Flashy Expressions.

Challenge: 1 (can be done in heels)
Circuit: Danube Canal via Spittelau, Friedensbrücke, Augartenbrücke and Urania Length: 7.65km
Start point: Spittelau waste incinerator
Coordinates: 48°14’7.07”N, 16°21’30.82”E
Public transport: U4, U6 > Spittelau station (Brigittenau exit)

ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The underground glides from station to station. Made sleepy by the monotony of it, I glance through half open eyes out the window. The train slows again, for the next station. I see graffiti on the wall – big, with loud colours, it shouts, “If you want a Mercedes – call a taxi!” [most Vienna taxis are Mercedes]. I'm instantly awake, and decide that instead of indulging in shopping, I'll ride a few stations on down the line, on the lookout for more anarchic art. Arriving in Spittelau, I'm back in an urbie state of mind – looking for fun and ready to explore! This route is perfect for people who like street art, because it includes the 3km-long ‘Vienna walls’ where anyone can legally express themselves. There are always masterpieces to be discovered on these walls! And there is a lot of other variety besides; water, lawns, parks, architectural gems, culture and recreation areas.

Go to Google-Maps

ROUTE
This route starts between the entrance to the underground and the waste incineration facility. The route goes from here over the Spittelau pedestrian bridge towards Birgittenau, although you don't go all the way over. Instead take the elevator at the car park on pier 9 to get to the right hand bank of the Danube Canal (heading into town). When you get down, simply go downstream along the bank for about 3.5km.

During this walk, you go under various bridges; Siemens-Nixdorf-Steg, Roßauerbrücke, Augartenbrücke, Salztorbrücke, Marienbrücke and Schwedenbrücke. When you reach the Urania, just go round it, take a short walk on Uraniastraße and go over the Aspernbrücke bridge.

On the other side, there are steps that will bring you down to the Danube Canal again. Go down, and now walk upstream back to the Spittelau pedestrian bridge. After going over the bridge, you will find yourself back at the start point of your journey.

LOCAL TIPS

Pier 9 – enjoy the river
1090 Wien, Spittelauer Lände 12
www.pier9.at/pier9.php

Boulder wall, play area and asphalt curling
1090 Wien, Spittelauer Lände 12
urban-boulder.com/boulderroute/spittelauer-platte

Artyfucked – sketch & street art journal
Cool magazine about urban street art
www.artyfucked.com

Blog - urbanartcore.eu
www.urbanartcore.eu/shanghai-top-graffiti-writers/