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Vienna Kayak Tour: Explore the Old Danube Lake
5.0
105 Ratings
Vienna
Discover Vienna’s hidden gem, the Old Danube lake, on our guided kayak tour. Immerse yourself in the city’s contemporary architecture, enjoy a swim in the clean water, and experience the ultimate summer adventure!
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Alte Donau - We’ll be investigating arguably the most quaint 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. Cute lakeside huts adorn the water’s edge to give vibrant bursts of colour to the lakeshore. We’ll most likely be sharing the water with local rowers, the odd fisherman, and plenty of swans and ducks along the way! If it’s hot, we can also take a break for a swim in the clean lake waters.
Once the tour ends, if you wanted to keep investigating ‘new’ Vienna for a bit longer, you could 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 walking distance from where we’ll finish.
- Danube Tower - We’ll be paddling in full view of Austria’s tallest building, as well as many of Vienna’s other modern skyscrapers within the shadow of its emerging skyline.
- United Nations in Vienna - Discover Vienna’s international and political side as we paddle past the United Nations’ third largest global headquarters. We’ll see how modern-day Vienna has maintained its long-established reputation as a center for diplomacy and international relations.
- Strandbad Gansehaufel - We’ll be paddling all around this secret paradise for the local Viennese - a unique island formed within the Old Danube which has become one of Vienna’s most beloved recreational spots.
What's Included
- Engaging & intelligent guide with insider Vienna tips
- Sightseeing at Old Danube’s lakeside spots
- Kayak, PFD/lifevest, and dry storage gear included
- Certified lifesaver & English-speaking guide with live commentary
Additional Information
Experience a unique paddling journey on Vienna’s sole guided route, traversing the majestic Old Danube lake, a historical branch of the renowned river. As you navigate through, marvel at some of Vienna’s significant modern architecture, gather insights into its contemporary impacts, and explore the city’s hidden recreational epicenter!
Interactions may include a halt at a serene lakeside cafe, or a refreshing dive in the pure waters. Expect to spend the morning amongst rowers, occasional fishermen, and indigenous birds. However, the tranquility will mostly be ours to enjoy ;-)
Join us at Venture Vienna for the ultimate summer exploration of the city’s unseen aspects. We maintain a limit of only 10 individuals per tour, ensuring a meaningful and personal experience along with fellow explorers. In addition to gaining a wealth of tips for your time in the city, you’ll also make new international acquaintances, soak up some sun, and engage in exhilarating outdoor activities!
- All participants must be able to swim.
- To wear: swim gear/quick drying sportswear, t-shirt, hat, spare dry layers & rain jacket (for windier conditions & light rain)
- To bring: drinking water, sun cream, towel, cash.
- You will inevitably get a bit wet so pay attention to the weather forecast on the day of your excursion and dress accordingly!
- Please go to the Venture Vienna website to read our FAQ and to learn more
- Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour has a minimum number of three participants to go ahead
Location
Kaisermühlen VIC U
Meeting point is the western entrance to the 'Kaisermuhlen-VIC' u-bahn station on the U1 red line. Exit the train to right - the correct entrance is the one with the 'Tabak' and 'Snack stop' directly opposite. If arriving by uber then tell your driver to head to the 'Platz der Vereinten Nationen'.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(105 Ratings)
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Janessa_t
Aug 29, 2024
Highly recommend - Beautiful scenery with great information on a part of Vienna that is away from the typical tourist stuff. This was truly a highlight of my trip.
Review provided by Viator
Nicolab996
Aug 24, 2024
A different perspective after all the stunning architecture - The perfect way to spend a hot, sunny morning after a couple of days in the city centre. James was a brilliant guide, great fun and incredibly informative and passionate about Vienna and the natural surroundings. Our teens 17 and 15 had a great time out on the water. Not too much paddling, about 5k in total, but it was flat as a pancake, with more breeze it would be more challenging. A swim stop was included but we chose to visit a nice lakeside cafe instead. Great communication throughout, thanks James for a super trip. A great tour for families, couples and singles, you made us all feel very welcome.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juniperaldous
Jul 22, 2024
Great way to cool down and get a different experience of the city - This was an awesome way to spend our last day in Vienna. It was a hot one, and it was great to be on the water, get out of the center of the city and have a more “local” experience. James was awesome great guide and it since we were out of the main city the perspective of the area was focused less on the center of the town but more what Vienna is now, he also provided a host of ideas for other places to visit for everyone who was in town longer. If we had more time in the city we would have followed up on a few more, as it was we were pointed to a great lounge with the best view of the city right after we got off the water. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeannesu7672wn
Jul 4, 2024
A Lovely Paddling Experience on the Danube - We had a very enjoyable 2+ hours paddling around the lakes on the Danube. James was very informative about what we were seeing. Thoroughly recommended. There were opportunities for a swim if you wished.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N
Jun 29, 2024
Unique and fantastic slice of Viennese experience - Fantastic experience! Must try if you want a taste of local Viennese life and learn some recent city history while enjoying the beautiful waters and people watching from your kayak. The Old Danube (Alte Donau) is a popular place for locals to hang out and for water recreation. Nikola was a fantastic guide and the kayaking is for everyone of all experience levels. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beartrax79
Jun 24, 2024
Wonderful Unique Tour from the Wasser - James was a fun guide through the Kaiserwasser and around the Gänsehäufel island on the Danube. It was fun to get a tour of the nearby buildings from the water as well as a history of how the Danube has been managed throughout the years. Additionally, I really enjoyed jumping in for a swim along the way. We had a small strong group, and I'm sure some of your experiences on this tour will be affected by the speed of the other tour guests. Thank you James for the experience!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Otcathy
Jun 22, 2024
Perfect on a hot, sunny morning. - This was a wonderful way to spend a hot, sunny morning. Nicola is a brilliant guide - interesting, informative and entertaining. The stop for a glorious river swim about 2/3 of the way around was most welcome. Thoroughly recommended, and we would definitely book on some of the other VV tours should we return to Vienna.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Road09156097514
May 30, 2024
Superb water experience - The kayak tour on the old Danube was simply brilliant. James tells us a lot of interesting things about Donaustadt and Vienna. At the same time, there is also some exercise and lots of fun.
Highly recommended for young and old! We will definitely book another adventure with James!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stanyers4
May 27, 2024
Memorable afternoon. - James our guide was great, very welcoming and made both myself and husband feel at ease, especially has we had little experience. Lots of interesting discussions about Vienna and a lovely swim in the river. Thanks for a memorable afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grahamsi3205yu
May 27, 2024
Memorable afternoon on the water - James was a fantastic guide for our afternoon, full of great insights into Vienna, we were very well looked after and safe on the water, excellent for beginners!10/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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