Fall in Love with

Donaupark

Skyline of Vienna from Donaupark, offering a unique perspective on the city's beauty.

Papstwiese in Donaupark, a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

The Millennium Tower as seen from Donaupark, adding a modern touch to Vienna's skyline.

Donaupark
Opinion
Gallery
POIs
More Infos
Spots Nearby

Buy Tickets

!

Donaupark

 Map 1 hour

Affiliate disclosure: Links marked with * are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; our recommendation remains independent.

Donaupark is a vast urban park located in Vienna’s 22nd district, Donaustadt, near the banks of the Danube River. Spanning over 600,000 square meters, it was originally created in 1964 for the Vienna International Garden Show and has since become one of the city’s most beloved green spaces. The park features lush meadows, flower gardens, and a variety of recreational facilities, including walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and even a small lake. With its iconic Donauturm (Danube Tower) rising in the park’s northern section, Donaupark offers visitors a tranquil escape from the city while providing plenty of opportunities for relaxation and outdoor fun.

Family Friendly Park

 +43 1 40008042 Wheelchair AccessSource: Google Maps

Address:
Am Donaupark
1220 Wien

Explore & Relax

Tickets

Muvamo Opinion

Donaupark is one of those places in Vienna that remains a bit under the radar. While other parks in the city tend to attract more attention, this sprawling green space in Donaustadt offers a peaceful escape without the crowds. And that’s exactly what makes it special.

What stands out about Donaupark is its vast openness. The park is a true urban oasis with wide meadows, shady walking trails, and plenty of space to spread out. It’s ideal for a long walk, a morning jog, or simply stretching out on the grass with a book.

Of course, the Donauturm (Danube Tower) is the park’s centerpiece. At 252 meters, it’s Austria’s tallest structure, offering a spectacular panoramic view over the city, the Danube River, and even the distant hills. A ride to the top is well worth it, especially at sunset. The rotating restaurant is a unique way to experience Vienna from above.

Another attraction is the Donauparkbahn, a small train that circles the park. It’s a relaxed and fun way to explore the area, especially for families or those who just want to take in the scenery without much effort. The lake in the park is also a beautiful spot to sit and unwind, reflecting the surrounding trees and adding to the calm atmosphere.

Donaupark isn’t a place you’ll find on every tourist itinerary, but that’s what makes it worth visiting. It’s one of the best spots in Vienna to slow down, enjoy nature, and experience the city from a different perspective.

Helpful Hints

Bring a picnic blanket and snacks if you want to relax in the meadows.
Bring a ball or badminton set – there’s plenty of open space for a casual game.
Wear comfortable shoes – there’s a lot of ground to cover.

Gastronomic Discoveries

Pack your own picnic to enjoy on the grassy lawns.
Dinner with a view: The rotating restaurant at the top of the Donauturm offers refined Austrian cuisine with panoramic views – best timed for sunset.

Hidden Gems

Look for the rose gardens – they’re especially beautiful in the spring.
Take a walk to the China Garden, a peaceful area with traditional Chinese landscaping.

Our Little Extras

The area near the Korea Kulturhaus has a small but beautiful Korean garden.

Irissee in Donaupark, surrounded by lush greenery.

The iconic Donauturm in Donaupark, a must-visit for panoramic city vistas.

Charming Lilliputbahn train in Donaupark, offering a fun ride through the Donaupark.

Donauturm in Donaupark, a highlight of Vienna's skyline.

 More Photos

Photo Spots & POIs

Donauturm

Vienna’s Danube Tower has stood as the city’s tallest structure since it opened for the 1964 International Garden Show, its antenna tip reaching 252 m. Two glass-walled lifts whisk you to twin observation decks at roughly 150 m in just 35 seconds, while revolving restaurants one level higher complete a full 360-degree turn every 26 minutes. On clear days you really can spot the snow-capped Alpine foothills beyond the Danube and Vienna Woods, making the tower an unbeatable vantage point and an unmistakable modern accent to Donaupark’s greenery.

 Map

 Photos  More

Iris Lake

Created for the same 1964 garden show, the oval Irissee is framed by broad flag irises that burst into colour each spring. Wooden benches and mature plane trees line its shore, offering a shady pause where you can watch the resident ducks glide or linger over a low-key picnic. The lake’s still surface doubles the surrounding greenery, delivering one of Donaupark’s most tranquil scenes.

 Map

 Photos

The Donaupark Train

Since 1964 a 15-inch-gauge miniature railway has looped 3 km through the park, passing highlights such as the Rosarium, Irissee, and the foot of the Donauturm. The open carriages are a hit with children, but they’re also handy for anyone wanting a relaxed circuit of the sprawling grounds without racking up steps. Trains run every 20–30 minutes from spring through autumn, completing the circuit in about a quarter-hour.

 Photos

Papstwiese

This broad lawn just east of the tower earned its name when Pope John Paul II celebrated an open-air Mass here on 11 September 1983 before an estimated 300 000 worshippers. Today the gently sloping meadow is the park’s go-to expanse for informal football matches, sunbathing, and large-scale community events. Its combination of historical resonance and ample elbow room makes it a natural gathering spot within Donaupark.

 Map

 Photos

Donaupark – From Landfill to Green Oasis

Before Donaupark became one of Vienna’s largest recreational spaces, the area had a very different purpose. In the early 20th century, the site was used chiefly as Vienna’s municipal landfill and hosted two informal settlements. However, the biggest transformation came in the 1960s when the city decided to reclaim the area and turn it into a massive green park.

The turning point for the area came in 1964, when Vienna hosted the Wiener Internationale Gartenschau (WIG 64) – a large-scale international garden exhibition. The city wanted to showcase modern landscape architecture and urban greening projects, which were gaining importance as Vienna continued to expand. To prepare for this event, the entire area was redesigned into a sprawling park with carefully planned gardens, water features, and open spaces.

One of the centerpieces of WIG 64 was the Donauturm (Danube Tower), which was constructed as a landmark for the exhibition. At 252 meters, it remains Austria’s tallest structure and an important symbol of Vienna’s modern development. The tower originally featured a revolving restaurant and an observation deck, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Donaupark - 1 — Golden hour illuminates the Danube Tower above Donaupark.

After the conclusion of WIG 64, the exhibition site was permanently converted into a public park, ensuring that the newly created green space would remain accessible to Vienna’s residents. Over the decades, Donaupark has continued to evolve, incorporating playgrounds, sports facilities, walking trails, and a small scenic lake.

One of the park’s unique features is the Donauparkbahn, a miniature train that circles the park, offering a relaxing way to explore its vast grounds. Additionally, in later years, the Korea Kulturhaus was established within the park, adding an intercultural element with its small but beautiful Korean-style garden.

Today, Donaupark is a beloved recreational space for locals and visitors looking for a peaceful retreat. While it doesn’t attract as many tourists as Prater or Schönbrunn, it remains a hidden gem for those who appreciate spacious greenery, jogging paths, and panoramic views from the Donauturm.