If you want to experience Vienna from above, you can do more than just take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater or visit the Gloriette in Schönbrunn Palace Park. No, you can go much higher with a 360° view of the entire city and beyond. The Danube Tower in the 22nd district is a truly impressive piece of architecture and engineering that attracts more than just tourists. Here you can experience a range of activities, both action-packed and relaxing.
A new landmark for WIG 64
Photo: Ramuni/Pixabay
In 1960, the decision was made to host the Vienna International Garden Show, or WIG for short. As part of this, the approximately 100-hectare area between the Danube and Hubertusdamm was transformed into what is now the Danube Park. The 30,000-square-meter Irissee lake was created and the Danube Tower was built. WIG 1964 attracted 2.1 million visitors and was such a great success that WIG 74 was held 10 years later.
Following WIG 64, the Danube Park was open to the public free of charge and the Danube Tower remained a magnet for visitors. It was considered a symbol of modern Vienna and was allowed to remain, unlike the other buildings that had been erected specifically for WIG 64. The Danube Tower measures 252 meters, making it the tallest building in Austria since the demolition of the transmission masts on Bisamberg in 2010.
Activities on the Danube Tower
Photo: Christian Lendl/Unsplash
The Danube Tower naturally offers a classic viewing terrace where you can enjoy impressive views of Vienna and the surrounding landscape , both indoors and outdoors. It takes about 35 seconds for the express elevator to take you to the terrace at a height of 150 meters. Ten meters further up, you can enjoy the view in the tower café with a drink, and if you’re feeling hungry, you’ll find the revolving restaurant another ten meters higher. Parties are usually held here on New Year’s Eve, guaranteeing you an unforgettable view of the fireworks, and you can also celebrate other occasions here, such as Valentine’s Day or your birthday.
If that’s too boring for you, you can experience more action on the tower slide. Here, you glide down a 40-meter-long track at a speed of 18 km/h to the viewing terrace. Thanks to the semi-glazed tube, you get a very special perspective of your surroundings on your descent. A slide costs €5 and you must be at least 110 cm tall. This also makes it a great family attraction.
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, you can also visit the café in the tower’s entrance area. Or you can embark on a VR adventure in the Immersive Center Donauturm. Here, 360° experiences await you, taking you on a journey to other worlds, such as Machu Picchu. The Danube Tower offers the perfect experience for every taste, so you’re sure not to get bored here.
📍 Location: Danube Tower Vienna, 22nd district
🕐 Opening hours:
💶 Price information: €18 regular, €14.40 reduced, €10.80 for children