All of a sudden, the heat of the city is completely forgotten for a couple of seconds. Jumping into cool water – hardly anything is more refreshing in summer. Whether as a regular guest with season ticket or for a quick dip after work, the Viennese love their swimming pools. They can live out this passion at dozens of locations. No two pools are alike. Some are bigger, some smaller, some have a special view.

But where can the real highlights be found? We took a closer look at six of Vienna's most popular swimming pools.

Schönbrunner Pool

As a direct neighbor of Schönbrunn Palace, the Schönbrunner Pool is the perfect place to refresh oneself after a long walk in the enormous palace park. The obvious center of this swimming complex is the 50 meter-long Olympic pool. Here, you can swim laps at your own pace and do something for your fitness. Sport is also in focus in the other areas of the Schönbrunner Pool. Apart from the beach volleyball court, the small fitness studio, in particular, is a special feature here. The perfect complement to this is the wellness area with sun terrace and indoor/outdoor rest areas. What's more, the pool only closes at 10.00 pm in the summer months. This allows guests to relax in peace and quiet in the illuminated open-air pool after work, too.

© Schönbrunnerbad

Schafberg Pool

From the start of the 102 meter-long water slide, we briefly enjoy the view of the Schafberg Pool. And there's lots to see: a sports pool with diving tower, a large warm water pool, a children's pool and many other opportunities for getting active. However, the view of the pool is nothing as compared to the view that we enjoy from the Schafberg Pool over the whole of Vienna. As befits a large urban open-air pool, this swimming pool has all the classics, such as a beach volleyball court, table tennis and a children's playground. Whether big or small, young or old, all of this makes the Schafberg Pool popular with a wide audience.

Congress Pool

The Congress of Vienna Pool in Ottakring transports us back in style to its beginnings at the end of the 1920s. It owes its heritage-listed status to large parts of the building remaining unchanged. While little has changed in the way it looks, the rest of the pool is right on the pulse of time. The owners have divided up the original 100 meter-long pool. Young and old bathing guests can thus find action, movement and refreshment either in the 50 meter-long sports pool or in the adventure pool. When the children have spent the whole day romping around on the 64 meter-long water slide, in the current channel and on the playground, their parents can look forward to a quiet evening. As long as they haven't exhausted themselves, of course!

Alte Donau Beach Pool

On the north bank of the Danube, in Donaustadt, the Alte Donau Beach Pool is an exciting mix of bathing beach and various swimming pools. In particular, families with children enjoy the choice of small paddling pool, non-swimmers pool, playground and the gravel beach to dig, build and explore on. Older guests will also find the necessary action with football, volleyball and others. The beach pool is very clearly one of the best places to retreat to on hot summer's days. The cool, clean water of the Old Danube offers the perfect opportunity to cool down, while the giant trees provide the necessary shade to keep a cool head away from the water.

Krapfenwaldl Pool

We reach our geographical high point at the Krapfenwaldl Pool. It is the highest swimming pool in the city. High up on the Cobenzl between Vienna's vineyards, the view over the city impresses us every time. This view makes it one of the city's most popular swimming pools. The view from the sports and family pools can be enjoyed perfectly refreshed. The Krapfenwaldl Pool is located in the middle of a pine forest. That makes it easy to find a shady spot. The large children's playground is ideally protected against the sun by the trees.

Gänsehäufel

Last of all, we visit a true Viennese original. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Gänsehäufel has been one of the most popular bathing spots in the whole of Vienna. An island in the Old Danube, there is lots of space here. On really busy days, up to 18,000 sun and bathing worshipers make their way here. Cooling off and action are promised by several natural bathing beaches and five different pool areas. At the center of this facility is the large wave pool. But things also get lively on the water slide and in the sports pool. The youngest bathing guests find their happiness in the baby area. On the big island, there is also a high-rope climbing garden, stand-up paddling, and an almost legendary nudism area. The cabanas within the Gänsehäufel form their own little cosmos. Some of these cabins are used like little allotment huts. However, the residents are not allowed to stay in the cabanas overnight and have to leave the Gänsehäufel like everyone else. The cabins are in hot demand and very difficult to get hold of.

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