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!
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.
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!
Handmade Hostel - Our love for DIY
DIY everything!
We love learning by doing!
DIY is in Hostel Ruthensteiner’s DNA. Form the start in 1968 when Walter Ruthensteiner, an avid woodworker himself designed the Hostels iconic wooden benches we loved doing all ourselves. This Do-it-yourselve ethos has extended beyond just the benches, permeating every aspect of the hostel’s existence. From the maintenance and renovations to the unique and quirky decorations, every task is approached with a hands-on, do-it-yourself attitude. This commitment to DIY not only adds a personal touch to the hostel’s ambiance but also creates a sense of pride and authenticity that resonates with the guests who visit and appreciate the hostel’s unique charm.
Our very own wood workshop
Having our very own wood workshop in the back garden house is truly a stroke of luck. It is the place where all the magic happens! The workshop is outfitted with machines that date back up to 100 years and this needs a good insight into how to handle them. This dedicated space allows us to unleash our creativity. Whether it’s crafting intricate furniture, designing unique home decor items, or simply indulging in the joy of woodworking, our wood workshop serves as a sanctuary for our passion.
Logo and graphic design
Wether it is our logo that has been crafter by Courtney Day (working for over 10 years at the Hostel) and myself or the tiling design we did in the “Hundertwasser Dorm”, the wall Art, some of the patterns here on the webiste and on our keycard pouches by Bethany Lee (A receptionist for many years), The images on walls by Sonja Stangl (former receptionist, now acclaimed illustrator) or all of the handy work by Czeslaw, our famous polish House Masta – most of it was done in house by our very own staff.
Interior Design
From Hostel to Poshtel?
Paola Moreira, a brazilian interior designer (currently working at Wohnfee) was a receptionist and bar tender herself before she professionalized in her original field of interior design. As my partner she is still very connected to the Hostel and all of the recent interior design changes are at least heavily influenced by her. While we loved to double up on the quality and get in beautiful and quirky design ideas we never embraced a fully perfected and slick interior design that other Hostels nowadays implement. We kept it homemade and artsy and unique. Every room has been designed by itself with it’s very own design language. You wont find the same style twice.