Danube Tower (Vienna)

Soaring to over 800 feet above the city, the Danube Tower dominates the Vienna skyline and is an ever present fixture in any panoramic photograph of the city. Built in 1964 beside the river Danube, it is a popular tourist attraction offering wonderful views for miles around. In its day it was quite a futuristic structure, yet seems to complement the city’s graceful baroque architecture. It can be reached by two high speed elevators which whizz sightseers up to an observation terrace in just 30 seconds. If you are feeling especially energetic during cheap city breaks in Vienna, you can even climb its 779 steps.

 

The observation terrace on the Donauturm, as it is known locally, comprises a 360 degree open air platform and a two story indoor viewing point encased in glass which is used during high winds and bad weather. This has become an unusual venue for special events such as music concerts, cocktail parties and lavish New Year’s Eve celebrations. It is also Vienna’s most popular place for civil marriages. On short breaks in Vienna that coincide with a full moon, you should snap up a ticket fast for one of the sumptuous Full Moon night buffet parties at the Danube Tower.

 

If you are feeling peckish during your visit, help is at hand at its two revolving restaurants offering affordable snacks or elegant haute cuisine fare. It is the perfect excuse to impress a loved one during romantic breaks in Vienna. Every year, the Danube Tower hosts the legendary ’Donauturm Run Up’ a race up to the summit via its 779 steps and is open to all comers. It is certainly a tall order in every sense and only suitable for the super fit. It attracts large crowds of supporters and has a real carnival like atmosphere.