kilometers long and only 250 meters wide, and was originally constructed to protect Vienna from flooding.
Today, though, the Donauinsel is much more than that — it’s Vienna’s most popular recreational paradise.
How do you get to the Donauinsel?
The Danube Island can be reached via more than 15 access points using various modes of transportation:
- by subway via the Donauinsel, Donaustadtbrücke, and Neue Donau stations
- by S-Bahn via the Wien Handelskai station
- by tram line 31 via the Floridsdorfer Brücke stop.
You can also easily get to the Danube Island by sightseeing bus with one of the hop-on/hop-off bus providers in Vienna.
Can you drive to the Donauinsel by car?
The Danube Island is a pedestrian zone and is generally closed to cars or accessible only with a permit.
You’re best off reaching the island on foot, by bike, or by public transit.
Can you park your car at the Donauinsel?
There is a paid parking lot on the Danube Island. However, it fills up fast.
You’ll have better luck parking on the other side of the Danube Island. There are several parking lots and garages there, though all are paid as well.
Can you spend the night on the Danube Island in Vienna?
There are no hotels on the Danube Island itself. But there are several hotels nearby from which you can also reach the Danube Island on foot.
Our hotel recommendation near the Danube Island:
Meliá Vienna: a stylish hotel in the Danube City area with panoramic views over Vienna and the Danube Island
More hotel tips for Vienna can be found here:
Is swimming in the Danube in Vienna possible?
Yes, swimming in the Danube in Vienna is generally possible. The water quality in the area around the Donauinsel is excellent.
There are many swimming spots around the Donauinsel, which we cover in more detail in our article under number #2.
Important: Due to currents, swimming in the Danube itself can be dangerous. You’re better off heading to the many swimming spots and lido beaches along the Neue Donau and Alte Donau.
What is the Danube Island Festival and what can you do there?
Every year at the end of June, the Donauinselfest takes place on the Donauinsel. It’s the world’s largest open-air music festival, with a colorful program of live music, cabaret, and literature.
The lineup features national and international stars. In recent years, performers have included Mando Diao, Revolverheld, Tocotronic, and Bonnie Tyler. There’s also a program for children.
The best part about the Donauinselfest: admission is free!
Is the Danube Island worth visiting in winter?
In winter, the Danube Island is a bit in hibernation. Most restaurants and activities are closed, and only a few tourists make it out here.
That said, for a long winter walk we can still recommend the Danube Island — it has a quiet charm of its own.
Where do you have the best view of the Danube Island in Vienna?
The best vantage points are either the Donauturm or the Kahlenberg.
The Donauturm is the tallest building in Vienna and a great activity in Vienna. From the top, you’ll enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the city and, of course, the Danube Island.
A bit outside the city center, the Kahlenberg viewpoint is our insider tip in Vienna. From there you can see the Danube Island in its entire length — the vista is seriously stunning.
