Renaturation of the Vienna River continues – planning for a natural design between Brauhausbrücke and Zufferbrücke will start in 2025
The Wien River, or “the Vienna” for short, flows through a total of nine Viennese districts over a distance of around 15 kilometers. The river fulfills an important function for the city of two million. In the inner city area it serves as an important flood protection facility, in the outer area extensive renaturation measures have been implemented in recent years, creating a green and leisure oasis for animals and people. Now, from autumn 2025, another section will be tackled: over a total length of 1.2 kilometers, the river between Brauhausbrücke and Zufferbrücke will be restored to its near-natural state – planning work is already beginning. The corresponding planning services for this are on the agenda of the upcoming planning committee on September 2nd.
“Renaturation is a top priority in Vienna: whether on the Liesing or the Wien River – we have been implementing appropriate measures on a large scale for many years and giving people, animals and plants back to nature. The outer area of the Wien River in particular is a popular local recreation area, and the Wiental cycle path that runs along it creates an important connection to Vienna’s city center. With the measures now planned along more than a kilometer of the river, we are ensuring that this unique leisure oasis becomes even more attractive,” says Ulli Sima, the city councilor responsible for waterways.
“The renaturation of the Vienna River is making good progress again – a huge win for people and nature! I am looking forward to this and many other renaturation projects in Vienna. Some are already concrete, for others the conditions are currently being created so that we can bring even more nature into the city for future generations,” says NEOS Vienna environmental spokeswoman Angelika Pipal-Leixner.
Near-natural planting and improved fish passage
The redesign work between Brauhausbrücke and Zufferbrücke is based on an area of the Wien River that has already been renaturalized. The heavily built-up riverbed will be removed, the watercourse will be widened and the banks will be enhanced with plants typical of waterways.
“The planned renaturation of the Vienna River also places particular emphasis on improving fish passage. By leveling the gradient, fish can also settle in this renaturalized area in search of suitable spawning grounds,” says Gerald Loew, head of the responsible department for Vienna Waters, who is delighted with the upcoming project implementation. District Mayor Michaela Schüchner is also a fan of the Vienna River and is pleased about the further improvement: “The people of Penzing appreciate the leisure oasis on the Vienna River and as a cyclist I have enjoyed the uniqueness of the Vienna Valley Cycle Path for many years.”
Innovative pilot project: Greening of the wall on the Vienna River implemented
The City of Vienna is constantly planning measures to support the scenic and ecological quality of the Vienna River – without compromising flood protection. Depending on the location, planning renaturation measures on the Vienna River therefore requires very special know-how.
Most recently, a pilot project between Neville Bridge and Wackenroder Bridge the historic Vienna River walls, which border the course of the river in the city center, are covered in greenery. Virginia creeper and climbing plants grow along a stretch of around 300 meters. The planting is not only a visual eye-catcher, it also prevents the stone walls from heating up and has a positive effect on the microclimate.
rk-Fotoservice: wien.gv.at/presse/bilder
Inquiries for media
Mag. Anita Voraberger
Media spokesperson City Councillor Mag.a Ulli Sima
Phone: +43 1 4000 81353
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