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Leuchtturm Sunken City: A Theatrical Landmark on the Danube

Discover Vienna's quirky side: A repurposed lighthouse with a theatrical past, now a landmark on the vibrant Donauinsel.

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The Leuchtturm Sunken City, or Lighthouse Sunken City, is a unique structure located on the Donauinsel in Vienna. Originally a stage prop for Richard Wagner's opera 'The Flying Dutchman' at the Bregenz Festival, it now serves as a quirky landmark in the 'Sunken City' area, known for its vibrant atmosphere and recreational facilities.

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.
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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. Once above ground, 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. Ask the driver to take you to An der Neuen Donau, near the Reichsbrücke.

  • 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. Alternatively, consider parking further away and walking or cycling to the location.

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Discover more about Leuchtturm Sunken City

The Leuchtturm Sunken City is a repurposed theatrical prop that has found a new life as a tourist attraction and a symbol of the Donauinsel's vibrant atmosphere. It began its life as a stage prop for the Bregenz Festival, an annual arts festival held on the shores of Lake Constance. Specifically, the Leuchtturm served as a key element in the set design for Richard Wagner's opera 'The Flying Dutchman' during the 1989 and 1990 seasons. In David Pountney's production, the lighthouse played a dramatic role, most notably as the spot from which the character of Senta throws herself into the lake. After its stint on the Bregenz stage, the set pieces were dismantled, and the lighthouse was transported to Vienna. In 1991, the structure was re-erected in front of the Technisches Museum Wien (Vienna Technical Museum) as part of an exhibition called 'Phantasie und Industrie' (Fantasy and Industry). This temporary installation showcased the ingenuity and craftsmanship involved in creating large-scale theatrical sets. In 1997, it was once again disassembled and moved to its current location on the Donauinsel. Here, it became a prominent feature of the 'Sunken City,' an area along the Neue Donau known for its restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities. Today, the Leuchtturm Sunken City stands as a quirky and somewhat surreal landmark. It's not a functioning lighthouse guiding ships, but rather a repurposed theatrical prop. The structure itself is reminiscent of a classic lighthouse, with a cylindrical tower and a lantern room at the top.

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