Small-Group Guided Kayak Tour of Vienna
Description
We've developed the only guided paddling route in Vienna, one that explores the grand Old Danube lake, an old side arm of the famous river. Along the way, take in some of Vienna's most important contemporary architecture, learn all about its modern-day influence and experience the undiscovered recreational heart of the city! We may stop at a lake shore cafe or take a swim in the clean water. Expect to share the morning with some rowers, the odd fisherman, & the local bird life. For the most part though, we should have it to ourselves ;-) This is the ultimate summer tour, so come see a different side of this city with us at Venture Vienna. We limit all of our tours to genuinely small-groups (max 12), which means your experience with us is more intimate, enriching and personal alongside your fellow travelers. You'll get loads of tips from us for your stay in the city while making new international friends, getting some sunshine, and being active in the great outdoors!
Tour Options
Itinerary
We'll be investigating arguably the most quaint part of Vienna, the Alte Donau; a lakeside village which was cut off from the main Danube channel in 1870. This is where nocturnal beavers now roam in an old side arm of the grand river. Cute lakeside huts adorn the water's edge to give vibrant bursts of colour to the lakeshore. We'll most likely be sharing the water with local rowers, the odd fisherman, and plenty of swans and ducks along the way! If it's hot, we can also take a break for a swim in the clean lake waters. Once the tour ends, if you wanted to keep investigating 'new' Vienna for a bit longer, you could grab lunch or a cocktail at Vienna's nearby 'Copa Beach', swim and hang out on the Danube Island, visit Austria's tallest building - the Danube Tower, or explore the charming Danube Park, all of which are within walking distance from where we'll finish.
We'll be paddling in full view of Austria's tallest building, as well as many of Vienna's other modern skyscrapers within the shadow of its emerging skyline.
Discover Vienna's international and political side as we paddle past the United Nations' third largest global headquarters. We'll see how modern-day Vienna has maintained its long-established reputation as a center for diplomacy and international relations.
We'll be paddling all around this secret paradise for the local Viennese - a unique island formed within the Old Danube which has become one of Vienna's most beloved recreational spots.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All participants must be able to swim.
- To wear: swim gear/quick drying sportswear, t-shirt, hat, rain jacket (for windier conditions & light rain)
- To bring: drinking water, sun cream, cash.
- You will inevitably get a bit wet so pay attention to the weather forecast on the day of your excursion and dress accordingly!
- Please go to the Venture Vienna website to read our FAQ and to learn more
- Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour has a minimum number of participants to go ahead
- This tour is also perfect for complete beginners - you do not need prior kayaking experience to join!
Reviews(121)
I booked this tour for myself and my 10-year-old son, and we both had a great time. We chose the early Sunday morning slot, which I'd definitely recommend. We expected a hot sunny day, but it turned out to be pleasantly cloudy with hardly any wind—perfect kayaking weather. The water was still warm enough to swim (James said around 24°C), and there were very few people on the Alte Donau. If you're worried about currents, don't be—the Alte Donau is calm, making it ideal for beginners and families. James started by showing us the different kayaks, explaining the basics of paddling and letting us choose the one we wanted. We picked the hybrid kayak/SUP, which was really stable. My son spent half the tour standing on it or jumping into the water! The scenery was beautiful, especially around UNO City where the modern skyline meets the peaceful waterways. It's a side of Vienna I hadn't seen before. We happened to be the only guests that morning, which meant James was happy to stop whenever my son wanted another swim. He also paused twice during the tour to take photos and videos of us, then sent everything to WhatsApp in full quality before we even got home. He also provided a dry bag and offered a locker for valuables, which was appreciated. The only downside for me is that this is priced as a premium experience. If you're comfortable exploring on your own, renting a kayak will probably work out cheaper. I also thought having the tour to ourselves was a bonus, although it felt a little surprising that nobody else had booked given the great weather and the time of year. I'd happily recommend it, especially for families, first-time kayakers, or anyone looking to experience a more relaxed, summery and adventurous side of Vienna.
James is a nice lad and is very knowledgeable. The area is nice and quiet and peaceful so you don’t have to worry if you’re not experienced in canoeing. The water is 23 degrees so it’s very comfortable to swim in. Downsides are the canoes are inflatable and harder to roe but very stable. The straps on the seats where poor and bad quality (he was trying to fix them when we where leaving) Promised photos but where never sent. It’s a bit of a walk from the Ubahn station. All that said, I wouldn’t mind a lot of these small things but the price was too dear at €495 for family group it was extortionate. Not worth the money. It roughly lasts 2hrs
Great excursion. It pays off to see Vienna from this side for once.
Fantastic experience, would definitely recommend. Lovely to see another side to the city and James was a great guide.
We had an absolutely perfect kayak trip with James! The weather was beautiful, but the best part was the guiding by James. He gave great instructions, made the trip really easy, had interesting history and perspective on the area and Austria, and was just very enjoyable to be with. The time flew by, and it was the most relaxing tour I have ever taken. We learned a lot, and felt we saw a lot of the area. We left feeling very relaxed, happy and recharged afterwards. Thanks James!
Great experience! Not just the kayaking but the information about the area was exceptional. Looking forward to using this site again😃
I had a fantastic experience. The tour was fun, informative and full of laughs. If you’re a beginner, that’s no problem at all. I highly recommend and plan to check out another tour on my next trip!
Great tour! Usually, I don’t really pay much attention to what guides tell me — I’m much more interested in paddling a kayak down the river. But in this case, the information was both interesting and practical, and the guide himself was super nice and charming. The tour itself is a few kilometers of easy paddling, suitable for almost anyone. Afterward, you can sit down at a decent restaurant right on the river.
Amazing look at a less-known but no less lovely part of Vienna. Stephanie was a wonderful guide. Easy kayaking, beautiful views, lots of birding and such lovely clean water
If you would like to go off the beaten path I recommend the Vienna kayaking tour. It was a fun and cool summer activity, our guide Stephanie was great and the kayaks were easy to maneuver. Who knew there was a pristine lake to swim, boat, paddle board or kayak in only 20 minutes from city center….
