Top 20 Lakes in Vienna
Best lakes in Vienna offer a refreshing escape from the urban environment, providing diverse opportunities for recreation. Vienna, a city known for its cultural significance, also features several notable water bodies, including remnants of the Danube River's former course and flood relief channels. These areas serve as popular recreational hubs, providing natural landscapes within the city. The city's lakes are primarily fed by groundwater, ensuring high water quality for various activities.
Best lakes in Vienna
- The most popular lakes is Dehnepark Pond, a lake that is a romantic pond in the middle of a beautiful natural park. This natural park in Hütteldorf is easy to reach and invites visitors to hike and observe wildlife like fish and turtles.
- Another must-see spot is Danube Island, an other natural area created as a flood relief channel. Visitors can expect a vast park with meadows, forested zones, and bathing areas, offering a wide array of recreational facilities for sports and relaxation.
- Visitors also love Konstantin Pond, a lake adjacent to the Constantine Hill. It is a beautiful and well-kept little pond with benches, providing a pleasant ambience along city hiking trails.
- Vienna is known for oxbow lakes, flood relief channels, and artificial ponds. These include the Old Danube, the New Danube, and smaller urban ponds, offering a variety of water experiences.
- The lakes in Vienna are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 500 upvotes and more than 50 photos shared, highlighting their appeal for outdoor activities.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Wakeboard Lift Neue Donau
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Meadow at the Alte Donau
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Jedleseer Bridge
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Schwarzenbergplatz
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The High Jet Fountain is a fountain in Vienna. It is located on Schwarzenbergplatz and was inaugurated on October 24, 1873, in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I, to mark the completion of the First Vienna High Spring Water Pipeline after a construction period of four months.
Anton Gabrielli, the contractor for the water pipeline, donated 200,000 crowns for the construction of the fountain, which was commissioned by the City of Vienna and built by the contractor Gustav Bruck.
In 1886/87, extensive considerations were made regarding the regulation of Schwarzenbergplatz and, consequently, the redesign of the High Jet Fountain. The designs of the important sculptors Viktor Tilgner (1844–1896)[4] and Rudolf Weyr (1847–1914) were presented to the public at the Vienna Künstlerhaus from the end of January 1887, but no decision was made in their favor.
Later, the fountain, designed in the style of a fountain lumineuse by the architect Oskar Marmorek (1863–1909), was transformed into an illuminated fountain at a cost of 285,000 crowns and opened on June 23, 1906. At night, it glows in red, pink, yellow, violet, blue, and green.
Text / Source: Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hochstrahlbrunnen
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Danube Island
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In the course of the construction of a relief channel in the former flood area (New Danube), which accompanied the 1870-1875 regulated Danube (Danube regulation) on its left bank, an approximately 20-kilometer-long and up to 300-meter-wide island was created between the two river courses, which was developed into a local recreation area.
The "New Danube" was created between March 1, 1972 and 1988 after long discussions in the municipal council, which ended with a majority decision by the SPÖ, and the Danube Island was then handed over in its entirety to its intended purpose. The dredging work was completed on October 13, 1987, although partial use of the northern parts had been possible since 1981. In the initial phase of the work, the "Vienna Danube Region Competition" was also advertised, which dealt with many hitherto unnoticed effects, which included the Donauinsel in the overall city planning process (see below) and took into account the increasing politicization of the project. Above all, the opposition came to At the time, there was a vehement criticism of large-scale projects, which were denounced as an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.In the case of the Danube Island, this referred to the further plans and use of urban development planning, not to the flood protection itself.
In 1983 the area was designated as a "recreational area" by the municipal council. The official designation took place on May 7, 1984 by the municipal council committee for culture. The "Danube Island Festival" has been held every summer since 1984.
From a historical perspective, the islands of the Danube river, which was largely unregulated until 1868-1875, can also be described as Danube islands in the Vienna area, above all the Obere Werd and the Untere Werd (Werd or Wörth = Insel), which later became Leopoldstadt. The Gänsehäufel was once an island in the unregulated river.
Text / Source: City of Vienna
geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at/Donauinsel
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Heustadlwasser (Prater, Vienna)
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Source: wanderland-austria.blogspot.com/2013/06/heustadlwasser-im-prater.html
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Dehnepark Pond
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View of the DC Tower and St. Francis of Assisi Church from the Danube Island
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Konstantin Pond
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Wienerberg Pond
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Enchanting paths wind their way through meadows and embankments across 123 hectares. At the heart of the area lies an artificial pond with quite a story to tell. A brickyard once stood here, active since Roman times. Under Maria Theresa, the first state-run brickyard was established, and later Alois Miesbach took over the business. His brick factory became the largest in Europe – with an unbelievable annual production of 130 million bricks!
But in the 1960s, it all came to an end, and the factory closed. The Wienerberg Pond is essentially just the result of the excavated material from these brickworks. After the factory closed, the area was initially misused as a dumping ground. But then the city's foresters came along and lovingly transformed this place into a genuine recreational area.
It was a brilliant idea not to build apartment blocks all over it! This way, we can preserve this piece of nature, which invites us to relax and breathe deeply. Unlike the gray concrete jungles of the city, this is a place where you can truly flourish.
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Tips from the Community
The Konstantinteich (Constantine Pond) in Vienna's Prater is an idyllic pond located below Konstantinhügel (Constantine Hill), an artificial hill created for the 1873 World's Fair. Nestled within the Prater's expansive green spaces, the pond forms part of a popular network of paths for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Visitors can reach the hill and surrounding paths via the historic Konstantinsteg (Constantine Bridge), Vienna's oldest surviving bridge, dating back to 1873. Together with the other bodies of water in the Prater, the Konstantinteich contributes significantly to the park's natural atmosphere and offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city.
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From Danube Island or the Reichsbrücke (Imperial Bridge) in Vienna, there is an impressive view of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, also known as the "Mexico Church." Completed in 1910, this Neo-Renaissance church, with its distinctive four towers and striking dome, is particularly visible from the water and the bridge. From the western part of Danube Island or the cycle path along the New Danube, atmospheric perspectives can be captured head-on or slightly from the side, while the Reichsbrücke offers an elevated panoramic view across the Danube. The interplay of water, bridge, and church dome makes this vista a popular subject for photographs and a truly impressive cityscape.
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The Danube Island is a very beautiful recreational area.
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A beautiful oasis in the big city, with great playgrounds and meadows for meeting and chilling.
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It is a beautiful and well-kept little pond. There are a few benches here where you can take a short break.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes in Vienna for swimming and water activities?
For swimming and a wide range of water activities, the Alte Donau (Old Danube) and Neue Donau (New Danube) are top choices. The Alte Donau offers calm, clear waters perfect for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, and fishing, with numerous public lidos like Gänsehäufel. The Neue Donau, with its adjacent Danube Island, is popular for swimming, rowing, and even features a floating trampoline park and water-ski lift.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Vienna?
Yes, several lakes in Vienna are ideal for families. The Hirschstetten Pond (Badeteich Hirschstetten) is known for its large sunbathing lawns, a separate swimming area for children, and a playground. The Danube Island also offers flat beaches, playgrounds, and various recreational facilities suitable for all ages. The Alte Donau has many lidos and grassy areas perfect for picnics and relaxation with children.
Where can I enjoy nature walks around Vienna's lakes?
For nature walks, the Wienerbergteich, located within the Wienerberg recreational area, offers peaceful trails through over 100 hectares of greenland. Dehnepark Pond is nestled in a beautiful natural park, inviting visitors to hike and observe wildlife. The Danube Island also provides an extensive network of paths through meadows and forested zones, perfect for walking and jogging.
What kind of wildlife can I see at Vienna's lakes?
Vienna's lakes support diverse wildlife. The Alte Donau is rich in biodiversity, home to over 20 fish species, various amphibians, waterfowl, and even beavers. At Dehnepark Pond, you can observe fish and turtles. The Wienerbergteich, with its extensive reed belts, provides a habitat for numerous bird species, including great reed warblers, little bitterns, and reed buntings.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near Vienna's lakes?
While the lakes themselves are primarily recreational, the areas around them often have historical significance. The Danube Island, for instance, was created as a flood relief channel, and its history is tied to Vienna's urban development and flood protection efforts. The Heustadlwasser in the Prater is a former side arm of the Danube, with its name originating from a hay barn built on an island for feeding wild animals.
How accessible are Vienna's lakes by public transport?
Many of Vienna's major lakes are easily accessible by public transportation. The Alte Donau and Neue Donau / Danube Island are well-connected by Vienna's subway system (U-Bahn), making them convenient escapes from the city center. Dehnepark Pond is also easy to reach by tram or U-Bahn.
What outdoor activities can I do near Vienna's lakes besides swimming?
Beyond swimming, Vienna's lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on the extensive paths around the Danube Island or along the Alte Donau. Boating is popular on the Alte Donau, with pedal, rowing, and electric boat rentals available. For more structured activities, the Wakeboard Lift Neue Donau offers wakeboarding. The areas around lakes like Wienerbergteich and Heustadlwasser are also great for jogging and leisurely strolls. For cycling routes in the wider area, check out the Cycling in Vienna guide.
Are there specific areas for sunbathing or relaxation by the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer excellent spots for sunbathing and relaxation. The Hirschstetten Pond is known for its large sunbathing lawns. The Meadow at the Alte Donau provides extensive grassy areas perfect for picnics and sunbathing. The Danube Island also features numerous bathing areas with flat beaches and open spaces for lounging.
What do visitors enjoy most about Vienna's lakes?
Visitors highly appreciate the refreshing escape from the urban environment that Vienna's lakes provide. They love the diverse opportunities for recreation, from active water sports to peaceful nature walks. The high water quality, especially in the groundwater-fed lakes, is frequently praised. The convenience of accessing these natural havens within the city, often by public transport, is also a major draw, allowing for a 'vacation-like' feeling close to home.
Can I rent boats on Vienna's lakes?
Yes, boat rentals are widely available, particularly on the Alte Donau. You can rent pedal boats, rowing boats, electric boats, and even party boats to explore the charming oxbow lake. The Heustadlwasser also has a small boat rental where you can rent pedal boats for a tour, including access to the small Rosenteich.
Are there any hidden gems or quieter lakes in Vienna?
While the Alte and Neue Donau are popular, the Wienerbergteich offers a more peaceful, wild nature park feel within the city, often less crowded than other bathing spots. Dehnepark Pond also provides a romantic and tranquil setting within a beautiful natural park, perfect for quiet contemplation and observing nature.
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