8 best bridges in Vienna to visit

Dozens of bridges crossing the blue Danube in Austria’s capital showcase the centuries of Hapsburg grandeur and 20th-century innovations. From the arched stone Aspernbrücke to the famous Reichsbrücke and its stunning sunset views, these remarkable bridges in Vienna are the perfect places for photographers and casual strollers alike to capture the city’s beauty while connecting neighborhoods across town.

While classical concerts and schnitzel sampling might dominate your Vienna itinerary, bridges like the Friedensbrücke and Donaubrücke will guide you through Vienna's history through a new perspective. Plan your best Vienna itinerary by reviewing which bridges are worth your time.

Vienna’s best bridges at a glance

Best for sunsets: Reichsbrücke and Aspernbrücke

Best for discovering urban art: Augartenbrücke and Friedensbrücke

Best for city views: Donaubrücke and Kaisermühlenbrücke

1. Reichsbrücke

Connecting the city center with Donaustadt since 1876, the Reichsbrücke stretches 956 feet (291 meters) across the mighty Danube River. This cable-stayed bridge gained international attention in 1976 when its predecessor unexpectedly collapsed into the water below.

Today, you can rest assured that you can safely cross the Reichsbrücke by car, tram, or on foot while admiring its distinctive A-frame pylon rising above the water. River cruise passengers can also get a beautiful view of the most famous bridge in Vienna when sailing beneath it as tour guides recount the structure’s fascinating history of destruction and renewal.

Things to do nearby

• Board a Danube river cruise from the nearby docks for a unique perspective of Vienna’s waterfront.
• Visit the iconic Donauturm observation tower for panoramic views over the bridge and the city skyline.

Address

Reichsbrücke, Vienna

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

2. Donaubrücke

The Donaubrücke carries Austria’s busiest railway line into Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof terminal. Built across the Danube in 1959, this sturdy steel truss bridge combines industrial functionality with mid-century engineering, featuring distinctive triangular supports visible from river cruise boats below. You’ll likely cross this bridge if you’re taking a train trip from Budapest or Prague, perhaps without realizing that you’re traveling along one of the most famous bridges in Vienna.

Things to do nearby

• Explore the Prater amusement park with its historic Ferris wheel just a short walk from the bridge’s southern end.
• Visit the Vienna International Centre, which is one of the UN headquarters.

Address

Klosterneuburger Str., 3430 Tulln an der Donau

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. Schemerlbrücke

Arching over a small stream, the Schemerlbrücke is an elegant fixture of the baroque Augarten Park. This stone bridge features classical balustrades and ornamental details commissioned by Emperor Francis II as part of the imperial garden’s landscaping. You’ll appreciate the intimate scale and craftsmanship while strolling through this park, a perfect sunny-day activity in Vienna. Built in 1800, it’s one of the oldest bridges in Vienna, a fact that becomes pretty obvious when you realize how the park’s massive flak towers from World War II stand in stark contrast with the bridge’s delicate aesthetics.

Things to do nearby

• Tour the Augarten Porcelain Manufactory that’s been producing ceramics since 1718.
• Listen to the Vienna Boys’ Choir at their home venue in the former imperial summer residence.

Address

Schemerlbrücke, 1200 Vienna

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Aspernbrücke

Connecting the Ringstrasse with the Leopoldstadt district since 1864, the Aspernbrücke crosses the Danube Canal with elegant stone arches. This historic crossing honors Austria’s victory at the Battle of Aspern-Essling with four impressive stone lions guarding each corner of the bridge. If you're an architecture enthusiast, you might appreciate this ancient Viennese bridge's intricate wrought-iron railings featuring imperial eagles.

Things to do nearby

• Visit the Jewish Museum Vienna in Dorotheergasse to learn about the city’s Jewish heritage.
• Explore Karmelitermarkt, a lively neighborhood market in Leopoldstadt.

Address

Aspernbrücke, 1020, Vienna

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

5. Friedensbrücke

Rebuilt in its current form in 1926, the Friedensbrücke (Peace Bridge) is a vital link across the Danube Canal between Vienna’s 9th and 20th districts. This distinctive bridge features four Art Deco obelisks topped with sculptural eagles. You’ll find excellent cycling paths across this bridge, making it perfect for a leisurely bike ride across the city. The bridge’s elegant simplicity adds a harmonious touch to the city while providing an important cross-Danube Canal connection for commuters.

Things to do nearby

• Walk through the Altes AKH complex, a former hospital-turned-university with gorgeous courtyards.
• Visit the Sigmund Freud Museum in the apartment where the famous psychoanalyst lived.

Address

Friedensbrücke 902, 1200 Wien

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

6. Augartenbrücke

Built in 1873 to link Leopoldstadt with Brigittenau, the Augartenbrücke is a diagonal crossing over the Danube near Schottenring. This important crossway was completely rebuilt between 1929 and 1921 to a sleek, modern design by architect Hubert Gessner after its predecessor could no longer handle traffic demands. You can cross this busy thoroughfare by tram, foot, car, or bike while observing the characteristic street lamps with unique cylindrical bulbs that distinguish it from other Vienna bridges.

Things to do nearby

• Walk along the Donaukanal promenade, with plenty of waterfront restaurants and cafés.
• Explore the Rossauer Kaserne (barracks) located at the northwestern bridgehead.

Address

Augartenbrücke, 1020 Wien

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

7. Kaisermühlenbrücke

Built in 1979, the Kaisermühlenbrücke is an indispensable connection between Vienna’s 22nd district and Danube Island, the recreational island in the middle of the river. This modern concrete bridge stretches 820 feet (250 meters) with clean lines and a functional design typical of late 20th-century infrastructure. Weekend visitors appreciate this access point to the island’s beaches and recreational areas, making it one of the most practical bridges in Vienna for locals looking for outdoor activities.

Things to do nearby

• Enjoy water sports and beach activities on Danube Island, Vienna’s recreational island.
• Visit the striking UNO-City complex with its modern architecture.

Address

Kaisermühlenbrücke, 1220 Vienna

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

8. Zollamtssteg Bridges

The Zollamssteg Bridges are a pair of small bridges across the Vienna River for pedestrians and public transit. These striking bridges of Vienna were built in 1900 by Anton Biró, an Austrian steel baron famous for his intricate steel structures. Aside from their simple, yet striking green designs, these bridges add to the city's reputation for being pedestrian-friendly and promoting walkability on a large scale.

Things to do nearby

• Walk along the Vienna River to see the beauty of the bridge and central Vienna.
• Explore other Otto Wagner-designed subway stations along the U4 line that runs beneath the pedestrian crossing.

Address

Zollamtssteg, 1010 Vienna

Opening hours

Open 24 hours