Activity Snapshot
Activity description
Escape summer in the city with Venture Vienna on a Kayak tour on the Old Danube!
You surely know Vienna as the city of delicious pastries and waltz balls until the sun comes up but did you know that you could also take a kayaking trip on the Old Danube? The Blue Danube as some call it. Come, join Venture Vienna as they guide you through beautiful landscapes in Alte Donau; a lakeside village which was cut off from the main Danube channel in 1870.
You do not need to be a kayaking expert to participate in this relaxing, eco-friendly experience. A certified open-water lifeguard will take care of you on this journey which will leave you wanting to know more about the precious city of Vienna, the Queen of the Danube. On your trip, you will have the opportunity to observe the unique wildlife that thrives in this cut-off part of the Danube, learn more about the history of Vienna and even enjoy the cool waters if the weather allows you t to do so.
A perfect way to start your day or ease into a lazy afternoon after this refreshing Vienna Kayak Tour on the Old Danube. Do not hesitate and book your spot today!
Meet& Greet
You will meet at the U-Bahn (underground/metro) station ‘Kaisermuhlen VIC’ on the U1 red line (more details & map below). Please arrive there 5 minutes before the confirmed start time of your tour to avoid delays and to give your group more time on the water!
Safety Briefing & Kayak Preparation
After an 8-minute walk, you will arrive at the launching point to get set up with safety & dry storage equipment and to go over basic kayaking techniques.
On the water - The Old Danube
You will be investigating the most relaxing part of Vienna, the Alte Donau; a lakeside village which was cut off from the main Danube channel in 1870. This is where nocturnal beavers now roam in an old side arm of the Grand River. You will see how Vienna maintains its long-established reputation as a centre for diplomacy, politics and international relations as you paddle past the United Nations, along with several of the city’s other most important contemporary buildings, which together are forging ‘new’ Vienna’s emerging skyline. This is later contrasted with cute lakeside huts which adorn the water’s edge to give vibrant bursts of colour to the lakeshore. You will get loads of tips from your guide on things to do during your stay, all the while making new international friends, getting some sunlight and being active in the great outdoors!
In the water - Optional swim in the Danube
If it is hot enough, you can also pull up and take a short swim break in the clean lake waters. From May to September especially, the water temperature is perfect for cooling off while watching the slow-paced world of the Old Danube float on by! Expect to share the water with some rowers, the odd fisherman, and the local birdlife, but for the most part, you will have it to yourselves.
Tour finished
Once the tour is over, you could keep investigating ‘new’ Vienna for a bit longer. Grab lunch or a cocktail at Vienna’s nearby ‘Copa Beach’, swim and hang out on the Danube Island, visit Austria’s tallest building – the Danube Tower, or explore the charming Danube Park, all of which are within easy walking distance from where you will finish.
All participants must be able to swim confidently in open-water situations.
Barefoot or flip flops are the best footwear during the tour, or any other footwear that you don’t mind getting wet.
- Certified open-water lifeguard & Native English speaking guide
- Single or Double kayaks
- PFD/Life vest
- 10l dry bag
- Waterproof phone case
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear/Quick drying sportswear
- T-shirt
- Hat
- Spare dry layer
- Rain jacket (in case of wind or light rain)
- Flip flops/Trainers
- Towel
- Cash
