Danube Island (Donauinsel)
Donauinsel (Danube Island) is a 21-km-long artificial island bisecting the Danube in central Vienna, built 1972–1988 for flood control and now the city's premier free recreational green space — offering beaches, cycling, water sports, wildlife, and Europe's largest open-air music festival.
Key facts
| Hours | Hours not verified |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | U1 Donauinsel station (on the island, below Reichsbrücke); also U6 to Neue Donau or Handelskai |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours for a central visit; a full day to explore end-to-end |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings in summer for beaches; spring and autumn for cycling and wildlife; avoid the Donauinselfest weekend in late June/early July if you prefer quiet |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value8.5
- Freshness6.0
- Crowd level8.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- What wildlife can I see on Donauinsel?
- The island hosts roe deer, beavers, kingfishers, grass snakes, sand lizards, and common toads, among other species. Note that the northern nature reserve is closed to most visitors during the bird-breeding season (March–June) to minimise disturbance.
- How do I get to Donauinsel by public transport?
- The easiest route is U1 (red line) to Donauinsel station, which sits on the island itself beneath the Reichsbrücke bridge. You can also take U6 to Neue Donau or Handelskai and walk across a connecting bridge.
- Is there an information centre on the island?
- Yes. The Island Info Centre is located 350 m downstream of the Reichsbrücke, next to the water playground. It is open May–September: Wednesdays 12:00–16:00 and Fridays–Sundays 12:00–18:00. The phone line (+43 1 4000-96500) is staffed year-round Monday–Friday 08:00–14:00.
- What sports and activities are available on Donauinsel?
- The island offers over 135 km of cycling and walking paths, plus rollerblading, swimming, canoeing, water-skiing, beach volleyball, a climbing park, and barbecue areas. Copa Beach on the Neue Donau side has loungers, sandy beaches, and international food stalls.
- How long and wide is Donauinsel?
- The island stretches 21.1 km (about 13 miles) from Langenzersdorf to the Lobau, but is only 70–210 m wide throughout. Its narrow shape means you're never far from water on either side.
- Is Donauinsel free to enter?
- Yes, the island is entirely free to access at all times — no ticket or reservation needed. Individual operators (restaurants, water-sport rentals, climbing park) charge their own fees.
- What is the Donauinselfest?
- The Donauinselfest is a free three-day open-air music festival held every June since 1984, attracting around three million visitors over a weekend — making it the world's largest music festival by attendance. Entry requires no ticket; a brief security check applies.
- Can I swim at Donauinsel?
- Yes — the calmer Neue Donau (New Danube) side is the main swimming area, with natural beaches and designated bathing zones. The water quality is consistently rated good. The Danube side is a fast shipping channel and not suitable for swimming.
Nearby in Ask Vienna
- Copa CagranaBeach0.28 km · 4 min walk
- Donauinsel Free Beach (Sunbathing Meadows)Beach0.28 km · 4 min walk
- Strandbad KuchelauBeach1.4 km · 18 min walk
- Strandbad Alte DonauBeach1.57 km · 20 min walk
- Prater & RiesenradAttraction1.71 km · 21 min walk
Where to stay near Danube Island (Donauinsel)
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