Laying the Foundation – The Birth of a Landmark
October 12, 1962
With the foundation stone laid, the construction of the Donauturm officially began for the Vienna International Garden Show 1964 (WIG 64). The design was created by architect Hannes Lintl, while engineer Robert Krapfenbauer provided the structural calculations.
Recorded for Eternity
Newspaper reports documented this historic event, capturing the moment for future generations. A copper capsule containing the foundation stone certificate was later embedded in the entrance area of the tower – serving as a time capsule for the years to come.
Topping-Out Ceremony – The Tower Takes Shape
Upon reaching this key construction phase, the traditional topping-out ceremony was held – a significant achievement for the entire construction team.
20 Months of Construction
Under the leadership of Eberhard Födisch, the Donauturm rose to its full height in just 20 months, shaping the Vienna skyline for decades to come.
Opening on April 16, 1964 – A Moment of Celebration
After almost two years of construction, the Donauturm was officially inaugurated by Federal President Adolf Schärf.
1964: Huge Crowds at the Donauturm
In its opening year, 1964, the Donauturm attracted massive visitor interest, with 595,134 guests eager to enjoy the breathtaking view.
Despite a team of 13 lift operators working in shifts, wait times of up to two hours were common—a testament to the immense popularity of Vienna’s newest landmark at the time.
A Major Green Project for Vienna
The WIG 64 was an international botanical exhibition held on what is now the Donaupark and Donau City. The goal was to create a green oasis and sustainably modernize the area.
Opening of WIG 64
On April 16, 1964, Federal President Adolf Schärf officially opened the exhibition—along with the Donauturm. The event lasted until October 11, 1964, attracting 2.1 million visitors—a huge success for Vienna.
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From Wasteland to Park Landscape
Before WIG 64, the area was a landfill and an informal settlement. With the garden show, it was transformed into a modern recreational landscape—one of the largest urban development projects in Vienna’s history.
The Planing of WIG 64
The overall planning was led by City Garden Director Alfred Auer. Spanning 100 hectares, the project created park landscapes, a 30,000 m² lake, and an extensive network of paths and gardens.
The Danube Tower as a new landmark
The highlight of the exhibition was the Danube Tower - the tallest building in Austria. It symbolised modern Vienna and still offers an impressive view over the city today.
A city in a sea of blossom
Millions of plants were planted. Rare and exotic plants from all over the world were presented in five exhibition halls - including orchids, cacti and tropical plants.
The chairlift across the park
A 2.2 km long double chairlift ran across the exhibition grounds and offered a spectacular view of the WIG 64, its triangular track making it a unique attraction.
Further attractions of the WIG 64
The garden show offered more than just flowers: a lake stage, a cinema, a library with reading mounds and the 41-metre-high tower greenhouse attracted numerous visitors.
International recognition
The WIG 64 attracted worldwide attention. Austrian Post honoured it with a special stamp series. A balloon mail flight with a special postmark was also organised.
The end of the exhibition
After the end of WIG 64 on 12 October 1964, the site became open to the public without admission and developed into one of Vienna's most popular recreational areas.
What remained, what disappeared?
Many WIG-64 buildings, such as the tower greenhouse, the exhibition halls and the chairlift, were removed over time. The lakeside restaurant (now the Korea-Kulturhaus) and the Donauparkbahn remained.
Success led to WIG 74
The huge success of WIG 64 inspired the city to organise WIG 74 in Oberlaa ten years later. With 2.6 million visitors, it was also a complete success and contributed to the city's development.
Visits by Heads of State
Not only heads of state such as UN Secretary-General U Thant, Shah Reza Pahlavi, and King Hussein of Jordan have visited the Donauturm.
1969: The Donauturm in Miniature Format
Students from the HTL Klagenfurt and Villach built a 1:25 scale model of the Donauturm for Minimundus.
As a beloved landmark, the mini Donauturm found its place in Carinthia, alongside Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere, and Hohen Salzburg Fortress—a small yet impressive representation of Vienna in the "Little World on Lake Wörthersee."
(c) Strauss
1974: A Culinary Competition at New Heights
As part of the International Culinary Arts Exhibition 1974, the Donauturm kitchen became the stage for world-class chefs. In February, national teams from around the globe showcased their skills—armed with whisks, beaters, and plenty of culinary finesse.
The jury not only had the honor of evaluating the creations but also enjoyed them firsthand in the rotating restaurant, making it a truly unforgettable gastronomic event.
1989: 10-Millionth Visitor & International Recognition
The Donauturm was officially admitted to the World Federation of Great Towers—despite its relatively “modest” height of 252 meters, placing it at 8th in the international tower rankings at the time.
In December 1989, the 10-millionth visitor was welcomed: Viennese businessman Kommerzialrat Josef Adler.
1990: The Donauturm as a Global Radio Signal
For two days, the Donauturm became part of a worldwide radio network. Around 400,000 scouts from across the globe sent messages of unity and peace from the 16 tallest towers, reaching every continent.
1992: The First Donauturm Stair Run
On October 3, 1992, the first-ever Donauturm Stair Run took place! A total of 28 women and 231 men took on the challenge of conquering the stairs of the Donauturm.
The winner, Michael Körner, reached the top in an incredible 4 minutes and 2 seconds—marking the beginning of a new sporting discipline in Austria.
2001: Bungee jump
In April 2001, a bungee jump ramp was opened on the lower viewing platform at a height of 152 metres. In the same year, around 1,000 people took the plunge.
The facility was operated by Jochen Schweizer Events GmbH and remained in operation until 2018, when it was dismantled. A real adrenaline highlight at the Danube Tower!
(c) Marinelli
2001: Huge advertisement on the Danube Tower
A 1,300 m² advertising banner was attached to the Danube Tower - 60 x 20 metres in size and weighing 400 kg. Ten metres below the viewing terrace (150 m high), eight workers mounted the red banner in 20 hours on four suspended work platforms.
The Esprit Sports bungee centre of the German fun sports operator Jochen Schweizer was advertised - a spectacular highlight on the Danube Tower!
(c) Hrebicek
2002: Saying "I Do" with a View
Since autumn 2002, Vienna has gained a unique wedding location—the new glass-enclosed terrace at the Donauturm! In collaboration with the Wedding Planner agency, the concept was brought to life, and in October 2002, the first wedding ceremony at high altitude took place.
(c) Hrebicek
2004: 40 yearsAnniversary celebration
From 4 to 6 June 2004, the Danube Tower celebrated its 40th anniversary with a big 1960s-style festival. Visitors could look forward to music, nostalgia and decorations in retro design.
2005 – 17 Million Visitors & VIP Pass
On June 16, 2005, the 17-millionth guest was welcomed at the Donauturm. As a special honor, they received a VIP pass, granting free access to skyscrapers and towers within the World Federation of Great Towers.
2006: Blind mountaineer climbs the Danube Tower in 2006
Blind extreme mountaineer Andy Holzer mastered a spectacular challenge: in 90 minutes, he climbed vertically 150 metres up the Danube Tower.
A specially constructed via ferrata made the ascent possible, with the biggest challenge being an eight metre long overhang traverse at a dizzying height. Despite possible gusts of wind, the weather played along - sunshine accompanied his ascent.
With this campaign, Holzer asked for donations for blind and visually impaired children. The ‘Tempo’ company initiative supported ‘Licht ins Dunkel’ and financed the construction of a new early intervention centre in Tyrol.
(c) Andy Holzer
2006: A Romantic Night Above Vienna
For the first time in the history of the Donauturm, a "Romantic Night" was introduced in 2006—an unforgettable experience high above Vienna’s rooftops.
A unique bedroom with a canopy bed was set up on the glass-enclosed observation deck, offering couples an exclusive overnight stay at breathtaking heights. In the first year, over 200 couples took advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
(c) APA
2008: Spectacular installation of the Bank Austria logo
In September 2008, a special helicopter hoisted the 6.5 metre high, 3.5 tonne logo to a height of 230 metres, where it was fixed in place by ten fitters. It is one of the highest rotating and illuminated advertising logos in the world.
The construction consists of 70 m² of stretch film, 90 m² of sheet metal and 146 fluorescent lamps, which ensure an impressive long-distance effect.
(c) Gornbkötö
2010: General overhaul of the lifts
In January 2010, after 20 million passengers and 750,000 kilometres, the Donauturm lifts were taken out of service and extensively modernised.
The drive motors and cabins, which had been in operation since 1964, were replaced and the technology brought up to date. Thanks to regenerative drives, energy consumption was reduced by 40 %.
2014: 50 years anniversary celebration
Numerous celebrities toasted the tower on its 50th anniversary, including former Miss Christine Reiler, former city councillor Michael Ludwig and former Wien Holding CEO Peter Hanke.
2018 Extensive renovation
Between January 2018 and March 2019, the Danube Tower and its operating areas were extensively modernised and at the same time restored to the style of the 1960s.
The newly built pavilion was used to create the Donaubräu brewery and guest garden.
Under the direction of architect Gregor Eichinger and in close consultation with the Federal Monuments Office (BDA), technical adaptations and extensions were realised. A total of around 10 million euros was invested in the renovation - an important step towards preserving this Viennese landmark..
2019: Reopening
March 19, 2019: After more than a year of renovations, the Donauturm celebrated its official reopening on March 19, 2019.
During the press conference, co-owner Mag. (FH) Paul Blaguss, Federal Minister Dr. Margarete Schramböck, and Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig highlighted the economic significance of this Viennese landmark.
Following a blessing by Cathedral Pastor Toni Faber, the event was crowned with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
2019: Raising Awareness for COPD
On November 20, 2019, World COPD Day took place under the motto "All together to end COPD", raising awareness for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Artist and lung disease patient Eberhard Jordan climbed the Donauturm, conquering 779 steps—an achievement he once thought impossible. With this remarkable feat, he aimed to inspire others affected by COPD to stay physically active despite their condition, as part of the COPD Active Initiative.
2020: Worldwide Pneumonia Day
On November 12, 2020, the Donauturm supported "Worldwide Pneumonia Day" by lighting up in blue.
A total of 206 landmarks in 47 countries participated in the campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of pneumonia and highlight the importance of prevention and treatment.
2021: Worldwide PCOS Day
On September 1, 2021, the Donauturm lit up in blue to raise awareness for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
2022: Mikail Akar – The Art Prodigy
On October 26, 2022, Mikail Akar, the youngest abstract artist in the world, amazed the international art scene with his extraordinary talent—at just ten years old.
For the Global Family Charity organization, the young artist from Cologne created a special painting as a tribute to Vienna and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This artwork was later auctioned at Europe’s largest charity auction, United Charity, fetching €9,300.
2022: Window change at 170m
On March 25, 2022, an extensive window replacement was carried out in the Turm Restaurant—at a dizzying height of 170 meters.
Using modern rope access technology, the new window was first transported to the observation deck at 150 meters before being carefully moved into the restaurant for installation.
2023: Slide installed by helicopter
On 3 October 2023, the illuminated Danube Tower slide, the latest art and adventure highlight, was spectacularly lifted onto the Danube Tower by helicopter and installed at a height of 165 metres.
2023: Europe's highest slide opens
The Danube Tower slide has officially been in operation since 15 November 2023! The 40-metre-long slide stretches from the central floor at a height of 165 metres to the viewing level at 150 metres and provides an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
2023: Turm Café is spinning again
Following a comprehensive technical overhaul, the rotating mechanism of the Turm Café has been back in operation since 30 November 2023.
The 650 kg gearbox, which had been working reliably for almost 60 years, was completely refurbished in Germany. After 30 hours of assembly work, the Turm Café now once again offers the familiar 360° panoramic view over Vienna and Lower Austria - just in time for the Danube Tower's 60th birthday!
2024: Part of a Guinness World Record
On April 1, 2024, the Donauturm lit up in Air Force Blue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
Alongside 55 other landmarks worldwide, it contributed to a new Guinness World Record for the most illuminated locations within 24 hours.
2024: Austria's highest landmark turns 60
On 19 April 2024, the Danube Tower celebrated its 60th anniversary. City Councillor for Economic Affairs Peter Hanke and the Danube Tower shareholders paid tribute to the landmark, which has delighted more than 23 million visitors since 1964 and characterises Vienna's skyline.
There was a special gift to mark the anniversary: free admission for visitors between 10:00 and 11:00 and a free annual ticket for all those born in 1964. More than 1,500 guests took advantage of this opportunity.
2024: New world record at the Danube Tower - 100 km in 2,500 laps!
On 10 June 2024, Lower Austrian ultra-runner Rainer Predl set a new world record: 100 kilometres in 2,500 laps around the platform of the Danube Tower - in 10 hours and 51 minutes!
The run began with the ascent over 779 steps to a height of 155 metres before Predl completed his laps on the platform. He changed direction every 5 kilometres to compensate for the strain.
2024: World Fragile X Day
On July 22, 2024, the Donauturm lit up in blue to raise awareness for Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)—the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities.
With this illumination, the Donauturm stands as a symbol of solidarity and hope for those affected and their families.
2024: Raising Awareness for PCOS
On September 1, 2024, the Donauturm lit up in blue, making a powerful statement for World PCOS Day.
This initiative aims to raise awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—a widespread yet often overlooked hormonal disorder affecting many women.