All year round, the Nussdorf lock at Brigittenauer Sporn organises group tours on which lock attendant Kurt Zemsauer leads people through the weir and locks while explaining the everyday tasks to be done there. Guided tours are free of charge. They are adapted to the individual groups' requirements and provide many insights into lock operation to all those interested.

The building alone is worth visiting. Designed by the architect Otto Wagner and built between 1896 and 1898, it was considered Vienna's city gate for years. Situated at exactly the place where the Danube Canal branches off the river's main route, it is guarded by two gigantic and almost 6 metre high bronze lions bearing the imperial inscription "viribus unitis".

Guided tours lead through the Otto Wagner building and the B site, i.e. the technical control centre from which the locks are operated and operation is monitored. If requested, the tour will take place at a time of lock operation which participants will experience either directly in the control centre or on the bridge over the lock gates, i.e. directly over the passing ship.

After each tour Mr Zemsauer is happy to explain the weir, which is the dam and protection facilities which are closed in case of floods. When taking a tour of the locks, participants will be able to cast a passing glance on the Nussdorf hydroelectric station, which has been in operation since May 2005. According to individual requirements, the whole tour takes between 30 and 90 minutes.

For more information please contact Mr Zemsauer at +43 664 81 34 700 or e-mail to kurt.zemsauer   via-donau.org.