Picture the scene. A fisherman casts his line on the still waters of the Alte Donau. He hopes for wels catfish, pike, or zander. This is a typical day at the Alte Donau, a beloved Viennese escape.
The Alte Donau is more than just a lake. It is a former arm of the Danube River. Its history is long. It is rich. Once, the Danube flowed freely here. It branched into many channels. This created a wide floodplain.
Imagine the challenges of building bridges. The river’s course shifted with floods. Ice jams destroyed bridges. It was a constant struggle.
In the early 18th century, the Alte Donau became the main branch. This was after many devastating floods. Then came the Danube regulation project. This took place from 1870 to 1875. Its aim was to protect against floods. The Alte Donau was separated from the new main stream. It became an inland lake.
Today, the Alte Donau covers 1.6 square kilometers. Its average depth is 2.3 meters. The deepest point is 6.8 meters. It no longer receives water directly from the Danube. Groundwater now feeds it.
Ship mills once operated here. The first Danube steamboat in Austria called Franz I was built on its banks. Seaplanes were tested on these waters.
The Alte Donau is home to diverse wildlife. Over 20 fish species live here. Waterbirds thrive above. The protected European beaver makes its home here too.
Conservation efforts have helped endangered plants. Yellow irises and pond lilies flourish. Reedbeds support around 45 plant species.
The Alte Donau is a leisure paradise. It is close to the city center. Vienna’s subway makes it easily accessible. Gänsehäufel is a famous public bathing area. Bundesbad Alte Donau is another popular spot. It began as a military swimming school. It opened to the public in the 1950s.
You can find public piers and rowing clubs here. Restaurants line the eastern side. The beaches are open to all. Locals love these amenities.
Visitors can rent boats. Rowing boats, sailing boats, and pedalos are available. Electric boats and surfboards can be rented. It is a good place for beginner sailors. High-rise buildings create unpredictable winds.
Rowing clubs train on the Alte Donau. Summer brings events like the Vienna Nightrow.
In winter, the Alte Donau sometimes freezes. Ice skating is possible. However, caution is needed. Warm groundwater can weaken the ice.
The Alte Donau is divided into two basins. These are the Upper Old Danube and Lower Old Danube. A narrow section divides them. The Water Park lies to the northwest. It is separated by an artificial embankment.
Up to 1.2 million bathers visit each year. The Alte Donau is a major recreation area.
Eleven boat-related businesses operate here. These include boat rentals and sailing schools. About 1,500 boats are registered. Restaurants, cafes, and bars are plentiful.
Most businesses belong to Die Schöne Alte Donau. This marketing association provides visitor information.
The Danube Flood Protection Association owns the Alte Donau. The City of Vienna owns small areas. Maintenance is a joint effort.
So, as you stand here, remember the Alte Donau’s story. It is a tale of engineering, nature, and recreation.