When temperatures in Vienna climb to 30–35°C, there’s no better way to cool off than spending a day by the water. Whether you’re looking for crystal-clear lakes, family-friendly beaches, panoramic outdoor pools, or a unique floating pool on the Danube, Vienna offers plenty of fantastic places to swim.
Here are the best swimming spots in Vienna to enjoy this summer:
1. Old Danube
2. Danube Island
3. Gänsehäufel Lido
4. Outdoor Pools with the Best Views of Vienna
5. Badeschiff Wien – Vienna’s Floating Pool
6. Lobau
7. Angelibad
8. Strandbad Stadlau
9. Badeteich Hirschstetten
10. Badeteich Süßenbrunn
11. Seestadt Aspern Lake
12. Kaiserwasser
The Old Danube is one of Vienna’s most beautiful and popular swimming destinations. Loved by locals, it offers calm, clean water, lush green lawns, charming wooden jetties, boat rentals, waterfront cafés, and excellent restaurants. Best of all, many of the bathing spots are completely free. Besides swimming, visitors can rent paddle boats or stand-up paddleboards, enjoy a picnic by the water, or simply relax while watching the sunset over one of Vienna’s most picturesque landscapes.
Our favourite swimming spots on the Old Danube are:
🏖️ Alte Donau Beach
Perfect for visitors who want more than just swimming. The area features beach volleyball courts, football and badminton courts, outdoor fitness equipment, and plenty of space to relax. Admission: €3–10 (depending on age)
🌊 Große Bucht
One of the most popular places for jumping into the water from the viewing platform and enjoying the refreshing Danube.
☀️ ArbeiterInnenstrand
A peaceful sunbathing area with easy access to the water, ideal for relaxing on hot summer days.
Stretching over 21 kilometres, Danube Island is Vienna’s largest recreational area and one of the city’s favourite summer destinations. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, cycle, jog, paddleboard, or play beach volleyball, there’s plenty of space for everyone. Even on the busiest summer weekends, it’s usually possible to find a quiet spot by the water. The island is also home to several beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a cold drink or dinner after a swim.
The best swimming spots on Danube Island:
🏖️ Neue Donau Family Beach – shallow water and ideal for families with children.
🌊 Public Beach (Badestrand) – a lively public beach with easy water access.
🏝️ Strombucht – one of the most scenic bays on the island, popular with swimmers looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Admission: Free
A true Viennese classic, Gänsehäufel is one of Europe’s largest freshwater outdoor swimming areas. Located on its own island in the Old Danube, this historic lido has been a favourite summer retreat for generations. Besides its spacious beaches and swimming areas, you’ll find beach volleyball courts, mini golf, stand-up paddleboard rentals, children’s playgrounds, restaurants, and even a spectacular high ropes course among the trees. Whether you’re planning an active day or simply want to relax by the water, Gänsehäufel offers something for everyone.
Admission: €3–10 (depending on age)
If you prefer swimming pools to natural lakes, Vienna has several outdoor pools offering breathtaking panoramic views over the city.
🌲 Krapfenwaldlbad
Often considered Vienna’s most beautiful outdoor pool, Krapfenwaldlbad is surrounded by pine forests and boasts one of the city’s most spectacular panoramic views. Swimming here while overlooking Vienna’s skyline is an unforgettable summer experience.
Address: Krapfenwaldgasse 65–73, 1190 Vienna
🌇 Schafbergbad
Located on one of Vienna’s hills, Schafbergbad offers spacious swimming pools, large sunbathing lawns, water slides, and fantastic views across the city. It’s particularly popular with families.
Address: Josef-Redl-Gasse 2, 1180 Vienna
Admission: €3–10 (depending on age)
For one of Vienna’s most unique summer experiences, head to Badeschiff Wien. Instead of swimming in the Danube itself, you’ll enjoy a swimming pool built directly into a ship, floating on the river in the heart of the city. After your swim, relax on the sunny deck with a cocktail, enjoy the lively atmosphere, or stay for one of the many concerts, DJ sets, yoga sessions, or cultural events regularly hosted on board. The pool is open daily, with swimming available until 10:00 p.m., making it a perfect place to cool off after a day of sightseeing.
Part of the Donau-Auen National Park, Lobau is one of the most beautiful natural swimming areas near Vienna. With its peaceful lakes, crystal-clear water, shaded forest paths, and rich wildlife, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy nature. It’s also a popular spot for kayaking, cycling, and hiking.
Located on the banks of the Old Danube, Angelibad is a charming historic lido with a relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy clean water, spacious sunbathing lawns, a swimming pool, sports facilities, and beautiful views of the river. If you’re looking for a quieter place to visit with your family, this is the place for you.
Strandbad Stadlau is a hidden gem on the Old Danube, known for its calm water and laid-back atmosphere. You can find here spacious lawns, children’s play areas, sports facilities, and a restaurant overlooking the water.
Badeteich Hirschstetten is a popular swimming lake in the northeast of Vienna with clean water, sandy beach, playgrounds, and large grassy areas, it’s especially popular with families. Great place to spend a warm summer afternoon.
If you want to escape the crowds, Badeteich Süßenbrunn is a fantastic choice. This tranquil swimming lake on Vienna’s outskirts offers clear water, natural surroundings, and plenty of space to relax. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a peaceful day in nature.
Located in Vienna’s modern Seestadt Aspern district, this urban swimming lake has quickly become one of the city’s favourite summer spots. You can enjoy here crystal-clear water, wooden sun decks, lawns, cafés, and a lively atmosphere. Thanks to its excellent public transport connections, it’s easy to reach without a car.
Nestled between the Danube and the Alte Donau, Kaiserwasser is one of Vienna’s best-kept secrets. This peaceful swimming area offers calm water, beautiful views of the Vienna International Centre, and plenty of green space for relaxing. The places is favourite especially among locals looking for a quieter alternative to the city’s more popular beaches.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside escape, a family-friendly beach, spectacular city views, or a floating pool in the centre of Vienna, these are the best places to swim in Vienna this summer. Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and towel, and enjoy some of the city’s finest summer spots.
Photo: by nicoletta_vienna
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