Vienna’s outdoor pools where to cool off on a hot summer’s day

This pool is legendary amongst locals. Located on top of a hill, in the middle of the Föhrenwald forest, Krapfenwaldbad is the top choice for many. As the highest swimming pool in Vienna, it has a charming view over the whole city. All the city’s remarkable (and not so remarkable) distinct features like Stephansdom, Votivkirche, Riesenrad, Donauturm, social housing Alt Erlaa, and the Millennium Tower can be seen from above, while chilling by the pool with a Spritzer. Surrounded by forest from all sides, there is generous shade being provided by pine trees almost all over the rather large meadow.

If you actually want to swim, better come before midday or 6 pm. During the time in between, the lap pool is crowded and becomes more of a browsing of the sexy bodies on display (wearing sunglasses is advisable).

Krapfenwaldbad has a lap pool, adventure pool, family and children (0.70–0.90m deep) pools, a children’s playground, a football pitch, a beach volleyball court, gymnastic equipment, table tennis tables and many sun beds.

The former holiday house of the Viennese Kaiser Franz Josef Krapf has been renovated and pimped up with a restaurant and espresso buffet, so no lack of Pommes, Spritzers, ice-cream and other tempting snacks.

Swimming options for the serious swimmers: Don’t bother turning up here for some serious laps unless you’re just wanting to impress that pretty girl or guy you know is spending their summer days here.

How to get there?
Catch the U4 subway to Heiligenstadt, jump onto the bus 38 and get off at the station Krapfenwaldgasse. From here, it’s a 10 minute walk straight ahead.

The Döblinger Bad (we love how this word sounds…just sayin’) is a great spot for the serious swimmer, a family, or for somebody looking for some serious R and R. There’s huge indoor and outdoor pools,  a beach volleyball court, a sauna, a fun shallow pool for kids, a kiosk, a restaurant and even a shop.
It is a loved location in the summer, especially amongst (grown-up) kids.

The beautiful green (and large) landscape, peppered with plenty of trees, offers a holiday feeling and it never feels crowded (except in the pool on a hot day, of course)

Swimming pool for serious swimmers: This place is great for serious swimmers when it’s not too crowded.

How to get there?
Catch the tram 37 to the last station

Hidden in the Wienerwald amidst giant pine trees, finding the Neuwaldegger Bad is like finding a summer Neverland – you’ll never want to leave (especially after you pay 13€ to get in!). For 30 years, Eva Dolezal has taken care of this small, charming swimming pool in Hernals. And the personal touch she lends to it makes it feel like home for all who visit it.

There’s one pool with a shallow area for kids and is surrounded by green meadows and old wooden sun chairs. A restaurant, set in a charming wooden hut, is located right next to the pool where you’ll find all your grandma’s specials: Gulasch, Reisfleisch, stuffed peppers, or homemade cake. The Schnittlauchbrote is also something you should definitely not miss out on, according to the regulars here.

To finish off the picture of this being a place frozen in time, Neuwaldegger Bad has two FKK areas – one for ladies and one for gentlemen, so everyone can feel comfortable doing their thing in the nude… like naked volleyball… and naked tennis… and maybe some naked tree climbing. Whatever you’re into.

Serious swimming options for the serious swimmer: This is not really the place to come for serious swimming, however, if you catch it when it’s quiet enough, you can do some mini laps in the deeper part of the 25m pool.

How to get there?
Catch the tram 43 to the end station, Neuwaldegg

The Schafbergbad is a giant green area with 4 pools painted in different colours which indicate their depth. The 10 meter high tower for diving and the water slide are brilliant for all adrenaline enthusiasts (big and small). For all other active types, there’s a beach volleyball court, football pitch, table tennis tables, playgrounds suitable for all ages, and trampolines.

There’s also a restaurant serving up your typical warm meals, snacks, ice cream, refreshing drinks, and all sorts of other stuff to munch on while sitting there in your bikini or board shorts. A day can easily be spent here, with all that you need for a day at the pool at your fingertips. It also has huge grass areas, making it a good spot to go if you want to find a secluded place to be alone and read your book.

Swimming options for the serious swimmers: there’s a 50m sports pool which surprisingly tends to be only used by people wanting to do laps.

Plus, did we mention the view: the location is just like Krapfenwaldbad – with a spectacular (almost) 180° panorama view over Vienna.

How to get there?
From the U6 station Michaelbeuern, catch the tram 42 or the bus 42A to the stop Schafbergbad,
or take the 43 to Hernals Station and catch the 42A to the stop Schafbergbad.

At the Badeschiff, leisure meets big city life in the heart of Vienna. No need to escape town to some hard-to-reach swimming pool to cool off. There’s a 27m long, 7m wide outdoor swimming pool on the deck of two barges moored at Donaukanal for you to dive into straight after work or uni. And when hunger comes nagging, you don’t need to abandon ship to satisfy it – the ‘Flying deck’ will serve you all kinds of tasty bites in the funky urban setting of the roof deck.
Badeschiff also hosts a decent restaurant on the main deck, a soccer cage platform (above the pool which provides some shade over it) and a bowling alley down below.

Swimming options for the serious swimmers: during the quiet times, you’ll often see some people doing laps up and down the 27m pool, however, most just turn up here to show off some summer skin.

How to get there:
Either with the metro to Schwedenplatz (U1, U4) or the tram to Julius-Raab-Platz (1).

We’re not only recommending this pool because it’s set in the royal gardens of the Schönbrunn palace, however, it’s also a great (and accessible) option for anybody wanting to cool off, or do some serious laps. With some of the longest opening hours in the city (and huge lights that light the pool up at night) this is a great spot to escape after a long day at uni or work. Obviously, being set where it is, it also carries some history – it’s said that it is located where the Kaiser once spent his days swimming in a reservoir.

The space also hosts a gym and wellness center, a volleyball court and sauna, and there’s now and again a pool party happening.

Swimming options for the serious swimmers: This is a great pool for swimmers, especially early in the morning, or later in the evening.

How to get there? Catch the U4 subway to Schönbrunn, get off and walk up Grünbergstraße. Enter the Schönbrunn gardens and head towards the Obelisk.