Summer in Vienna: Hidden Gems & Beloved Spots
08/2021 - Barbara Keller
Austria’s capital Vienna has been named the best place to live in the entire world— multiple times. After finding out about all its summertime activities, we understand why. The city offers the perfect combination of waterside locations, green spots for picnics and cool areas to explore when the sun goes down. In this article, we’ll share our favourite locations with you—relaxation and fun are guaranteed!
Alte Donau
As soon as temperatures start rising, this is the all-time favourite place of the Viennese . Alte Donau is one of the major branches of the river Danube. Closer in appearance to a lake than a river, it offers everything you can ask for during a summer holiday. Along the shore you’ll find plenty of possibilities: meadows and waterside piers for sunbathing and swimming, boat rentals, places where you can try stand-up paddling, and all of that with the Viennese skyline in the background. Sound tempting? We thought so, so here are some useful addresses for you:
- Swimming & relaxing: Gänsehäufel-Bad (Moissigasse 21, 1220 Vienna), Angelibad (An der Oberen Alten Donau 1, 1210 Vienna), Kaiserwasser (Wagramer Straße/Weissauweg 1220 Vienna)
- Boat rentals: Neuer Bootsverleih (Mühlschüttel, 1210 Vienna), Bootsvermietung EPPEL (Wagramer Straße 48a, 1220 Vienna)
- Stand-up paddling: Flotus (Laberlweg 19, 1220 Vienna)
Bellevuewiese & Grinzing
Vienna offers some breathtaking views of the city and the countless vineyards at the northwestern border. One of the best spots for a lovely picnic with a beautiful panorama in the background is Bellevuewiese. Though it’s great to go there during the day to escape the hot concrete of the city center, we recommend enjoying some delicacies as the sun sets and staying until nightfall, when the city behind your picnic basket transforms into a sea of lights.
On the way to this hidden gem, you’ll have to cross Grinzing, a picturesque neighborhood full of the traditional Austrian taverns, called Heuriger, where local winemakers serve delicious food and drinks. Austrians often go there during summer to enjoy one too many Spritzer, a mix of white wine and sparkling water. One of our favorite taverns, complete with a lovely green courtyard, is Zum Martin Sepp (Cobenzlgasse 34, 1190 Vienna). Just a short walk uphill from there, you can enjoy a swim in the breathtaking outdoor swimming pool Krapfenwaldlbad (Krapfenwaldgasse 65-73, 1190 Vienna). It offers similar views as Bellevuewiese, just without the vineyards. If you’re an early bird, you’ll likely have the pool almost for yourself. Unfortunately, that never lasts very long. Even the locals can’t get enough of that view, so it tends to get very crowded around lunchtime.
Donaukanal
Donaukanal is a former arm of the Danube, but now it’s regulated as a water channel. It’s located in the heart of Vienna, and over the years it’s transformed into a hotspot for the young and the hip. The banks of the canal offer a lot of space to sit for a drink, go for a walk or ride a bike. In addition, you’ll find many beach bars, clubs and casual eateries in the area. It’s simply a must if you want to enjoy a cool summer night out. If nightlife isn’t your thing, it’s also enjoyable during the day. Grab a refreshing ice cream at the nearby Eis-Greissler (Rotenturmstraße 14, 1010 Vienna)—they have plenty of delicious and unconventional organic flavours—and find some shade under the trees of Donaukanal.
Kino am Dach
This summer favourite is a special recommendation for those looking for a little romance: Kino am Dach (Urban-Loritz-Platz 2a, 1070 Vienna), an open-air cinema on the roof of a library that’s also very close to our numa properties. Every evening from July to mid-September they show one of a wide range of international movies, always in the original language.
No doubt you’ll end up tired after all these activities in the sun and some Spritzer or beer at Donaukanal. Our Viennese numa properties Wood and Strauss are the perfect locations to kick back and get a good night’s sleep, so you’re ready for even more fun the day after.
