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The sixties were socially revolutionary, innovative and experimental in architecture, art and culture. The economic miracle, the boom and new technologies made the belief in the future almost boundlessly naive.

The Danube Tower was erected in 1964 as a highlight and proud symbol as part of the Vienna International Garden Show (WIG). The WIG transformed a neglected area on the banks of the Danube into a spacious and appealing recreational area -the Danube Park, which was boldly overlooked by the new tower structure.

From the very beginning, the Danube Tower was regarded as the centerpiece and central point of orientation for visitors to the WIG, offering at the same time a spectacular view and a new perspective on the city of Vienna. At that time, the restaurant at a height of 170 meters was considered a sensation, as it constantly rotated on its own axis.

The leading architect was the Viennese Prof. Hannes Lintl. He chose a formal language that was based on the type of television towers that can be found in other cities (e.g. Stuttgart, Toronto). First and foremost, however, the Danube Tower was and is an observation tower, a structure for leisure, fun and recreation. Construction lasted from October 1962 to April 1964 - just under two years. A total of 3,750 m3 of concrete and 514 tons of reinforced concrete were used. The ceremonial opening was held by the then Mayor of Vienna, Franz Jonas, on April 16, 1964.

Leitender Architekt des Donauturms war der Wiener Prof. Hannes Lintl. Seine Formsprache orientierte sich an Fernsehtürmen internationaler Großstädte, dennoch war der Donauturm von Beginn an vor allem als Aussichtsturm für Freizeit, Erholung und besondere Erlebnisse konzipiert.

Architekt Prof. Hannes Lintl

Prof. Hannes Lintl prägte mit dem Donauturm eines der bekanntesten Bauwerke Wiens. Die schlanke Turmform, die klare technische Ästhetik und die hohen Aussichtsebenen machen den Donauturm bis heute unverwechselbar.

Aussichtsturm statt Fernsehturm

Obwohl die Form an Fernsehtürme erinnert, wurde der Donauturm nie als Plattform für TV-Sendeanlagen genutzt. Er war und ist in erster Linie ein Aussichtsturm und ein Ort für Freizeit, Kulinarik und besondere Erlebnisse.

Der Bau des Donauturms dauerte von Oktober 1962 bis April 1964. In dieser Zeit wurden rund 3.750 m³ Beton und 514 Tonnen Betonstahl verbaut. Am 16. April 1964 wurde der Donauturm feierlich eröffnet.

Eröffnung am 16. April 1964

Die feierliche Eröffnung des Donauturms fand am 16. April 1964 statt. Eröffnet wurde der Turm vom damaligen Wiener Bürgermeister Franz Jonas – rechtzeitig zur Wiener Internationalen Gartenschau 1964.

Technische Leistung beim Bau

Mit 252 Metern Gesamthöhe, einem Fundament von 8 Metern Tiefe und einem Gesamtgewicht von 17.600 Tonnen war der Donauturm bereits bei seiner Eröffnung ein beeindruckendes technisches Bauwerk.

Since 2016, the Danube Tower has been wholly privately owned. With the conversion and renovation work carried out in 2018 and completed at the beginning of 2019, the owners intend to successively develop the Danube Tower as a location.

In January 2018 - after 55 years since its construction - the Danube Tower underwent a "state of the art" conversion and extension. In the process, the visitor and viewing experience was intensified with new entertainment options and info screens.

In the course of the work, the tower cafe and the tower restaurant were also restored to the elegant style and splendor of the 1960s. On the ground floor, the diverse gastronomic offer was also expanded: The souvenir store and the Donaubräu, including a spacious guest garden, have been open to guests since February 2019.

For the conversion and renovation work, the Danube Tower worked closely with the renowned Austrian architect Gregor Eichinger.

Around 10 million euros were invested in the extensive "state of the art" modernization and the return to the elegant style of the 1960s, technical adaptations and the new construction of the Donaucafé and Donaubräu as well as its high-quality design.

Today, the Danube Tower, with its 252 meters, is still the tallest building in Austria and a symbol of the style of the 1960s. Since its opening, it has attracted over 420,000 visitors each year as a popular excursion destination.

On the partly open and partly glazed observation terrace at a height of 150 meters, it provides orientation and is the ideal starting point for a visit to Vienna. Three gastronomy levels - at the foot of the tower, with the tower café at 160 meters and the Turm Restaurant rotating at 170 meters - also make the Danube Tower Vienna a popular location for events of all kinds.