Up at high speed
The elevator ride is already an experience in itself. Even when the Danube Tower first opened, its elevators were considered something very special. Today, the express elevators take you to the top in just a few seconds – fast, comfortable, and with a little sense of adventure in your tummy.
Does the café really rotate?
Yes – and that is exactly what makes the Danube Tower so special. In the Tower Café, the platform rotates very slowly around the tower. That way, you can sit back, look around, and see Vienna from every side. The Tower Restaurant also turns gently and offers a 360° panoramic view at a height of 170 metres.
The kitchen high up in the tower
At the Danube Tower, people do not just enjoy the view — meals are prepared there too, and quite high up. The tower kitchen is located at a height of 165 metres and supplies the Tower Restaurant at 170 metres and the Tower Café at 160 metres. Pretty impressive, isn’t it?
High above Vienna
Once you reach the top, a magnificent view over the city awaits you. The Danube Tower was built as the highlight of WIG 64 and still offers an impressive view over Vienna today. On the indoor terrace, you can enjoy the view while staying protected from the weather — it is located 155 metres above the ground and was once even known as the children’s terrace. There, children could look out into the distance without having to look directly down.
Tower with history
The Danube Tower is not just tall — it also has an exciting history. Construction began with the laying of the foundation stone on October 12, 1962. In just 20 months, the tower was built for the Vienna International Garden Show, which opened in 1964. Back then, the area around what is now Donaupark looked very different from today: what had once been a problematic area was transformed into a large park landscape with a lake, paths, flowers, and many attractions.
Back then, there was even a chairlift
WIG 64 was not only about the Danube Tower. A 2.2-kilometre double chairlift also ran across the grounds. There was also a tower greenhouse, a lakeside stage, exhibition halls, and many plants from all over the world. That makes the history of the Danube Tower especially exciting for children — because even back then, there was so much to discover around the tower.
The Slide
At the Danube Tower, you can find Europe’s tallest slide. It starts at a height of 165 metres and runs down the outside of the tower to the observation deck. Quite exciting!
The stairs
There is also a staircase inside the Danube Tower with 779 steps and 60 landings. In the past, exciting stair races were even held there. Today, the staircase is only used in emergencies — so visitors go up and down by express lift instead.
Which sights do you already know?
From above, Vienna looks completely different. Houses, streets, and famous landmarks suddenly seem tiny. On the Danube Tower’s 360° panorama page, you can explore the view interactively and go on a little discovery tour through Vienna.
Test your Danube Tower knowledge
How fast is the lift? How tall is the Danube Tower? And where does the slide begin? Join in and find out how much you already know about the Danube Tower. The quiz is a great way to learn even more about the tower in a fun and playful way.