Whenever the next heat wave hits the city, the municipal outdoor pools are usually packed. There are some beautiful, natural and mostly uncrowded, wild bathing spots in the immediate vicinity of Salzburg, which you can also visit with kids.
Bathing in largely untouched nature, few people around you, listening to the natural sounds and without any infrastructure. Although many bathing areas are now managed, there are still a few places for wild bathing, especially on the rivers around Salzburg.
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1. River Baths
Swimming in Salzburgs mountain stream Taugl
is a wild mountain stream that has left impressive washes in rock and rock. In Bad Vigaun you will find a shallower stony bathing beach near the Roman bridge. For small adventures, it is a good idea to go a little further down the gorge, there are also good jump spots and deeper pools here. Fancy a little hike? The theme trail “Lifeline Taugl” provides information about the ecosystem and leads along a beautiful forest path along the Taugl.
Das Felsenbad – Salzburgs rocky pools
in the Faistenau is a wild and romantic river bathing spot. You can listen to the sound of the water and the chirping of the birds on flat, rocky sunbathing areas under large trees. Pools of different depths offer a suitable environment for all visitors. Definitely an adventure playground for little explorers.
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Swimming along Salzburgs Felberbach
If you follow the Felberbach in the Aigner Park in the direction of its source, you will also find small, refreshing pools here that invite you to splash around. However, this bathing tip is more suitable for adventurous families, as you have to walk quite a distance, which sometimes requires a little climbing. Arrived at the appropriate places, you will be rewarded with natural slides, cool pools and small waterfalls.
Swimming in Salzburgs flow the Alterbach
The Alter Bach in Gnigl is also great for splashing around in. The water is wonderfully shallow here, there are islets to play on and dig in the sand, and there are plenty of ducks to watch.
Turquoise mountain flow Königsseeache
in Anif is the favorite of Salzburg’s wild bathing spots. You will find many small bays and quieter places. Simply choose a suitable one and enjoy the cool water. Be careful, when the water level is high, the Ache is not only particularly cold, but also flows particularly quickly.
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The gorge Glasenbachklamm
Salzburg’s most famous gorge, very close to the city in Elsbethen, is very easy to reach and easy to hike along the Geoschauweg, even with a balance bike and pram. Everywhere you can find nice pools for paddling, splashing around and wilddipping. Anyone who takes the trouble to walk a little further back and maybe even scramble down a bit will find quiet, cozy spots and natural slides even in midsummer. But the gorge is generally a great destination. Everything you need to know is here.
Rettenbach
This wonderfully shady place is located in beautiful Ebenau. You can not only hike along the Mühlenweg, you can also go swimming. Of course, the pool below the 50m high waterfall is particularly impressive. The Plötz waterfall is not a natural monument for nothing.
2. Sea accesses
Swimming spots on Hintersee
is one of the quietest and for me personally the most beautiful lakes in the region. At the Taugl-Zipf bathing area you can lie in small bays next to wild meadows and enjoy nature. If you are looking for some exercise, the Hintersee circular route is ideal. But here you should definitely have a mosquito repellent with you towards the late afternoon, here the mosquitoes can be quite annoying (click here for the green alternatives). The Hintersee can also be combined with a visit to the ice chapel, a great, entertaining route to an impressive mini glacier.
Swimming in the refreshing Wiestalstausee
in the Ebenau provides refreshment on hot summer days. The natural landscape provides relaxation and hidden, quiet bathing bays. The stony ground is not so comfortable to lie on, but it is all the more suitable for digging 😉
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free swimming spots on beautiful lake Fuschl (Fuschlsee)
The Fuschlsee also offers untouched natural bathing spots on the northern shore. On the Seeweg in Thalgau, located on the circular hiking trail, you will find beautiful bays from which you can enjoy the crystal-clear lake with drinking water quality. Standup paddling with the little ones is also a real experience here.
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Caution: Logically, there is no water rescue at the wild bathing spots. You should keep a close eye on the little ones, especially on the faster-flowing waters such as the Königsseeache.
