What you need to know about the Viennese? In addition to their favorite coffee house and their favorite public transport line, they also take the question of the best place to splash around very seriously. And it's no wonder, because the choice is huge and ranges from natural oases to adventurous adventure pools and elegant panoramic pools with a dream view of Vienna. But don't worry, we have carefully tested Vienna's swimming spots and present you with a selection of the best places to cool off.

Best of all: with the Vienna Welcome Card, you can travel directly to the water for free on Vienna's public transport network. 

Danube Island

Summer in Vienna without Danube Island? Unthinkable for us. The 21-kilometre-long artificial island is not only perfect for (sun)bathing, but also attracts visitors with its extensive gastronomic offerings and plenty of vacation flair. You can treat yourself to a refreshing dip almost anywhere along the island, and it's free of charge too: whether you simply spread out your towel on a free patch of grass, use the sunbathing areas at Pier22 or bury your toes in the sand at CopaBeach.

Tip: The best way to explore all the splendor of the Danube Island is on two wheels. Simply grab a WienMobil bike and cycle from the north end to the south end - you even get 60 free minutes with the Vienna Welcome Card. 

Krapfenwaldlbad

Swimming while enjoying one of the best views of Vienna? The Krapfenwaldlbad is just the place for you. Situated in the Viennese vineyards, the bathing fun is associated with a slightly longer journey, but it is worth it at the latest after a promising jump into the cool water. Because the Krapfenwaldlbad is more than just an instagrammable photo spot: in addition to splashing around in four different swimming pools, you can also get some exercise on the beach volleyball, street basketball and soccer courts. And don't forget to visit the buffet, because: Outdoor pool fries are a must!

Goose pile

With the words “I like the Gänsehäufl, I don't give a damn about Italy”, Austropop icon Rainhard Fendrich expressed his love for the sandy island in the Old Danube. And even though we are big fans of the Italian dolce vita, we can only endorse this statement. From the bathing beach and various chlorine pools to the climbing garden and stand-up paddling center, the Gänsehäufel lido really leaves nothing to be desired. What's more, the outdoor pool is particularly well-known for its extensive nudist area with its own buffet and block sauna.

Lower Old Danube

One of our favorite swimming spots in Vienna is without a doubt the promenade along the Lower Old Danube. And the first time you walk past the many wooden jetties and look for a secluded spot, you'll immediately understand why. But beware: the Lower Old Danube is no longer an insider tip and is also an absolute hotspot for locals. If you want to secure a wooden lounger or a spot on the jetties, you should spread out your bath towel a little earlier, especially at the weekend. The quickest way to reach the natural bathing spots is with the Wiener Linien: simply hop on the U2 underground line, get off at Donaustadtbrücke station and you're just a few steps away from the cool water.

And don't forget: With the Vienna Welcome Card, you can even use the Wiener Linien free of charge.

Kaiserwasser

The Kaiserwasser certainly didn't get its name from just anywhere, because you're guaranteed to have imperial bathing fun here. Located on a side arm of the Old Danube, one of the most beautiful natural bathing spots in Vienna awaits you, with a spacious sunbathing lawn and shady spots under large trees. Although you can also float in the water during the day, the Kaiserwasser only becomes a real eye-catcher in the evening. This is when you can experience truly breathtaking sunsets with a view of the surrounding urban jungle of Donau City.

Tip: Grab a boat from one of the nearby rental companies and watch the natural spectacle from the water.

Schönbrunnerbad

Do you want to cool off without missing out on sightseeing? Then the Schönbrunnerbad is just the place for you, as this is where none other than Emperor Franz Joseph once learned to swim. Just a stone's throw from the historic Schönbrunn Palace, you can dive straight into the refreshing water after an extensive tour of the palace, swim lengths in the 50-metre sports pool or challenge your loved ones to a beach volleyball tournament. The Luv Beachclub, where Greek glamor meets Schönbrunn charm, provides a real vacation feeling. Delicious Mediterranean delicacies and cozy daybeds await you here - pure relaxation!

Want more tips for escaping the heat? Here we show you the best free museums in Vienna - air conditioning included. Or are you more drawn to the vineyards? In this article, we reveal the best wine taverns in Vienna.