Donauinsel

The Donauinsel is a long, narrow artificial island in central Vienna between the Danube and the New Danube. It stretches for 21.1 kilometres but is only 70 to 210 metres wide. Built between 1972 and 1988, it was designed mainly to protect the city from flooding. The island now serves as Vienna’s most popular recreational area. The island hosts a wide range of free facilities for visitors. There are beaches, barbecue areas, sports fields, skateparks and dog parks. Restaurants, boat hire, a water slide and a wakeboard lift are also available. Every June, the Donauinselfest festival draws around three million people over three days. It features performances by international artists and has grown from a small community event into the world’s largest music festival by attendance. The northern and southern parts of the island remain natural, while the middle section is landscaped with trees and shrubs. About 1.8 million trees and shrubs cover 170 hectares, creating habitats for rare birds, amphibians and fish. Deer, hares and beavers also live here. The island’s flood protection system includes the New Danube channel, locks and a groundwater control system that helps maintain the nearby Prater park.