traveldk.com

Established in 1803 by the Habsburg Archduke Johann, this is Europe’s oldest alpine garden and is part of the Belvedere park. The beautifully laid-out garden is home to more than 4,000 plants, among them an Oriental bonsai collection (see pp22–4).

The Danube formed an extensive landscape of small islands before it was regulated into a man-made bed in 1870 to prevent flooding. One of the former tributaries, the Alte Donau (Old Danube), now has 11 Strand-bäder (island beach resorts), including Gänsehäufel, the largest outdoor swimming area in Europe.

The fountain shows the princess Andromeda in the fangs of a sea monster, sculpted by Georg Raphael Donner in 1741.

Vienna’s oldest park has been open to the public since 1775. Sadly it is now overlooked by the massive anti-aircraft tower built by Hitler’s army. However, the formal garden hosts various cultural events during the summer months.

Just behind the National Library is the pretty Burggarten, landscaped in the formal English style and usually inhabited by sun worshippers on warm summer days. Located in the large Art Nouveau greenhouse, built in 1901, is a stylish café.

The anti-aircraft tower in Esterhazypark has a huge climbing wall run by the Austrian Alpine Society.

The cycling paths through city cover more than 800 km (500 miles). The Donauinsel in particular is great for cyclists.

Part of the Albertina building, the fountain features allegories of the Danube.

When a large canal, known as the New Danube, was constructed in 1975 to further prevent flooding, the city fathers created a huge recreational island, and in summer the Viennese flock here to make use of cycle paths, and barbeque and swimming areas. The Copa Cagrana, around the U-Bahn stop, offers an abundance of cafés and restaurants.

The fountain, created by Georg Raphael Donner in 1737–9, features allegories of Austrian rivers (see p87).