Isn’t it peculiar? “I steh aufs Gänsehäufel. Auf Italien pfeiff i”. That is printed on T-shirts at the kiosk shop here. Welcome to Strandbad Gänsehäufel. This is Vienna’s largest outdoor swimming area. Locals declare their love for this place. You will too.
Strandbad Gänsehäufel is more than just a swimming spot. It is a place where memories are made. It is a symbol of Vienna’s rich history. For over a century, Strandbad Gänsehäufel has offered relaxation. It is a place away from the city.
Imagine this: It is a summer day. You are at Strandbad Gänsehäufel. People relax at the three natural beaches. Others float in the wave pool. Some explore the island on foot. Do not forget the ice cream.
The Gänsehäufel has a special area for nude bathing. It is a quieter part of the swimming area. There are many cafes and terraces. You will also find winding stairs and concrete bridges. Cabins create a village atmosphere. Do not miss the 27-meter-high clock tower. It is a landmark. It reminds you that you are at the Gänsehäufel. Since 2017, a song plays at the end of the day. It is called “Badeschluss”. The band “5/8erl in Ehr’n” performs it. It is another declaration of love for this unique pool.
The Alte Donau is the water source. It became a lake after the Danube regulation. The pools use chlorinated water. There are three natural beaches. These are the west, east and south beaches. There is also a children’s beach. Other pools include a wave pool and a sports pool. A baby pool is also available.
Strandbad Gänsehäufel is accessible to everyone. There are parking spaces for disabled people. You can find wheelchairs and accessible toilets here. Changing rooms are also accessible. Ramps and elevators are available.
The Volksbad Gänsehäufel opened in 1907. It sat in the middle of the Alte Donau. People could only swim or boat there at first. Later, a pontoon bridge was added. In 1926, the Gänsehäufelbrücke replaced it. The bath was destroyed in World War II. Austrian architects rebuilt it in the late 1940s. Up to 30,000 people visit on peak days.
There is much to do here. You can find a sand playground and a water playground. A children’s playground is also here. You can find trampolines. Play beach volleyball or football. There is also street basketball. You can play tennis and table tennis. Try badminton. Visit the high ropes course. Play minigolf or bocce. A chessboard is available. Do not forget the “Libella” biotope. You can also try stand-up paddleboarding.
Strandbad Gänsehäufel offers 3,574 cabins. There are 10,368 lockers and 260 showers. The green area covers 330,000 m2. It has old trees. You will find cafes, a restaurant and an ice cream shop. The city of Vienna operates the facility. The “Bäderbus” connects the U6 and U1 stations. It takes visitors to the pool. There are 750 parking spaces on the island.
Here is a tip: there is a mist spray system in the north. It is 20 meters long. It is great on hot days.
Strandbad Gänsehäufel is a place of community. It is a place of fun. It is a place to escape. It is a true Viennese treasure.