Need a break from the noisy city but don’t want to spend forever on a train? Grab your hiking boots, because a true green oasis awaits you in the 22nd district. The vast Mühlwasser was created by the major Danube regulation project in the 1870s. Where raging floods once shaped the landscape, you’ll now find a tranquil waterway that stretches for miles through Donaustadt.
Among the reeds and beaver tracks
Nature has completelyreclaimed its territoryhere. As you stroll along the shore, there’s a constant rustling in the dense, meter-high reed belt. With a little luck, a wild beaver might cross your path, or you might spot a shimmering blue kingfisher on the hunt.
In summer, thousands of water lilies bloom on the water’s surface, offering a rich contrast to the old weeping willows along the shore. Historically, this body of water is a separated branch of the unregulated Danube. Since the late 19th century, the water has barely flowed here, which is what made this enormous biodiversity of gray herons and fish possible in the first place.
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Leisurely strolls instead of strenuous hikes
The terrain is completely flat, making it ideal for a relaxed Sunday stroll. You can walk along the water for hours without really getting out of breath. The trail around the historic Josefsteg is especially awesome, where you can cross the water and immerse yourself deep into the dense floodplain landscape.
Getting here from the city center is incredibly easy and won’t be a hassle. Just take the U2 to the Aspernstraße or Donaustadtbrücke station. From there, bus lines 92A or 93A will take you directly to the best entry points, such as the Kapellenweg stop, in just a few minutes.
What you won’t find at first glance: the hidden swimming spots
When the thermometer climbs highin the summer, there are peaceful alternatives here to the well-known large outdoor pools. Small, natural coves are hidden along the unpaved riverside paths. There you can spread out your towel, take a dip in the cool water, and relax undisturbed after a long day at work.
