Vienna's Pier 22 finally opens after 16 years of transformation
Vienna’s long-awaited Pier 22 development has finally opened along the Danube riverbanks. The €27 million project marks the end of a 16-year effort to transform the area into a modern leisure and dining hub. Two new restaurants, Lighthouse Café Pier 22 and Inka, have already welcomed their first guests.
A third venue, It’s Amore, will follow on May 8, with full service starting on May 18. The Italian eatery will offer antipasti, fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a selection of cocktails and Spritz variations. The site’s history stretches back to 2010, when the city first filed for eviction to clear the old 'Sunken City' near the U1 Donauinsel station. Demolition finally took place three years ago, paving the way for the Copa Beach overhaul, which wrapped up in 2020. The Pier 22 project was then completed in three phases, turning the once-neglected area into a vibrant public space.
Today, the revitalised pier features seating and sunbathing zones, open green areas, and a sports section. Visitors will also find restrooms, showers, lockers, and swimming platforms. The lighthouse, a local landmark, now stands at the centre of the redeveloped space.
Behind It’s Amore are brothers Dominik and Philipp Ercin, who have invested around €800,000 in their new venture. Their menu focuses on Italian classics, from house-made pasta to traditional antipasti and Neapolitan-style pizzas. The bar will serve aperitifs alongside a range of cocktails and Spritzer variations, catering to both daytime and evening crowds. The opening of Pier 22 completes Vienna’s decades-long push to revitalise the Danube’s riverbanks. The area now provides dining, relaxation, and recreational facilities for residents and tourists alike. With three restaurants in operation and modern amenities in place, the pier is set to become a key destination along the waterfront.
