Things to See and Expect in Going Up The Danube Tower Vienna
Looking for something to add to your Austria travel bucket list? Check out the Danube Tower or Donauturm.
The Danube Tower is not only the tallest structure in Vienna, but in the whole of Austria! Standing at 252 meters (826 feet), this watch tower offers sweeping views of the city in every direction — a totally breathtaking experience during your trip to Vienna.
Curious about the view from the Danube Tower? I’ll share it with you right now. You’ll also find some useful information, tips for visiting the Danube Tower, and more!
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Every trip I plan isn’t complete without a visit to a panoramic viewpoint.
Looking out over the sweeping views, I feel like a conqueror who has taken the city, or a wanderer who has seen every corner of the place I’m visiting. It’s a rewarding feeling of accomplishment.
There’s a slim chance that panoramic views stir the same feelings in you as they do in me. But, if we share this sentiment and you’re visiting Vienna, you simply can’t miss the Danube Tower. Take a look:
So, what’s the Danube Tower all about?
Built in 1964, the Danube Tower is a well-known spot in Vienna, famous for its observation deck offering a view of the city like no other. But it’s more than just a place to see great views.
Aside from its 150-meter-high viewing platform, Danube Tower is home to a revolving cafe and restaurant, located 160 meters and 170 meters above the ground, respectively.
Nestled in Vienna’s beautiful modern Danube Park, the tower is a top attraction you must really consider to visit. I’ll tell you and show you why.
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The View from the Danube Tower Vienna
Simply, Danube Tower offers an unparalleled view that no other spot in the city can match.
On a clear day, your eyes can feast on not just the entire Danube basin, but a panorama that stretches far and wide, reaching the verdant Austrian countryside, the city of Bratislava in Slovakia, and even the Carpathian Mountains.
I even think that the view from the Danube Tower is more than just a sight. It’s an opportunity to appreciate Vienna’s city architecture and nature.
As you gaze out from this lofty vantage point, you’ll surely notice the roads curve, combine, and cross over the river; the Danube River meanders and forks through the city.
With the help of the binoculars installed at the observation deck, you can spot the city’s famous landmarks dotting the skyline.
There’s the iconic Ferris wheel, a symbol of Vienna’s playful spirit; St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a testament to its rich history; and Schönbrunn Palace, a reminder of its royal past.
Situated near the Vienna International Center, the Danube Tower also offers a nice view of the modern buildings in Donaustadt, Vienna’s 22nd district.
It’s a stark contrast to the old town scenery, but it’s a testament to the city’s evolution and progress.
Apart from the Danube Tower, you can also see panoramic views of the city from the spectacular St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). You can climb to the balcony of the magnificent Karlskirche, a unique-looking church, for a different perspective of the city. By the way, if you’re interested in visiting churches, you should also see Peterskirche, a breathtaking Baroque church which is just a few steps away from Stephansdom.
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Is the Danube Tower Worth Visiting?
Although the Danube Tower offers a breathtaking view of Vienna, you might find it (the view) slightly underwhelming if you’ve already visited other Austrian cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck.
If you’re eager to explore the picturesque locations in Innsbruck and Salzburg, check out these articles:
- 7 Picturesque Views in Innsbruck (With Google Maps Links)
- 5 Spots In Salzburg to See Sunset or Sunrise (With a Map)
The good news is that there’s more to experience at the Danube Tower than just the view. The Danube Tower is where you can enjoy a feast for both your eyes and your palate. Plus, when it’s time to unwind, there’s a perfect spot just for that!
Vienna is known for its iconic coffee culture, and at the Danube Tower’s ‘Turmcafé,’ you can partake in this tradition. They serve up traditional Viennese coffee specialties and a delightful selection of classic warm coffeehouse treats.
Imagine savoring your special brew as you enjoy the changing view while the restaurant slowly revolves – doesn’t that sound like a wonderful idea?
And if you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, the Danube Tower is also the place to go.
You can enjoy delicious dishes and specialties from Vienna and other regions that were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, such as Bohemia, Hungary, and Moravia. All this while admiring the stunning views from 170 meters above the ground.
By the way, did you know that you can also discover something new about Vienna in the Danube Tower? You can also learn more about the attractions in Vienna that you can see from the Danube Tower. Just check out the interactive panorama screens on the observation deck at 150 meters.
They have all the information you may need which you might find interesting for the rest of your trip.
If you ask me what you must visit in Vienna, it’s definitely the remarkable palaces in the city. The Hofburg, or Imperial Palace, is worth visiting for cultural and historical discoveries. Schonbrunn Palace is a lovely place to hang out in a vast garden park and admire magnificent architecture. Lastly, Belvedere Palace is the go-to place for unique artworks.
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Before or after seeing the Danube Tower, you can also explore the Danube Park. It’s a lovely park that is adjacent to the tower. The park is clean and modern; it’ll invite you to walk and relax.
Here lies some of the beautiful photo opportunities with the tower.
You can look for an angle that frames the tower with the trees, or take a picture of the tower’s reflection on the pond for a more striking shot.
Make the most of your trip to Vienna by checking out my Vienna Travel Inspiration posts. They’ll help you find the perfect experiences to suit your preferences
10 Most Picturesque Spots In Schönbrunn Palace Park, Vienna
Salzburg Day Trip From Vienna: 10 Unmissable Things to Do
7 Beautiful Day Trips From Vienna (Within Austria)
30 Little Gems in Old Town Vienna (See Them on a Map)
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Best Time to Visit Danube Tower
When is the best month to visit Danube Tower?
No matter what season it is, the Danube Tower offers a spectacular panorama of the city and beyond. But if you want to see something really amazing, visit in the fall when the landscape is lit up with golden hues from the changing leaves.
Just a heads up: March is the month when the Danube Tower does its upkeep, since not many people visit then. You might not be able to access the tower (or some parts of it) during that time, so make sure to visit the Danube Tower’s official website for the latest news.
The link is in the resources section of this post.
On the other hand, if you’re visiting during the busy season and want to dine at the Danube Tower’s restaurant or café, be sure to book a table in advance! The Danube Tower is one of Vienna’s top attractions and seating is limited.
What time of the day should you visit Danube Tower?
You should try to get to the Danube Tower at least an hour before sunset. That way, you can have two amazing experiences: admire the views of Vienna in the golden hour and gaze at the city lights after nightfall. You can also treat yourself to dinner during the sunset hours to make your visit more memorable and special.
It’s a great way to end your day! But if you’re just interested in the views, you can visit the Danube Tower any time, unless the weather is bad and the visibility is poor.
If it’s rainy, cold, or foggy in Vienna, it’s really preferable to visit indoor attractions like the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a history and art museum. It’s one of the most amazing museums I’ve explored. From ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to unimaginable medieval automatons to unique historical artworks and to breathtaking architecture, this museum has it all. Here’s my guide to making the most of your visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
You might also like to check out the Museum of Military History, an incredible alternative to Kunsthistorisches Museum, especially if you’re more into military and political history of Europe.
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Going Up The Danube Tower Vienna
Getting to the top of the Danube Tower in Vienna is easy and straightforward.
When you enter the building, you’ll see the front desk where you can pay for your ticket.
Get your skip-the-line tickets to Danube Tower here. If you have a Vienna Pass, you don’t need to pay, but you still need to get the barcodes from the front desk.
The barcodes will grant you access to the turnstiles, which are close to the elevator. For a more comfortable visit, you can store your bags in the lockers of the Danube Tower. They only cost 1 Euro to rent.
You might have to wait a little bit during the peak season, since there are only two elevators that go up and down the tower. But don’t worry, they’re super fast. You can see where the elevators are on the screens next to the elevator doors.
The elevator has a glass ceiling, so you can watch how quickly it zooms up the tower.
It only takes 35 seconds to get to the middle floor or the observation deck, the last time I checked.
How to Get to Danube Tower Vienna?
Even though Danube Tower is outside Old Town Vienna, it is very straightforward to get to Danube Tower, especially if you have access to the Blue Line of the Vienna Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus. The bus has a stop for the tower, which is close by.
This is the preferable way if you do not like driving or walking for several minutes, which would be the case if you used public transportation. You can click here to learn more about the bus tour, such as how much it costs, when it runs, and where it goes.
The Hop-on Hop-off bus in Vienna is a great way to see the city, but be aware of the bus schedule when you book your ticket. The last bus comes by around 6:00 pm (depending on the season), which might be too early if you have a dinner reservation.
Remember: the sunset in Vienna during the summer is around 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Some tourists who ride the hop-on hop-off bus to the Danube Tower for dinner decide to use an Uber to go back to their hotels after enjoying their night visit and food at the tower.
Well, it’s not hard to see why: you have to walk for 20 minutes to get to the closest subway station, Alte Donau station, which is on the U1 Line, from the Danube Tower.
There’s an alternative option of getting to Danube Tower which is also preferable if you want to visit the Danube Tower in the morning, noon, or afternoon.
Take route: Ride the U1 line to VIC/Kaisermühlen station or Alte Donau station, or ride the U6 line to Neue Donau station. Then, catch the bus line 20A to Donauturm station.
Do you want to escape the city? Have a day trip! One of the best choices for that is Melk Abbey, one of the architectural highlights of Austria, located in Wachau Valley near Vienna. It’s only an hour away from the city. Another two to consider are Kreuzenstein Castle and Laxenburg Castle Park. They’re amazing destinations for romantics.
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Danube Tower Vienna Visiting Information
If you are planning to visit the Danube Tower, you should know the following information before you go. Here’s where you can check the current price of the skip-the-line entrance ticket to the Danube Tower.
Please don’t forget to check the official website of Danube Tower for the latest news and announcements, linked at the resources section of this post.
Viewing Platform
The Viewing Platform of Danube Tower is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm The last ascent is at 9:45 pm and the last descent is at 10:15 pm
Restaurant
The Restaurant is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but open from Wednesday to Sunday and on public holidays.
You can have lunch from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm or dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:15 pm.
You need to make a reservation for lunch or dinner, and choose from the following time slots:
- Lunch: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm or 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Dinner: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Café
The Café is open from Monday to Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and from Saturday to Sunday and on public holidays, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
You can enjoy a coffeehouse service with cakes, pastries, snacks, and beverages, or a brunch on weekends and holidays.
How Much Time to Spend in Danube Tower Vienna
Spending time in the Danube Tower is pretty straightforward: all you have to do is get there, ascend, admire the scenery, and maybe treat yourself to a meal or a drink.
The observation deck alone won’t take more than an hour of your time, but if you also want to eat or drink at the tower’s restaurant, you’ll need about two hours.
don’t forget to factor in some extra time for queueing, checking out the telescopes and information screens on the observation deck, and snapping some photos.
Resources: Danube Tower Vienna
Are you ready to experience the Danube Tower for yourself? I hope this mini guide has given you a glimpse of the Danube Tower and its attractions. For more information, please check out the links below
If you’re planning a trip to Vienna and you need a place to stay, I have the perfect solution for you. Check out this link to find the best hotel deals in Vienna. It’s a reliable and popular hotel search engine that lets you see the location of each hotel on a map. You can easily find the most convenient place for your needs.
Back in the day, if you wanted a panoramic view of Vienna, you’d head to a castle, not an observation deck like the Danube Tower. Want to see what the medieval guards saw? Give Liechtenstein Castle a shot.
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