Das Bootshaus – A Riverside Escape in Vienna
Das Bootshaus is part of the well-known Landtmann family of cafés and restaurants, owned by the Querfeld family. The Querfelds have been preserving and evolving Vienna’s coffeehouse tradition for decades, running among others iconic establishments like Café Landtmann, and Café Mozart. With Das Bootshaus, they have brought their signature hospitality to a more relaxed, nature and waterfront setting on the Alte Donau.
The Alte Donau (Old Danube) itself has an interesting history. Once part of the main Danube River, it was separated from the main flow in the 19th century due to Vienna’s extensive river regulation efforts. Instead of fading into obscurity, it became one of the city’s most beloved recreational areas. The Alte Donau’s banks host numerous boat-rental outlets, rowing clubs, bathing lawns (Lagerwiesen), lidos, and lakeside cafés/restaurants (serving a mix of Viennese and international fare), providing a popular waterside escape for locals.
The area is perfect for swimming, biking, walking. Cyclists enjoy the scenic bike paths that run along the water, offering a quieter, greener alternative to the city streets. In the warmer months, swimmers take advantage of the Alte Donau’s clear waters, with several public swimming spots just a short walk from the restaurant.
Das Bootshaus embraces this tradition but elevates it with a more refined approach. Designed with inspiration from classic wooden boathouses, it combines the easygoing charm of a riverside retreat with Landtmann’s high standards of service and culinary excellence. The restaurant’s menu focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients with a seasonal rotation, offering everything from expertly grilled fish to classic Austrian dishes.
