Neue Donau - Vienna’s Seaside

Don’t get fooled to think that the capital of landlocked country doesn’t offer swimming possibilities, because, at least in Austria’s case, it does. Vienna has so many spots where you can cool down in the hot summer days. However, only the Neue Donau can be called Vienna’s Seaside.

From flood protection to the city’s sea

The Neue Donau translated in English means the New Danube. It is a human-made channel of the mighty river Danube, which flows directly next to it. The Danube and the New Danube are divided by the Donau Insel (Danube Island), the 21 kilometers long and up to 70-210 meters wide stretch of land with lavish vegetation. The colossal project of the Danube regulation, that finished in the 1980s, included building a new arm of the Danube. The additional channel provided flood relief by containing excess water from the main flow of the river Danube. Although primarily developed for flood protection, the New Danube in the summer takes a different role. This body of still water transforms into Vienna’s Sea. The Neue Donau is ideal for swimming and has a maximal depth of 6 meters by the regular water level.

Relax and enjoy the blue water

We all know the famous Strauss’s Waltz with the beautiful blue Danube in the leading role. The truth is that it's the Neue Donau that has this blue color of the water that is famous worldwide. Beside clear blue water, you can enjoy the green meadows that serve as the beaches, at both sides of the Neue Donau. The entire length of the channel in summer becomes one long beach, and there’s plenty of space to find your perfect spot. The Neue Donau is a paradise for naturists and a popular place for nude swimming. The water is a little bit colder than the water of the Al[te Donau](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/alte-donau-summer-escape-among-the-vienna-s-high-rises-b057), but it is also cleaner. In addition to sunbathing areas that are abundant, there are many piers and water entrances. If you like barbecue, there are several free-to-use barbecue zones. The entire family can enjoy the day here; there are children's water playgrounds, regular playgrounds, beach volleyball, and other sports fields, skating areas, cycling lanes, and even dog areas. Entire infrastructure such as showers, toilets, boat rentals, and water slides can be found here.

Chill out or party

For the young people, the most exciting spot at the Neue Donau is so-called "Copa Cagrana", a word crossing from the famous Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro and the nearby district of Kagran. This area is packed with restaurants, beach bars, party rafts, etc. In the summer evenings, the area becomes party epicenter of the city. During the day, you can enjoy delicacies from several restaurants, or have a cocktail in one of the many bars.

Because of its perfect connection to the city with three metro lines U1, U2, and U6, it's easy to reach the Neue Donau from every part of the city. Luckily, due to the size of the channel, the beaches are never packed. The gastronomy offer, the clear blue water, and the endless beaches are some of the reasons to visit Vienna’s Seaside and enjoy the summer in the city.