Krapfenwaldlbad, Outdoor swimming pool in Döbling district, Vienna, Austria
Krapfenwaldlbad is an outdoor swimming facility located at Vienna's highest point, featuring multiple pools of varying sizes and depths. The complex includes sports courts, recreational areas for families, and shaded zones alongside the main swimming basins.
The site began as a private holiday residence of Emperor Franz Josef Krapf before its conversion into a public swimming facility in the early 1900s. This transformation reflected a broader movement toward opening exclusive properties to the general population of Vienna.
This facility became a landmark for Viennese social freedom when it first allowed women to swim topless, a radical change at the time. The pools today remain spaces where locals experience leisure and equality in a democratic setting.
The location sits on a hillside and is accessible by U4 subway to Heiligenstadt station or by bus service to the area. Arrive early on warm days, as swimming areas can become crowded and shaded spots fill quickly.
From the pools, swimmers can see a wide range of Vienna's landmarks including St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Votiv Church, and the Danube Tower. This elevated vantage point transforms the swimming experience into one where the entire city spreads below.
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