Danube Tower (Donauturm)

The basics

Built in 1964 for the Viennese International Horticulture Show, the Danube Tower was renovated in 2018 but retains much of the original 1960s aesthetic. Two high-speed elevators whisk passengers up to an open-air observation deck, where panoramic views of Vienna await. Visitors can simply enjoy the scenery, or take a seat at Turm Restaurant, 555 feet (170 meters) above street level. The restaurant revolves, offering 360-degree views of the city to go with Austrian specialties like schnitzel and apple strudel.

Entry to the Danube Tower is free with the Vienna Pass or Niederosterreich-CARD, and it’s a popular stop on many Vienna sightseeing tours.

Things to know before you go

• Reservations are required for the tower and for the restaurant. If you don’t want to sit down for a full meal, try the casual Turm Café for Austrian pastries, snacks, and coffee.
• The tower usually remains open during bad weather or high winds, but the outside observation deck may be closed.
• Wheelchair users and one companion get into the tower for free; however, the restaurant is not wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

You can reach the Danube Tower by taking Vienna’s underground line 1 to Kaisermuhlen VIC or Alte Donau. It's also a stop on the blue line of the city’s hop-on, hop-off tour, and is included in other city tours.

When to get there

The tower is open daily from mid-morning to night; try to go on a clear day for the best viewing conditions. The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and the café is open daily.

Vienna’s Top Landmarks

From the top of the Danube Tower on a clear day, you can see nearly all of Vienna’s most impressive attractions. The leafy Donaupark and its lake stretch out directly beneath the tower, while the vintage Ferris wheel of the Prater amusement park sits across the Danube River. Beyond, look for the stately Schönbrunn Palace and its expansive gardens, the lakeside Belvedere Museum, and the Gothic spires of the Weiner Rathaus (City Hall).