As is well-known, Vienna lies on the beautiful blue Danube River. That the Viennese love “their” river and value all the advantages it entails is self-evident. And especially during the summer, the heat-afflicted city dwellers are attracted to the river’s cool wetness. Yet it is not just bathing, swimming, boating and the like that attract the Viennese to the water. There are also numerous bars, cafes and restaurants located directly on the water – and which people like to visit especially during the hot season, due on the one hand to the usually cooling, fresh breeze on the water and on the other to the culinary delights on offer.

Choppy waves, a cooling gust of wind, maybe the engine sound of a passing motorboat – yes, the Viennese are attracted to the water, to sports, to cool off, to relax – and to enjoy ¬– especially in the summer. There have always been comfortable places to eat out along the Alte Donau, and in recent years numerous hotspots, trendy meeting points and beach bars have arrived in addition. Whatever floats your boat – the selection is large and it is advisable simply to try out the most interesting locations.

Here, I’d like to introduce you to three of my favorite hangouts on the “Viennese water,” which hopefully you will like as much as I do.

Strandcafee – Alte Donau

As the so-called “Zuagraste” (not born in Vienna), in Viennese dialect, the Strandcafe on the Alte Donau has been my go-to place for over 20 years already when it comes to spare ribs in Vienna – and to this day nothing has changed. For more than 100 years, gastronomy has existed on this spot on the Alte Donau, and since 1983 it has been the “Strandcafe” in its present form. Since the year 2000, the “Strandcafe” has been managed by the families Gerstl and Schneeberger. The tasty spareribs come from a charcoal grill and are served classically with fried potatoes, onions, chili peppers and two sauces. To go with it, there are Budweiser beer (the Czech brand, not American Budweiser) and a couple good wines from Austria. You sit on the terrace or raft, practically directly on what’s happening in and on the water, and look towards Vienna’s skyline. Simple, no-nonsense, quite relaxed. Make sure you make a reservation for evenings or on the weekend!

http://www.strandcafe-wien.at/

Klee am Hanslteich – Vienna 17th distr.

If I’m rather in the mood for lots of nature, calm and upscale cuisine, then I like to go to “Klee am Hanslteich” in the 17th District. Formerly, it was actually only the pond and the surroundings that were idyllic, yet a lot has been happening on the culinary front since last year. The program involves modern interpretations of upscale Viennese cuisine with international influences – the fish dishes can be especially recommended. You sit either comfortably on the terrace or in the newly designed main building. And if you arm yourself against the mosquitoes, you can enjoy the warm summer evenings on the pond with a fine glass of wine from the best Austrian vintners.

http://www.kleeamhanslteich.at/

Motto am Fluss – Schwedenplatz

You don’t always have the time and inclination to leave the city. It’s good that you don’t necessarily have to do this in Vienna. Care to go out for a drink after work? An evening date in the city? In walking distance from the Schick Hotels Vienna, for city slickers and everyone who likes cool and hip things, the Motto am Fluss, directly on Schwedenplatz, is optimal and recommendable. For dinner in the restaurant or just a quick coffee or party with a hip DJ in the “Extrazimmer” – the Motto am Fluss is your hotspot.

http://www.motto.at/mottoamfluss/

The tips and listings can go on for quite some time…. Probably every Viennese has his or her favorite hangout on the water. One thing is certain – in most of these locations on the water, even those who stay at home, who don’t enjoy sun, beach and lakes in the summer, get in the mood for vacation – and in the middle of Vienna at that.

Wishing you a beautiful summer in Vienna!

Image credits: © Facettenreich.at, Strandcafe, Klee am Hanslteich, Motto am Fluss