Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
Alte Donau
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.
Danube Tower
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.
Options
Small-group kayak tour
Small-groups: All of our tours are limited to just 12 people so you get the class of service you deserve. Duration: 3 hours
What‘s Included
Engaging & intelligent guide with loads of insider tips on things to do in Vienna
Sightseeing at various lakeside spots around the Old Danube
Use of kayak, PFD/lifevest, and dry storage equipment for clothes & phone
Certified open-water lifesaver & native english speaking guide with live commentary
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
118 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience,...
Iona J,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience, would definitely recommend. Lovely to see another side to the city and James was a great guide.
Wonderful morning kayaking!
kathrynlB942VN,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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!
Excellent excursion
FellowTraveler308486,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Not just the kayaking but the information about the area was exceptional. Looking forward to using this site again😃
Best Tour Ever
Alyssa M,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I 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!
Easy Paddling with a Charming Guide or A good day for bananafish
NovyjMargarit,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great 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...
Sumathi T,Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing 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
Fun and cool kayak tour
NYCNewYorkCity,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If 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….
Great Vienna experience
ChristineSeeman,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephanie was great! It was a great time exploring the Alte Donue with her. I didn't know that the old and new danube were divided up, and this old danube is now a fun lake for the families and people of Vienna. It was a great way to spend our first morning in Vienna.
Great experience
O9138UAheatherc,Jul 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an experience! This was by far my favourite thing of our trip to Vienna. It was fun, unique, educational and the James was a knowledgeable, kind and cool guy. Really enjoyed every second. James also gives unique insights into Vienna and provided us with great recommendations for food, wine and experiences whilst in Vienna. 10/10, would absolutely recommend.
Unique perspective of New Vienna
timmytwowheels,Jul 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One if the highlights of our holiday in Vienna. James is a top bloke, very accommodating and knowledgeable about the history, culture and politics of vienna. Kayaking the old Danube is a really unique way to see some of the new district parts of the city and learn about some of the more recent history of Vienna. Worth every penny, gave us a bit of a work out but nothing overly strenuous and there are plenty of points in the tour where you can just relax floating on the water taking in the scenery. Thanks for a great experience James, keep up the good work :)
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Operated by Venture Vienna - Outdoor Activities & Tours