Danube Island Vienna
Swimming, sport and leisure between the city and green spaces
Introduction
The Donauinsel is a remarkable piece of urban planning: a natural recreational space in the middle of the city, originally built for flood protection and since grown into a living landscape. Between the Danube and the Neue Donau, the island stretches from Langenzersdorf to the Lobau. Created between 1972 and 1988, it is now defined by open meadows and woodland — 1.8 million trees and shrubs have been planted here (source: City of Vienna).
While the Danube serves as the main shipping channel, the calmer Neue Donau offers space for swimming, water sports and relaxing. Look carefully and you'll find a surprising range of wildlife — roe deer, beavers and kingfishers, grass snakes, sand lizards and common toads have all made their home on the Donauinsel (source: City of Vienna).
In summer, the Festwiese becomes the city's largest open-air venue, with concerts, festivals and sporting events right on the water. Winter has its own appeal — quiet walks and sunsets with the Vienna skyline as a backdrop.
Meet the Danube Island
Bathing on the Danube Island
With 42 km of sand, gravel and grass beaches, the Neue Donau is Vienna's largest open-air swimming spot — free of charge and right in the city. Gently sloping banks, expansive lawns and floating platforms offer plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing and a spontaneous dip.
Those looking for a beach atmosphere will find several good options. The "Pirat Bucht" has old trees for shade and a shallow entry into the water. The Arena Beach is defined by a sandy shore and a lively summer atmosphere. In the north and south of the island, three designated nudist areas can also be found. Families are well served at the 250-metre family beach, which combines a large water play area with a spacious shallow-water zone.
Sport, action and leisure by the water
Copa Beach and Pier 22
Copa Beach stretches along 500 metres of waterfront on the city side of the Neue Donau — with two sandy beaches, loungers and international cuisine, just a few minutes from the city centre and easily reached by U-Bahn.
On the opposite bank, on the Donauinsel itself, lies the newly redesigned Pier 22. The site offers barrier-free bathing platforms, sunbathing areas and a covered multi-purpose sports court, with restaurants and food trucks along the promenade. The two sides are connected on foot via the Ponte-Cagrana pedestrian bridge.
Did you know…
Nature trail on the Donauinsel
The trail "Die kleine Bucht am großen Strom" (The little bay on the great river) winds through seven stations exploring the wildlife and plant life around the bay near the Reichsbrücke. The stops cover beavers, sterlet, catfish and bird species such as the grey heron — and the island even has its own sterlet breeding station. A great outing for families and anyone who wants to explore the island beyond the waterfront.
Along the route, floodplain forest defines the landscape — silver willows and white poplars grow along the bank, with maple and ash on higher ground. The trail shows just how closely green space and city sit together on the Donauinsel.