The Gänsehäufel in Vienna: Bathing pleasures on the banks of the Danube
Brief information:
- What is the Gänsehäufel? A public bath in Vienna
- Where is it located? In the 22nd district, near the old Danube
- Opening hours? Mon-Fri | 9am – 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 8am – 7:30pm
Entry? You can find all prices here on the website of the City of Vienna. - What can you do there? It is a paradise for sun worshippers, those seeking relaxation and sports enthusiasts. Particularly suitable for families with children.
The Gänsehäufel is one of the oldest and probably the most famous outdoor pools in Vienna. It has been sung about in songs such as "Strada del Sole" by Reinhard Fendrich. There is certainly plenty of space and things to do on the 20-hectare island in the Old Danube. 33,000 people can come here every day on around 333,000m² (of which 60,000m² is water surface), and there are 3,574 cabins, 10,368 lockers and 260 showers at their disposal. Despite these huge numbers, you never feel cramped.
The name “Gänsehäufl” refers to the former “Haufen” (washed-up islands), which were said to have served primarily for geese breeding. In 1907, the bath was first mentioned as “Commune Vienna at Gänsehäufel“ opened. It was completely renovated in the early 2000s and is now a listed building.
Getting to Gänsehäufel
Public transport
U1 station Kaisermühlen, bus 90A or 92A to Schüttauplatz.
U2 station Donaustadtbrücke, bus 90A or 92A to Schüttauplatz.
by car
There are paid parking spaces on the island (parking machines), but parking in front of the island is free, but you have to come early. The number of parking spaces is limited.
There are also numerous Parking spaces for bicycles available directly in front of the cash register.
The bathroom has the following areas:
- several beaches with a total length of about one kilometre (west beach, east beach, south beach)
- Sports pool (for swimmers only)
- Toddler pool with preheated water
- A wave pool (artificial waves are created here)
- A general multi-purpose pool with water slide
- Non-swimmers’ pool
- Football field
- Street basketball
- Fitness station
- A fenced-off children's area with a water play garden (slide, waterfalls, spray fountains etc.)
- Several playgrounds
- A beach volleyball court
- 3 tennis courts
- A high ropes course
- A stand up paddling rental
- Parent-child area on the sandy beach of the Old Danube
- Nude area
- 2 competitive bocce courts
- Sunbathing
- Table tennis
- Gymnastic equipment
- Bouncy castle & trampoline jumping (for a fee)
- massage
- Mini golf
- Swimwear sales
- Deckchair rental
- Bicycle parking spaces
- Several canteens (we recommend the one right at the entrance by the clock tower, although the one on the left at the end of the old Danube has the best view)
- A backery