If you want the easiest “big view” experience in Vienna, Danube Tower (Donauturm) is the move: a 252 m landmark with express lifts, indoor + outdoor viewing platforms, a revolving café and restaurant, and even a high-altitude slide. 🌆🚀 It’s also one of the most practical skyline spots because it sits inside Donaupark, so you can pair your visit with a walk or picnic.
Why Danube Tower (Donauturm) is worth it ✅
- Austria’s tallest landmark: Total height 252 m.
- Fast access to the views: viewing platforms at 150 m and 155 m, central floor 165 m, café around 160 m, restaurant around 170 m.
- Built for panoramas: Vienna’s tourism site highlights the “35 seconds up” experience and the strong viewpoint over the city.
- Bonus thrill: Europe’s highest slide drops from 165 m → 150 m over 40 m, up to 18 km/h in 7–9 seconds. 🛝⚡
What you can do at Danube Tower (Donauturm) 📍
1) Viewing platforms (the main reason you’re here) 🌇
The classic plan is: express lift up → 360° panorama → photos → indoor terrace if the weather is bad (or you want calmer viewing).
2) Revolving Turm Café (quick + scenic) ☕
Perfect if you want the view without committing to a full meal.
3) Turm Restaurant (revolving, “Vienna date night” mode) 🍽️
The Turm Restaurant rotates for a constant 360° view high above Vienna.
4) Turm Slide (optional adrenaline) 🛝
This is the “I didn’t expect Vienna to have this” add-on: 165 m down to the viewing level at 150 m.
Opening hours (and the one rule that matters) ⏱️
Typical tower hours (planning baseline)
Most visitor info references daily late-morning to evening, commonly around 10:00–22:00, with last ascent around 21:15.
Weather disclaimer (important) ⚠️
Donauturm notes that opening hours can change at short notice due to weather conditions.
Pro tip: treat “last ascent” like a museum last entry—don’t arrive in the final 30 minutes if you want photos + a relaxed loop.
Tickets / prices / passes 💳
Because the Donauturm ticket shop page can be dynamic by date/channel, think in price bands and confirm the exact amount when you book.
Common ticket price structure (most travelers use)
| Ticket type | Typical price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | ~€18–€19.90 | Some partners list €18 as a “normal/online” reference, while local price offers show ~€19.90. |
| Senior / Youth (often 15–19) | ~€14–€16 | Discounts vary by channel/ID category. |
| Child (6–14) | ~€10.70–€11.90 | Under 3 often free; 3–5 usually reduced. |
Passes & discounts ✅
- Vienna PASS pages commonly list free entry to the Danube Tower as a pass benefit, and also publish normal price references (useful for comparison).
- Vienna City Card discount pages list -20% for Donauturm among participating attractions.
Turm Slide pricing (useful reality check) 🛝
Official group/event material shows:
- Slide: €6 at the counter
- Slide: €5 online/fastlane (where offered)
- Minimum: 6 years and 110 cm height (noted on the slide section).
How to get there 🚇 🚌 🚲
Address: Donauturmplatz 1, 1220 Vienna.
Fast public transport routes (official)
Donauturm’s own visitor info suggests:
Option 1: Subway + walk
- U1 → Alte Donau
- U6 → Neue Donau
Option 2: Subway + Bus 20A
- U1 → VIC/Kaisermühlen (or U1 Alte Donau / U6 Neue Donau)
- then Bus 20A → “Donauturm” stop
Vienna public transport ticket reminder 💳
- A single ticket is valid for one direction, valid 80 minutes after validation, transfers allowed, no interruptions.
- From 1 Jan 2026, Wiener Linien lists the single ticket at €3.20 (discounted child single €1.60).
Best time to visit Danube Tower (Donauturm) ✅
For the best photos 📸
- Golden hour (late afternoon) for warm city light + dramatic skies.
- After dark for the illuminated city (but watch the last ascent time).
For fewer people 😌
- Go on a weekday, earlier in the day, then finish with coffee/meal upstairs.
For “two-in-one” day planning 🌳
Pair the tower with a Donaupark walk—especially if you want Vienna to feel less “museum-heavy.”
Tips / common mistakes ✅ ⚠️
Do this ✅
- ✅ Build your visit around the “stack”: viewing platforms → café/restaurant → (optional) slide.
- ✅ Use Bus 20A if you don’t want the longer walk from the U-Bahn.
- ✅ If you want the restaurant: book ahead (the restaurant is a destination, not a casual drop-in).
Avoid this ⚠️
- ⚠️ Arriving too late: you’ll rush the view and miss the vibe (last ascent matters).
- ⚠️ Expecting the slide to be always open—slide operation can be weather/condition dependent (plan it as a bonus, not the core reason).
- ⚠️ Not checking the official opening times on the day—weather can affect operations.
FAQ ❓
How tall is Danube Tower (Donauturm)?
It’s 252 m tall and is Austria’s tallest structure.
How high are the viewing platforms?
The official tower facts list viewing platforms at 150 m and 155 m, and a central floor at 165 m.
How do I get to Donauturm by public transport?
Use U1 (Alte Donau or VIC/Kaisermühlen) / U6 (Neue Donau), then optionally Bus 20A to “Donauturm.”
How fast is the slide and how big is it?
The slide runs 40 m, drops from 165 m to 150 m, up to 18 km/h, in 7–9 seconds.
Do opening hours ever change?
Yes—Donauturm explicitly notes hours can change at short notice due to weather.
Conclusion
Danube Tower (Donauturm) is Vienna’s simplest “skyline win”: fast lift, big views, optional revolving dining, and a unique slide experience that feels like a bonus level. Plan it around late-afternoon light or night views, use U1/U6 + Bus 20A for the smoothest approach, and treat weather-dependent features (like the slide) as a fun extra. ✅
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