Swimming

There are numerous indoor and outdoor swimming pools in Vienna. Details of all the public pools can be found at http://www.wien.gv.at/baeder/. Some recommended, privately run pools are reviewed below.

VBC Members' Pool Reviews

Dianabad

Dianabad is an indoor pool designed for children of all ages. There are 3 pools for younger children, one especially good for babies (it’s shallow, still and extra warm). There are slides and things to climb on, and it’s good for older kids as well (there’s a wave pool and a huge slide that circles through the room). Additionally, you can sign up for "babyswim" classes which are run on a Thursday and Friday by SplishSplash, where they gradually teach babies to like water (water on the face, etc) and eventually even to "dive" underwater. The water slides are switched off during these times, and the water is specially heated for the baby swimming classes. There is also a café, and the changing rooms, showers and toilets are clean and spacious. Prams can be taken into the changing rooms only during these special "baby swimming" times.
Recommended by: Sarah Schenk
Address: Lilienbrunngasse 7-9, 1020 Vienna. Located just across the canal from Schwedenplatz
Transport: U1, U4 to Schwedenplatz

Thermalbad Oberlaa
Thermalbad Oberlaa is a complex of pools filled with heated water from hot springs. As the water is so warm, babies and small children love it. There are two pools downstairs which connect to two outdoor pools (one with underwater music). The one on the right is the warmest. In addition, there is a kids pool upstairs (follow the signs to Kinderwelt) which is very shallow and is equipped with 2 slides, a giant water-spouting caterpillar, and much more. The kids pool is great for babies from 9 months (or once they can stand holding on to something). Younger babies would be just as happy in the pools downstairs. For older children there is also a pipe slide. If you want to make a day of it, there is an Oberlaa Café/Restaurant just outside the entrance to the pool and a huge park to explore with playgrounds, petting zoo, etc. You can take your pram / stroller into the changing area and pool and just need to ask for wheel covers at the main entrance. There are also also buggies which can be borrowed for free for the duration of your visit. These are suitable for newborns to toddlers. There is an elevator to get from the changing area to the main pools. There are a few steps to get from the main pool area to the Kinderwelt.
Recommended by: Kirsty Weston
Address: Kurbadstrasse 14, 1100 Vienna
Transport: Tram 67 from U1 Reumannplatz to the last stop

Waldbad Penzing

**** CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS. PLANNED RE-OPENING ON THE 17th DECEMBER 2009 *****

A sliding glass roof can open or close up this pool depending on the weather. Regardless, it is always light and airy inside. It is also heated all year (typically 30 to 32 celsius) making it an ideal spot to go with the kids. You can swim through the glass door to go outside - the kids especially love this in winter when they jump out, grab a handful of snow and jump back in. The babies/toddlers pool is small. A fast and fun chute slide drops you into the main pool. A bigger lap and play pool is colder. Outside is a large playground and since the pool is on a hill, the vista towards the Lainzer Tiergarten is great. The changing rooms and toilets are vast and clean. A cafe serves good food and coffee.
Recommended by: Sarah Hallman
Address: 1140, Linzer Strasse 376 - 390
Transport: Tram no.49, get off at the stop 'Bahnhofstrasse'; go to the last stop 'Hütteldorf' of U4, take the main exit and go to the end of 'Bahnhofstrasse,' which is located on the opposite side of the station, then walk up the 'Bahnhofstrasse,' cross the 'Linzerstrasse,' and you are right at the entrance. You can't miss the sign. Parking is free and usually plentiful.

Bundesbad Alte Donau
The Bundesbad Alte Donau is one of a number of public bathing areas on the Alte Donau, a small branch of the main Danube river behind the UN. There is a large pebble beach which makes it perfect for babies and small children as they can play safely at the edge of the shallow water. The place is ideal for babies who can crawl upwards. The pebbles and water provide an endless source of entertainment for them. The water is very clean and warms up quickly in the summer. Behind the beach there is a large area of grass with plenty of shade. There is also a playground on this grassy area with a sandpit, swings, pirate ship, etc.
Recommended by: Kirsty Weston
Address: Arbeiterstrandbadstrasse 93, 1220 Wien
Transport: U1 to Alte Donau. When you exit the station turn right. There are a number of beaches along this road. The Bundesbad is the first one you reach opposite a Chinese restaurant.

Happyland
Happyland is a big recreation centre in Klosterneuburg, just outside of Vienna. There is an outdoor pool (open in the summer) and three indoor pools: a tiny one for babies/little kids, a big heated pool with a wave machine for all ages ,and also a "Sportbecken" for swimmers. There is also a restaurant. Although it's outside of Vienna, it's easy to reach by bus or Schnellbahn and never seems to get too busy. The "Erlebnisbecken" (kids's pool with wave machine) is especially good for kids because they can wade it - it's a bit like being on the beach!!!
Recommended by: Louise Potterton
Address:  In der Au, 3400 Klosterneuburg
Transport: Bus 239 from Heiligenstadt (U4) or S-Bahn S40 from Heiligenstadt or Spittelau (U4, U6) to Klosterneuburg Kierling.
Walk through the underpass under the train tracks, away from the town centre, and then over the bridge towards the camping site. In front of the camping site turn right into the road "In der Au", and Happyland is then on the right-hand side after about 200 metres. If you go by car there is a big, free car park.

Strandbad
This is my favorite pool of all and worth the 30-minute drive. It is overall a lovely place with four pools to choose from: an open lap pool, a large play pool with a whirlpool and two hot springs in the middle, a pool with fun slides, and a great babies/toddlers pool with two two shallow parts, two small slides, a net, and a shade. A huge "beach" was made by trucking in sand so be sure to bring sand toys. You can rent umbrellas and chairs, eat at one of two fast cafes or sit down for a leisurely meal at the onsite restaurant. A bit hidden away is a small playground. Baden is a quaint little town as well so wandering around is enjoyable. The pools are all outdoor so it is only open in summer months.
Recommended by Sarah Hallman
Address:Helenenstraße 15-21, 2500 Baden bei Wien
Transport: Best by car, take the A2 - Südautobahn, exit Baden, follow signs to Strandbad.

Swimming Courses & Lessons

A list (in German) of pools offering baby and children's swimming courses is complied by wienXtra.

A number of VBC members have enjoyed introducing their 3 year olds to classes at Happyland in Klosterneuburg (see review opposite) using Schwimmschule Nautilus.