Donaukanal

Donaukanal (Danube Canal), since 1686 name given to the southern tributary of the River Danube in Vienna; originally a natural tributary, it was regulated for the first time by Baron von Hoyos in 1598-1600, in the 19^th century adapted to ward off floods and drift ice; 17.3 km long. The former tributary branches off the main stream near Nußdorf (lock) and rejoins the main stream just upstream of the "Praterspitz". The Donaukanal is much more part of the city of Vienna than the main river; 15 road and 5 train bridges cross the Donaukanal. In the early 1990s work started in the southern section of the Donaukanal (delimited by the 2^nd and 3^rd districts) to create a recreation area along its banks.