Vienna's biggest and most beloved lido - an island beach on the Alte Donau (Old Danube) with lawns, swimming areas, pools, slides and nudist zones. A genuine local summer ritual, not a tourist sight. Open early May to mid-September, day ticket around EUR 8. Currently open for the 2026 season.
Key facts
| Hours | 2026 season: approx 2 May - 13 Sep Daily roughly 9:00-20:00 in peak summer (earlier open on hot days) |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | U1 Kaisermühlen-VIC, then bus 91A/92A or 15 min walk |
| Time needed | Half to full day |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings; arrive early on hot weekends before it caps out |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.4/10- Value8.0
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.0
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- When is Gänsehäufel open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs roughly from May 2 to September 13. It's open only in the warm months - outside that window the lido is closed. Daily hours in peak summer are roughly 9:00 to 20:00, opening earlier on very hot days.
- What facilities does Gänsehäufel have?
- Beyond swimming areas, there are heated pools, slides, sports courts, restaurants and snack kiosks, changing cabins, lockers, sunbathing lawns, and a dedicated nudist area. It's a full-service beach resort within the city, which is why locals spend whole days here.
- Can it get too crowded at Gänsehäufel?
- On hot summer weekends, yes - it's Vienna's favorite lido and can hit capacity, at which point the gates close to new arrivals. Go early, pick a weekday, or buy online to guarantee entry. Midweek mornings are blissfully calm.
- Are there free places to swim near Gänsehäufel?
- Yes - the public banks of the Alte Donau right nearby are free to swim from and popular with locals, and you can rent kayaks and paddleboats. If you don't need slides and lawns, the free shoreline gives you the same lovely water at no cost.
- How much does it cost to get into Gänsehäufel?
- A standard adult day ticket is around EUR 8 (2026), with reduced prices for children, and cheaper afternoon and evening tickets. It's run by the City of Vienna, so it's genuinely affordable. Buy online in advance for busy days.
- How do I get to Gänsehäufel by public transport?
- Take the U1 metro to Kaisermühlen-Vienna International Centre, then bus 91A or 92A toward the beach, or walk about 15 minutes. It sits on an island in the Alte Donau in the 22nd district, across from the UN complex.
- Is swimming in the Alte Donau clean and safe?
- Yes - the Alte Donau is a calm, cut-off former arm of the Danube with excellent, regularly-tested water quality and no strong current, making it far safer for swimming than the main river. It's warm, still, and ideal for kids and casual swimmers.
- Is Gänsehäufel good for families?
- Excellent for families - it has shallow kids' pools, water slides, sandy shallow-water areas, huge lawns for picnics, playgrounds and lifeguards. It's the classic Viennese family beach day. There are also designated nudist (FKK) sections, kept separate from the family zones.
Nearby in Ask Vienna
- Strandbad KuchelauBeach1.01 km · 13 min walk
- Donauinsel Free Beach (Sunbathing Meadows)Beach2.26 km · 28 min walk
- Copa CagranaBeach2.26 km · 28 min walk
- Strandbad Alte DonauBeach2.79 km · 35 min walk
- Prater & RiesenradAttraction3.1 km · 39 min walk
Where to stay near Gänsehäufel Beach (Alte Donau)
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