Just You, the Water and the Trees: Where to Go Wild Swimming Near Vienna
Somewhere out there, those real summer days are waiting – the kind that make Vienna hum slowly in the heat, when the air feels thick and every step needs purpose. So far, the season has been playing it cool. But once the temperatures finally rise, it’s time to pack a tote, grab a towel, and escape – not to a crowded pool, but straight into the wild.
Because here’s the thing: you don’t need to go far to swim under open skies, surrounded by forest, silence, and dragonflies instead of lifeguard whistles. Wild swimming near Vienna is not just possible – it’s kind of magical.
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What’s this all about?
An insider’s guide to the most refreshing wild swimming spots within easy reach of Vienna – no chlorine, no crowds, just nature and you.
Important facts summarized:
- Many natural swim spots are reachable by public transport
- No entry fee, no tiled floors – just grass, gravel, and lakewater
- Most locations are unofficial: respect nature and leave no trace
- Ideal for students, freelancers, and anyone craving peace without travel stress
- Pack water, snacks, and maybe bug spray (you’re in the wild, after all)
Before we dive in: A note on wild swimming
The locations listed below are natural, informal swim spots. Most are not officially designated swimming areas and have no lifeguards or public facilities. Always swim at your own risk, respect local rules, and follow nature protection guidelines – especially in areas like the Donau-Auen National Park: Leave no trash, avoid loud music, and give wildlife space. It’s wild for a reason – let’s help keep it that way.
Dechantlacke: The secret garden of Lobau
Location: Lobau, Vienna 22
How to get there: U2 to Donaustadtbrücke, then bus or bike
Part of the Donau-Auen National Park, Dechantlacke is one of the more hidden wild swimming spots – a calm lake framed by reeds and forest. You won’t find ice cream stands or loud music here. What you will find: still water, shade from old trees, and a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere for a place technically inside city limits.
Caution: No lifeguards, no facilities – and that’s kind of the point.
Wienerbergteich: Chill vibes in the south
Location: Favoriten, Vienna 10
How to get there: Bus 15A or bike from Meidling
Often overlooked, the Wienerbergteich is part of a nature reserve in southern Vienna. It’s not deep, but perfect for floating, sunbathing, and forgetting your inbox exists. There’s a lovely walking path around the lake, and depending on when you go, you might see turtles, ducks, or even a fellow student finishing a summer novel under a tree.
Strombad Kritzendorf: River energy, minus the stress
Location: Klosterneuburg
How to get there: S40 from Heiligenstadt (20 min)
Kritzendorf is technically a neighborhood north of Vienna – but feels like a tiny beach town. The Danube flows fast here, but there are quiet stretches and shallow banks where it’s safe to dip in. Locals bring fold-up chairs, thermoses of coffee, and stay all day. Expect a mix of families, cyclists, and sunburnt architecture students sketching river stones.
Pro tip: bring water shoes. It’s stony, but worth it.
Schwarzer Lacke: Off the grid
Location: Lobau, Vienna 22
How to get there: U2 to Aspernstraße, then bus 92B or bike
Another gem inside the Donau-Auen reserve, Schwarzer Lacke lives up to its name: dark water, tall grass, and not much else. This one’s for those who like it wild-wild – no WiFi, no cafés, and the only playlist comes from birds and insects. It’s not a beginner spot, but if you crave silence and don’t mind packing in and out, it’s unforgettable.
Panozzalacke: A lazy day in Lobau
Location: Lobau, Vienna 22
How to get there: U2 to Donaustadtbrücke, then bus or bike
Panozzalacke is more accessible and popular than the other Lobau spots, but still peaceful if you find the right corner. The water is clean (though often shallow), and the surrounding meadows make it easy to stay all afternoon. If you’re lucky, you might spot frogs, herons – and people who look like they were born to wear linen.
Location: Near Hainburg an der Donau
How to get there: Bus via Großenzersdorf, then Bus 552 to Stopfenreuth
Tucked into the eastern end of the Donau-Auen National Park, Stopfenreuther Au is a peaceful wild swimming spot with a soft, sandy riverbank and calm surroundings. It’s less crowded than other Danube access points and feels like a natural escape, just before the landscape starts shifting toward the Marchfeld plains.
This bay isn’t just scenic – it’s historic. In the 1980s, it was the site of Austria’s major environmental protests against the planned Donaukraftwerk (Danube power plant). Thanks to those efforts, this part of the river still flows freely.
Tip: Take the five-kilometer Stopfenreuth Donau loop trail before or after your swim for a full day of nature.
Caution: Be cautious if water levels rise – this is a wild river, and currents can change quickly.
Fazit
If you’re looking for a place to cool down after the cool down, Colivi apartments offer affordable ways for schooling, studying and remote work. Find a comfortable room and check out our student apartments in Vienna. You are in Vienna and need accommodation besides your studies? ➟ Vienna apartments for rent: comfy, central base for all your city adventures – nature breaks included.
Book early, and come back with leaves in your hair and think about the option of Flatshare in Vienna or short term rentals in Vienna.
Fotos by freepik. Thank you.
