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History
The Danube is the longest international river in Europe. It
flows through 10 countries from the Black Forest in
Germany to the mouth of the Black Sea, and most of
its 2000 miles length is navigatable. The Danube is in the
centre of the European network of navigable inland waterways.
After the Main-Danube connection was created, Danube became
a part of the trans-European waterway linking seaports at
the North Sea (Rotterdam, Amsterdam) and at the Black Sea
(Constanca). The Rhine and the Danube were attempted to be
connected as early as 793AD by Emperor Charlemagne,
but the idea only came to fruition in the 19th century. Nowhere
but Austria, and especially Vienna, is the concept
of the glorious flowing Blue Danube of 19th century romanticism
and of course the famous Blue Danube waltz by Strauss
shown.
Vienna Today
The River Danube in Vienna has now been divided into
4 separate waterways of varying sizes in Vienna, to stop flooding.
The one that you see in the city centre is the Danube Canal.
Few visitors to Vienna take the time out to visit the Danube
as its main body flows through the outer suburbs, but those
who do discover a fantastic chill out and seaside culture
escape from the city.
Furthest away from the city centre is the Alte Donau or Old
Danube. This is a section of the original river that is
no longer attached to the new Danube. It is now a lake that
is used in summer for boating and swimming. It is very picturesque,
surrounded by trees and quaint 'beach' houses - you could
almost think you were a million miles away from the city if
it weren't for the stark contrast of the skyscrapers of the
UN buildings soaring up in the distance. There are plenty
of sunbathing areas and restaurants on the waterfront and
the whole area is a haven for swimmers, rowers, sailors
and wind-surfers in summer and for ice-skaters
in winter. There are sailing and windsurfing schools, 13 boat
hire facilities and 11 lidos.
The Gansehaufel has 2 kilometers of beach, a wave pool,
playgrounds, cafes and a nudist area. Something that you may
notice is that certain areas of beach are divided up according
to profession - there is a policeman's bathing area and tram
drivers' bathing area!
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