Background

Leuchtturm Sunken City: A Theatrical Landmark on the Danube

Discover Vienna's quirky side: a repurposed theater prop turned iconic landmark on the Danube Island.

4.6

The Leuchtturm Sunken City, a non-operational lighthouse on Vienna's Donauinsel, began its life as a stage prop for the Bregenz Festival's production of Richard Wagner's 'The Flying Dutchman'. Today, it stands as a quirky tourist attraction and a symbol of the Donauinsel's recreational spirit.

A brief summary to Leuchtturm Sunken City

  • An der Neuen Donau, Vienna, Donaustadt, 1210, AT

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for beautiful views of the Danube and the Vienna skyline.
  • Rent a bike and explore the extensive cycling paths along the Donauinsel.
  • Enjoy a picnic by the water with views of the Leuchtturm.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Vienna, take the U1 subway line towards Leopoldau. Get off at the Donauinsel station. Follow the signs towards the Donauinsel exit. Walk northeast along the Neue Donau riverbank for approximately 10-15 minutes. The Leuchtturm will be visible on your left. A single ride on the Vienna U-Bahn costs €2.40.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Stephansplatz in central Vienna to Leuchtturm Sunken City will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €25-€35. Direct the driver to An der Neuen Donau, near the Sunken City area.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to An der Neuen Donau, 1210 Wien. Limited paid parking is available in the vicinity. Parking fees typically range from €2-€4 per hour, with a daily maximum of around €20.

Unlock the Best of Leuchtturm Sunken City

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Leuchtturm Sunken City

The Leuchtturm Sunken City, or Lighthouse Sunken City, is located on the Donauinsel in Vienna, Austria. While resembling a traditional lighthouse, its history is rooted in theater rather than navigation. Originally, this structure served as a stage prop for the Bregenz Festival, an annual arts event on Lake Constance. It was a key part of the set for Richard Wagner's opera 'The Flying Dutchman' in 1989 and 1990. During the opera, the character Senta would leap from the lighthouse into the lake. After its Bregenz stint, the lighthouse was moved to Vienna. In 1991, it was erected in front of the Technisches Museum Wien as part of the 'Phantasie und Industrie' exhibition. In 1997, it was moved to its current location on the Donauinsel, becoming a feature of the 'Sunken City' area. Today, the Leuchtturm Sunken City is a unique landmark. While not a functioning lighthouse, it attracts tourists and symbolizes the Donauinsel's atmosphere. The structure resembles a classic lighthouse with a cylindrical tower and lantern room. The Donauinsel is an artificial island created in the 1970s and 1980s for flood control. It now serves as a recreational area with swimming, cycling, and water sports. The 'Sunken City' area has restaurants and bars along the waterfront.

Popular Experiences near Leuchtturm Sunken City

Popular Hotels near Leuchtturm Sunken City

Select Currency