Short bike tour – Donauinsel meets Donaukanal

We meet at the Copabeach bike rental on Donauinsel and roll along leisurely for the first few minutes. The route initially leads upstream along the wide, paved path on Donauinsel. We ride comfortably side by side, watching out for joggers and other cyclists and maintaining a steady pace.

After a few kilometers, we reach the Nußdorf area. There we cross to the Steinitzsteg bridge and switch to the beginning of the Donaukanal.

From here, we slow down a little. We cycle through several districts of Vienna along the Donaukanal. Some sections are urban, with bridges, street art, and restaurants on the banks. In between are quieter passages with lots of greenery. We decide spontaneously which side of the river to cycle on, depending on traffic, construction sites, and our mood. We ride behind each other along the canal, keeping a safe distance and communicating obstacles with hand signals. The surface is mostly asphalt. There may be very short sections of gravel or fine gravel, which we take at a moderate speed.

At the end of the Donaukanal near Freudenau, we cross back over to the Donauinsel and take the return route upstream back to the starting point.

Distance: approx. 30 km
Speed: 18-20 km/h on average. Slightly slower on the Donauknal due to more traffic
Surface: mainly asphalt, some gravel on the Donaukanal
Elevation: virtually none, wind can play a role (especially on the Donauinsel)
Estimated time: 1 3/4 hours
Route: https://www.bergfex.at/touren/c296197e1f9a2d38e4820d24cb96ea66/

Plan

1. Start at Copabeach: bike check (brakes, air pressure, lights), brief safety briefing on hand signals and formation. Please be punctual. We will wait for a maximum of 5-10 minutes.
2. Donauinsel upstream: wide, smooth path, we find our rhythm and maintain a steady pace.
3. Steinitzsteg/Nußdorf: transition to the Donaukanal, short orientation break if necessary.
4. Donauinsel downstream in single file, defensively, extra caution in narrow sections. We choose the side of the river depending on the situation.
5. Freudenau: end of the Donaukanal meeting point, short break, refill water, snack.
6. Return via the Donauinsel: upstream back to Copabeach. Depending on the wind and energy levels, we can paddle faster here.

Break and possible stops

- We plan at least one break along the way (e.g., in the Urania/Schwedenbrücke area, Spittelau, or at Praterspitz). We choose the location spontaneously depending on traffic, weather, and group dynamics.
- Near the Freudenau power station, there are opportunities to take a short break before we return to the Donauinsel.

Safety and riding style

- Ride strictly in single file along the Donaukanal, use your bell sparingly, and be considerate of other road users.
- Use hand signals to indicate changes of direction, obstacles, and braking. Look over your shoulder before changing lanes.
- We adjust our speed to the conditions (crowds, surface, visibility).

Equipment tips

- Water bottle and a small snack. Refills are possible along the canal in some places.
- Helmet recommended, lights and bell helpful in the city.
- Don't set the tire pressure too high, so that short gravel sections remain comfortable.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- If there is heavy traffic along the canal, we can choose the quieter side of the bank or use short detours.

The result is a varied, mostly flat city and riverside tour with plenty of water views, which is sporty but relaxed.