Urban riverside path with reflections at dusk

Donaukanal: Vienna’s Urban Playground

If you're planning a trip to Vienna, there's one spot that should be at the top of your list: the Donaukanal. This former arm of the River Danube has transformed into one of the city's coolest hangouts, offering a vibrant mix of street art, lively bars, tasty eateries, and a variety of summer activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or dive into some local culture, the Donaukanal has something for everyone. Here’s why this urban oasis is a must-visit:

The Donaukanal is essentially an open-air gallery, with its walls adorned in colorful street art and graffiti from artists around the world. The ever-changing artwork makes it the perfect backdrop for those Instagram-worthy shots.

When it comes to food and drinks, the Donaukanal doesn’t disappoint. The area is dotted with trendy bars and restaurants. For example, Tel Aviv Beach offers cocktails and Mediterranean vibes right on the sandy shores, while Badeschiff lets you swim in a floating pool as you sip on your favorite drink. Strandbar Herrmann is the go-to spot for yoga during the day and DJ sets at night, and for those seeking something more upscale, Das Loft provides panoramic views paired with gourmet dining.

Summer on the Donaukanal is synonymous with outdoor fun. The pathways along the canal are perfect for cycling and rollerblading, and there are several places where you can rent bikes or rollerblades to explore the area. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is another popular activity, with rental spots along the canal offering lessons for beginners. Many of the beach bars also host yoga and fitness classes, making it easy to stay active while enjoying your vacation.

The Donaukanal truly comes alive in the summer with various events and festivals. The Donaukanaltreiben festival is a three-day celebration of music and art, while the Vienna Summer Cinema offers the chance to watch movies under the stars by the canal. If you’re just looking to relax, there are plenty of chill-out spots where you can kick back in hammocks, have a barbecue by the water, or wander through urban gardens.

Quick Tips for Your Visit

  • Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle—refill at public fountains.
  • Bring Cash: Some vendors only accept cash, so keep some euros handy.
  • Protect Yourself: Sunscreen and a hat are a must in the summer sun.
  • Keep It Clean: Help maintain the beauty of the Donaukanal by picking up after yourself.

Getting There

From Hostel Ruthensteiner, the Donaukanal is a breeze to reach:

  • Public Transport: Hop on the U3 to Stephansplatz, where you can either enjoy a scenic 10-minute walk through Vienna’s historic center to reach the Donaukanal or switch to the U1 and get off at Schwedenplatz, which drops you right at the canal.
  • Bike: Rent a bike directly from us—we’ve got both regular and e-bikes available. Choose your ride and explore the city’s extensive bike paths, making your journey to the Donaukanal not just easy but also a fun adventure.
  • Walk: Take in the sights with a 50-minute stroll through Vienna’s charming streets, turning your journey into a delightful part of the adventure.

The Donaukanal is a vibrant hub that captures the essence of summer in Vienna. Whether you’re into art, food, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something for everyone. At Hostel Ruthensteiner, we’re here to make sure you have the best experience, so swing by the front desk for more tips. See you at the canal!

by Caro

Street view with parked bicycles at dusk

Explore Vienna on Two Wheels: Rent a Bike at Our Hostel!

Uncover Vienna’s charm at your own pace by renting a bike directly from our hostel. With a vast network of scenic bike paths, the city offers the perfect setting for both cycling enthusiasts and casual riders. Choose between a traditional bike or an e-bike for an extra boost—whatever suits your adventure!

Rental Options:

  • Full Day: Bike: €14, E-bike: €23. Enjoy the freedom to ride from morning until midnight.
  • Half Day: Bike: €11, E-bike: €15. Ideal for afternoon or evening exploration, available from 1 PM until midnight.

Pricing & Payment:
Please note that rentals are cash-only for your convenience.

Experience the beauty of Vienna from the comfort of a bike. Visit our front desk to rent yours and start your journey!

For bike route information, visit VOR’s official site.

 

by Caro

Street view with parked bicycles at dusk

Rent Your Transport Ticket at Our Hostel: Convenience at a Great Price!

Traveling around the city just got easier for our guests! You can now rent a transport ticket directly from our hostel, giving you unlimited access to all public transport, including the metro, bus, tram, and train.

Here's how it works:

  • Price: Rent the ticket for just €4 per day, which is half the cost of renting at Trani station (€8/day).
  • Deposit: A refundable €50 cash deposit is required when you rent the ticket.
  • Convenience: No need to validate the ticket. Just keep it close, and show it if asked.

This offer makes exploring the city hassle-free and budget-friendly. Rent your ticket at the front desk and start your adventure!

by Caro

Discover the Donaukanal: Vienna’s Urban Playground

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you're planning a trip to Vienna, there’s one spot you absolutely can’t miss: the Donaukanal. This former arm of the River Danube has transformed into one of the city's coolest hangouts, packed with vibrant street art, buzzing bars, delicious eateries, and loads of summer activities. Whether you're looking to chill by the water or soak up some culture, the Donaukanal has it all. Let’s dive into what makes this urban oasis so special!

Street Art Galore

The Donaukanal is an open-air gallery, with vibrant street art and graffiti lining its walls. Artists from around the globe have turned this space into a colorful, ever-changing canvas that’s perfect for snapping those Insta-worthy shots.

Food & Drinks: Canal-Style

When hunger strikes, you’re in luck! The Donaukanal is dotted with cool bars and restaurants:

  • Tel Aviv Beach: Enjoy cocktails and Mediterranean vibes on sandy shores.
  • Badeschiff: Swim in a floating pool while sipping drinks with a view.
  • Strandbar Herrmann: Unwind with yoga by day and DJ sets by night.
  • Das Loft: For a fancier evening, take in panoramic views and gourmet dining.

Outdoor Fun

Summer on the Donaukanal is all about action and relaxation:

  • Cycling and Rollerblading: The pathways along the canal are perfect for exploring on wheels. Rent a bike at reception or strap on some rollerblades and take in the sights as you glide along the water.
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): There are several rental spots along the canal where you can get geared up and take a lesson if you’re a newbie.
  • Yoga and Fitness Classes: Want to keep up with your fitness routine while traveling? Many of the beach bars along the canal offer yoga and fitness classes during the summer.

Festivals & Chill Spots

The Donaukanal comes alive with events during summer:

  • Donaukanaltreiben: A three-day festival of music and art.
  • Vienna Summer Cinema: Watch movies under the stars by the canal.
  • Chill-Out Spots: Relax in hammocks, grill by the water, or stroll through urban gardens.

Quick Tips for Your Visit

  • Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle—refill at public fountains.
  • Bring Cash: Some vendors only accept cash, so keep some euros handy.
  • Protect Yourself: Sunscreen and a hat are a must in the summer sun.
  • Keep It Clean: Help maintain the beauty of the Donaukanal by picking up after yourself.

Getting There

From Hostel Ruthensteiner, the Donaukanal is a breeze to reach:

  • Public Transport: Hop on the U3 to Stephansplatz, where you can either enjoy a scenic 10-minute walk through Vienna’s historic center to reach the Donaukanal or switch to the U1 and get off at Schwedenplatz, which drops you right at the canal.
  • Bike: Rent a bike directly from us—we’ve got both regular and e-bikes available. Choose your ride and explore the city’s extensive bike paths, making your journey to the Donaukanal not just easy but also a fun adventure.
  • Walk: Take in the sights with a 50-minute stroll through Vienna’s charming streets, turning your journey into a delightful part of the adventure.

The Donaukanal is a vibrant hub that captures the essence of summer in Vienna. Whether you’re into art, food, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something for everyone. At Hostel Ruthensteiner, we’re here to make sure you have the best experience, so swing by the front desk for more tips. See you at the canal!

by Caro