For years, there were attempts to change the canal’s name from Donaukanal to Kleine Donau (Little Danube) because, in German, the word “Kanal” is reminiscent of an open sewer. However, the name change has not succeeded to this day.
In this article, you can get a general overview of the Danube Canal flowing through the heart of Vienna and all the entertainment options in its vicinity. You can skip between sections of the article to read the parts that are most relevant to you. Click on the links to navigate between the article’s sections:
- The Story of the Canal’s Creation
- Interesting Buildings Along the Canal
- Cycling
- Cruising Along the Danube Canal
- Cruise from Vienna to Bratislava
- Dinner Cruise
- Recommended Restaurants and Bars
- Nightlife – Clubs Along the Canal
- Where to Go After Visiting the Danube Canal?
The Story of the Canal’s Creation
The Danube Canal has existed since the 17th century. It is a branch of the great Danube River that flows right through the heart of Vienna. The canal splits from the main river at an area called Nußdorf and rejoins it at the end of Prater Park. Originally, the canal was part of the main river, but as Vienna expanded, extensive construction separated it from the Danube. The canal flows parallel to the Danube River, creating a small island in the heart of Vienna, which today houses the Jewish Quarter (District 2) and the Brigittenau district (District 20).
As early as the late 16th century, dams were installed at the canal’s ends to control water levels and prevent flooding, which had been a recurring problem. In the 19th century, a floating barrier called the Schwimmtor was built to further protect central Vienna from floods. It remained in use until World War I and was only demolished after World War II.
For hundreds of years, the canal was an important route for passengers and goods due to its proximity to the city center. However, towards the end of the 19th century, it was decided to stop the passage of goods through the canal due to urban development in the area and significant improvements in land transportation—trains and vehicles—which facilitated the transport of goods to Vienna.
At the beginning of the 20th century, city planners decided to turn the canal into a pleasant space for residents and built organized paths on both sides. They also constructed about 20 bridges for pedestrians, cars, and trains, linking the two sides.
Following these improvements, restaurants, bars, and clubs began to line the canal. Today, it’s a popular spot for sports enthusiasts, runners, and cyclists, offering a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. Strolling along the canal, you’ll also find couples enjoying romantic walks and groups of friends relaxing with a cold drink on warm summer evenings. Every June, the canal hosts the Donaukanaltreiben Festival, a lively celebration of music and culture.
This is what the Danube Canal area looks like
Interesting Buildings Along the Canal
As throughout Vienna, you can find a variety of interesting places and ancient buildings along the canal. We have gathered the most important ones. The places are arranged according to their location along the canal, starting the walk from the Schwedenplatz subway station.
1. Urania
An impressive Art Nouveau building designed by Otto Wagner’s student, Max Fabiani. The city opened it to the public in 1910, intending it to serve as an educational institution and a public observatory. World War II severely damaged the building, and it took many years of renovations to restore it to its original beauty. Today, the building hosts classes and lectures in various fields, and it also has a cinema and a puppet theater for children. Part of it also serves as a restaurant with a beautiful view of the canal.
This is a beautiful building and a very nice place for coffee and cake in the afternoon.
To get to it from Schwedenplatz station, turn right and walk south along the canal.
Address: Urania-Straße 1, 1010 Wien
2. Ringturm (Ring Tower)
A 23-story office tower built in 1955. It was the first tower of its kind in Vienna and serves as a symbol of the city’s reconstruction after World War II. Today, the tower houses the offices of one of Vienna’s largest insurance companies, Wiener Städtische. The ground floor hosts art exhibitions, mainly by Austrian artists, but also by artists from neighboring countries.
Throughout the year, the tower’s exterior walls are covered with impressive giant paintings, and before Christmas, it is decorated with a huge, beautifully lit Christmas tree.
Address: Schottenring 30, 1010 Wien
3. Rudolfskaserne
This impressively beautiful building is located right next to the canal banks in the 9th district, slightly north of the city center and the Schwedenplatz subway station (line U4). The building was erected during a regional uprising in the mid-19th century to protect against rebels rampaging in the city. Today, the building serves the Austrian Ministry of Defense.
Address: Roßauer Lände 1, 1090 Wien
4. Rossauer Lände and Friedensbrücke Subway Stations
The U4 subway line runs right next to the canal. Some of the stations are just a few meters from the water. The famous architect Otto Wagner designed the Rossauer Lände and Friedensbrücke stations. If you walk along the canal towards the north of the city, you can admire the station buildings.
5. Schützenhaus (Sluice House)
Otto Wagner built the Sluice House to maintain the water level and prevent floods. Blue tiles decorate its exterior, symbolizing the flow of the Danube, making it easy to spot while walking along the canal—just past the Tel Aviv Beach bar at the Schottenring subway exit. The building never served its original purpose and soon became a local restaurant that still operates today. Don’t be tempted to eat there; it’s expensive and doesn’t offer an authentic Viennese experience. The building itself is beautiful and historic.
Address: Obere Donaustraße 26, 1020 Wien
6. Zaha Hadid House
A unique complex of buildings designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid. It is located in the northern part of the canal, near the Spittelau subway station.
Address: Spittelauer Lände 10, 1090 Wien
7. Spittelau Power Station
Undoubtedly one of the most unique buildings near the canal. This is a waste incineration power plant. The building was designed by the renowned architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who also created several other buildings in the city, such as the Hundertwasser House and Hundertwasser Village. Hundertwasser’s unique design attracts crowds of visitors and is certainly something special. Additionally, inside the power station, there is a visitor center for Vienna’s electricity company.
Address: Spittelauer Lände 45, 1090 Wien
8. The Dam Buildings
The ancient buildings of the dam that controls the canal’s water level are located in a Vienna suburb called Nussdorf. This is where the main river splits and the Danube Canal begins. The buildings were erected at the end of the 19th century.
Address: Nussdorfer Wehr- und Schleusenanlage, 1200 Vienna
Cycling Along the Danube Canal
Sunny days in Vienna should not be wasted, as the weather can quickly change to rain and wind. The Danube Canal is used by many for enjoyable cycling. You can rent a bike from one of the shops near the canal (such as Vienna Explorer), or pick up a Citybike from one of the many rental stations throughout the city. It is advisable to ride towards the north of the canal because its northern part is greener and definitely more beautiful. At its end, you can cross over to Danube Island and even ride to its tip, which overlooks Vienna’s airport (this is a ride of about 30 kilometers, so you should be in good shape and have a good bike). You can stop for a wonderful picnic on the riverbank or join the crowds splashing in the water or sunbathing.
Cruising on the Danube Canal
One of the favorite attractions for visitors to Vienna is a cruise on the Danube Canal. There are several options for cruising on the canal.
1. Circular Cruise on the Danube Along the Canal
For stunning views of the buildings along the canal, hop on the circular cruise departing from Schwedenplatz pier. Route A+B takes you on a scenic journey lasting about three and a half hours. At the end, you return to the starting point at Schwedenplatz. On this cruise, you will see all the buildings we detailed above, as well as the great Danube River. There is a restaurant on the ship where you can purchase coffee and cake during the cruise. If 3.5 hours sounds like a lot, you can take a shorter route, Route C. On this route, you only sail on the canal and return to the pier at Schwedenplatz. The duration of the shorter cruise is about one hour and fifteen minutes.
Cost: Starting from €33. You can find all the details on the cruise company’s website.
2. Cruise from Vienna to Bratislava and Back
Another very experiential cruise is the one between Vienna and Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia). The Twin City Liner company operates frequent cruises between the capital cities. The cruise duration is about 75 minutes, and it is a wonderful opportunity to also enjoy neighboring Slovakia.
Cost of the cruise: Starting from €50 per person.
Operating times: About 3-4 times a day in summer. In winter, there is 1-3 sailings per day. It is advisable to check the website for sailing times. You can find more details about the cruise to Bratislava on the official website of the cruise company.
3. Dinner Cruise
There is an option to take a cruise in the evening, see the ancient buildings along the canal illuminated, and experience Vienna from a different angle. This cruise also includes dinner, making it a unique multi-hour experience. Click for more information and to book tickets in advance.
Recommended Restaurants and Bars
It’s nice to know that one of the most popular places in Vienna in general, and on the Danube Canal in particular, is called Neni am Wasser. This special restaurant belongs to an Israeli family of restaurateurs living in Vienna.
Another bar in the same style is Strandbar Herrmann. The place is located right next to the Urania building (the observatory) and also has a large area of sand, hammocks, beach chairs, and refreshing cocktails.
As already mentioned, inside the Urania building (the observatory), there is a café and a restaurant. It is a great place for a light meal with a beautiful view.
On hot summer days, you can visit the Badeschiff. This is a boat that has been converted into a bar with a pool. You can swim in the pool and enjoy cocktails on its upper deck.
If you are more in the mood for a serious and slightly upscale meal, you should try the restaurant located on the stationary ship opposite the Schwedenplatz train station. This restaurant is called Motto am Fluss and is considered one of the most popular in Vienna. You can enjoy a varied and rich menu and, of course, a bar with alcoholic beverages.
Besides these bars and restaurants, there are many other restaurants along the canal in the area between Schwedenplatz and Schottenring. It’s worth walking along the canal to see which restaurant or bar you like.
Nightlife – Clubs Along the Canal
Party lovers can enjoy two main clubs located along the canal. These clubs have a reputation for being a bit wild (not in the classic style that suits Vienna). The clubs are:
1. Flex
One of Vienna’s oldest clubs. It started with rock parties and later moved on to techno and dub parties. Today, it is popular among drum and bass lovers.
Address: Augartenbrücke 1, 1010 Wien
2. Grelle Forelle
One of Vienna’s more liberal and wild clubs. The club mainly offers electronic techno music parties, but there are also evenings with house or hip-hop music. The club tries to brand itself as more underground and alternative.
Address: Spittelauer Lände 12, 1090 Wien
3. Outdoor Rave
During the summer months, spontaneous raves usually take place under one of the bridges along the Danube Canal on weekends. Sometimes they are announced in advance, but most of the time they’re improvised—though always organized professionally.
Address: Just follow the sound.
Where to Go After Visiting the Danube Canal?
The closest places to the canal are Vienna’s Old City (including the Bermuda Triangle) or the Jewish Quarter. You can head back towards Schwedenplatz and from there continue on foot via Rotenturmstraße until you reach the Old City and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, you can cross the canal to the other side and continue to Taborstraße, where you’ll find the Chabad house and a variety of kosher restaurants and shops. Another option is to go up to the restaurant at the Sofitel hotel and enjoy the magnificent view of the entire city (note that you need to book a place in advance). This is a luxury restaurant and the prices are accordingly, but it’s worth going there once for the experience.
