Location
Austria
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
June to early September
About Donauinsel
The Donauinsel is the 21 km artificial island between the Danube and the Neue Donau flood channel in Vienna, and the city's biggest free bathing area. Naturists have used these floodplains since before the island was built. Today about eight kilometres of its banks are set aside for nude bathing, in two separate zones. The larger and better-equipped zone is in the south, on the Neue Donau side between river kilometres 2.1 and 5.1, plus the left-bank flood dam opposite. It has wide lawns, trees for shade, small gravel beaches, steps into the water, snack stands and toilets. The northern zone, between kilometres 17.7 and 19.5, is wilder and has no facilities. Markings on the path show where each zone begins and ends. Nudity is allowed inside them but not required. The Neue Donau is a calm channel, and swimmers enter from steps or small beaches. The southern zone draws a wide mix of Viennese, including many older regulars. In 2024 a district councillor complained that the slippery water steps and reduced mown lawns showed the FKK area was being neglected compared with the rest of the island.
Getting there
The southern FKK zone is reached by bus 92B, by bike along the island's car-free paths, or by car to the nearby parking areas. The northern zone is most practical by bike. The island is car-free, so expect to walk or cycle from the nearest bridge or bus stop. Paths along the island are flat and paved, which helps wheelchair users get close, but the water entry is by slippery steps. Toilets and snack stands are only in the southern zone.
What visitors say
Visitors describe the southern zone as relaxed and easy-going, with plenty of room on weekdays and a strong core of regulars, many of them older. Common complaints are the slippery steps into the water, lawns that are mown less than before, and slow clean-up after floods. The northern zone appeals to people who want quiet and do not mind the lack of facilities. Tips include cycling in, coming early on hot weekends, and bringing water shoes for the steps.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The City of Vienna's waterways department (MA 45) designates and maintains the two FKK zones, which are marked at their start and end; outside them, the rest of the island is a normal clothed bathing area. Clothing is optional inside the zones. In September 2024 the ÖVP group in the Donaustadt district council formally questioned the city about neglected lawns and unsafe water steps in the FKK area.
Naturism at Donauinsel sits under Austria's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Austria public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 48.2389, 16.4189
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Austria
Frequently asked questions
Where are the FKK areas on the Donauinsel?
In the south between river km 2.1 and 5.1 (plus the left flood dam), and in the north between km 17.7 and 19.5. Markings show where each zone starts and ends.
Is nudity required?
No. Nudity is permitted within the marked zones, but clothing is optional.
Are there toilets and food?
Yes in the southern zone, which has toilets and snack stands. The northern zone has no facilities.
How do I get there by public transport?
Bus 92B serves the southern FKK zone. Otherwise, cycling along the car-free island is the easiest option.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…