Spectacular art project "Danube Tower Slide" floated up the Danube Tower by helicopter today

The brave can slide down the northern exterior of the tower from the central level through the transparent artwork to the observation deck at 150 meters, experiencing both breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush. Created by internationally renowned German artist Carsten Höller, this project will adorn the nearly 60-year-old Donauturm as an artful masterpiece for at least three years.

Vienna's tallest structure and beloved city landmark for nearly 60 years, the Donauturm receives a new highlight with this illuminated outdoor slide installation. This morning, the components of the "Donauturm Slide" were delivered via a spectacular helicopter operation and assembled on the north side of the tower, connecting to the central level at a height of 165 meters and descending to the observation deck 15 meters below.

For safety reasons, the entire Donauturm area and tower were temporarily closed to the public during the approximately two-hour operation. Additionally, the Donauturm will remain closed to guests until October 17, 2023, due to finalization work related to this exciting addition.

The slide, where users will slide down with mats on a track featuring curved and straight sections, creates a new experience of elevation. A soft opening is planned for mid-November. The city of Vienna and its visitors can look forward to an exciting new attraction that blurs the lines between art and adventure in a captivating way.

Enjoy the thrill at Donauturm!

Hermann Krammer, Managing Director of Donauturm, on the art project: "We are delighted to have won internationally acclaimed artist Carsten Höller for this extraordinary project. The requirements were not easy to meet, given the Donauturm's status as a protected landmark and the highest standards of construction and safety. I am incredibly proud to kick off the upcoming 60th anniversary of Donauturm with this spectacular innovation. The slide promises a unique experience for all who have the courage to embark on this adventure at dizzying heights. This art installation will not only enthral our domestic and international guests but also transform the Vienna skyline for at least the next three years."

After a technical overhaul: Turm Café will soon be rotating again.

There's more good news for Donauturm visitors: The popular 360° panorama rotation mechanism at Turm Café will soon be back in operation. After nearly six decades of faithful service, the gears have undergone technical servicing for the past four weeks.

Hermann Krammer adds: "Donauturm is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a place that continually modernizes to provide our guests with the best possible experience. The technical maintenance work will be completed soon, and Turm Café is expected to offer its incomparable 360° panoramic views once again later this year."

Danube Tower Vienna - the city's highest landmark for almost 60 years.

The Danube Tower was built in 1964 as a highlight and proud symbol as part of the Vienna International Garden Show (WIG) and, with a total height of 252 metres, is still the tallest structure in Austria. The lead architect was the Viennese professor Hannes Lintl. He chose a formal language that was oriented towards the type of television towers. Construction lasted from October 1962 to April 1964 - just under two years. A total of 3,750 m³ of concrete and 514 tons of reinforced concrete were used.

The central floor is at a height of 165 metres, the viewing terraces at 155 and 150 metres respectively. The diameter at ground level is 12 metres and tapers to 6 metres at a height of 160 metres. The foundation is 8 metres deep and 31 metres in diameter - in total, the landmark weighs 17,600 tonnes.

In 2016, the Danube Tower passed into private ownership Blaguss Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H., Gilbert Leeb Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H., SMILE GmbH Guntram Fessler, Mag. Matthias Kamp and Stephan Kreissler; since 2020: Wien Holding) and was renovated or modernised from 2018 to early 2019 - in close cooperation with the renowned Austrian architect Gregor Eichinger. In the course of the renovation work, the Turm Café and Turm Restaurant were restored to the elegant style and splendour of the 1960s. A souvenir shop and the Donaubräu including a garden were opened on the ground floor.

Around 23 million people have visited the Danube Tower since its opening in 1964, and in recent years around 420,000 visitors per year, around 50 percent of them from abroad.

The Danube Tower has been a listed building since 2001.