Vienna: The Danube Canal
The Donaukanal (Danube Canal) is a decent-sized river channel that breaks off from the mighty Danube at the northwest entrance to Vienna, curves around the edge of the old town, and then continues out to the far east of the city where it rejoins the main river. If you’re anywhere in the old town, just head northeast on foot and you’ll soon reach the channel. A network of bike and walking paths means you can follow the entire 17km length of the channel on foot or wheels.
There are also lots of open air “beach bars” and restaurants to stop and have some refreshment, especially in summer, although many don’t open until later in the afternoon. Among the more famous are Strandbar Hermann (which includes a beach), Motto am Fluss (in a ship-like docking complex), Tel Aviv Beach, and Badeschiff Wien (with an onboard swimming pool).
The architecture is fun to take in as well. I happened upon the much-loved Urania building by architect Max Fabiani from 1910. Although not as modernist as many might have liked, the unique elongated structure and presence where the River Wien joins the Donaukanal has given it a certain cult status locally. The Urania has always been a place of public education with lecture halls, an observatory, a cinema, and more. “Austrians were first introduced to the stunning technological advancement of (gasp!) talking films in this very building.”
With so much to see and do on the canal, I must say the most well known and obviously discernible aspects of the Donaukanal is the street art. All along the banks of the canal there are long segments of concrete walls which were beckoning like the blank canvas they are, inviting underground artists to make their mark. It’s been called the “longest open-air street art gallery in the world.” There are works of art to be sure, and there are also just a lot of tagging and color and writing and scribbles and it goes on for literally miles. Given my obsession with street art it’s a surprise I had not heard of the very prolific street art scene happening in Vienna. After spending a full day walking over 7.5 miles/12 km to explore this new (to me) and fascinating territory, I must say it was well worth the adventure.
Along this stretch of the canal, Vienna has made this form of art expression legal. Apparently that was a call for all who had a spray paint can tucked away in a hidden corner of their flat. I started my photo journey at Schwedenplatz and, facing the river turned left and made my way northwest along the promenade. I walked for a very long way until crossing the river and walking back down the other side. From Schwedenplatz you can go either direction on either side of the river and there is much to see.
There are so many different artists and works of art, and they are changing all the time, it is nearly impossible for me to know who did what. Yet, I found out from a bit of research that this one I captured was done by British street artist David Shillinglaw. “Described as ‘a mind adventurer’, his work stands out among the rest for having a distinct and energetic style, which is full of wit.”
These are some of my favorites although choosing a favorite is quite hard to do. Every time I look at the pictures, my favorites seem to change as quickly as the art changes on these walls.
