Top 10 Captivating Spots Near Graz City
Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, offers a variety of outdoor swimming options for those looking to cool off during the summer months. From artificially created lakes to natural ponds, there's something for everyone. Here's a roundup of some of the best spots for swimming near Graz.
Artificial Lakes
Thaler Lake
Thaler Lake, located just a 30-minute bike ride from the STUWO Heim Student City Graz, is an artificially created lake offering pedal boating and a 9-kilometer hiking trail. The Graz lines bus 48 runs to Thaler Lake, and a shuttle bus runs every half hour from July 11 to September 13 for free from the end station Gösting.
Thaler Lake also boasts a 3-hour hiking trail that leads from the lake to Unterthal through the Stockerwald to Steinberg, passing by Arnold Schwarzenegger's birthplace and the ruins of Burg Unterthal.
Hilmteich Graz
Though not a swimming spot, Hilmteich Graz offers leisure activities such as pedal boating and a climbing park in the adjacent forest. The Hilmteich tram stop (line 1) is nearby, and it's a 20-minute bike ride from the STUWO Heim Student City Graz.
Natural Swimming Spots
Schwarzlsee
Schwarzlsee, a well-known large lake with facilities for swimming and other recreational activities, is one of the most popular spots for outdoor swimming near Graz. A shuttle bus from Graz runs every 30 minutes to Lake Schwarzl and Lake Thaler, and it's free to use.
Well Welt Kumberg
Well Welt Kumberg is another nearby outdoor swimming area favored for its natural environment. This spot is perfect for those seeking a more serene swimming experience.
Bad Weihermühle and Badesee Wildon
Bad Weihermühle and Badesee Wildon are also recommended for their clean waters and pleasant surroundings suitable for swimming. While no additional information about facilities or pricing was provided for Bad Weihermühle, Badesee Wildon offers relaxation with a bath café for refreshments, snacks, drinks, and ice cream.
Urban Bathing Fun
Margaretenbad, Graz
Margaretenbad in Graz offers urban bathing fun and has a day ticket for students at €4. It's close to the university, making it a convenient option for students looking to take a dip.
Augarten Baths, Graz
The Augarten Baths in Graz has a 25-meter sports pool, a 5-meter diving board, a non-swimmer's pool, beach volleyball court, table tennis tables, trampolines, boccia field, and offers a day ticket for students at €4.50.
Erlebnisbad Semriach
Erlebnisbad Semriach is located in Semriach and has opening hours from 8:00 to 20:00. The phone number for Erlebnisbad Semriach is +43 664 5700217.
Freizeitzentrum Lilienbad, St. Marein bei Graz
Freizeitzentrum Lilienbad is located in St. Marein bei Graz and has opening hours from 8:00 to 20:00. The phone number for Freizeitzentrum Lilienbad is 03119 222740. The Lilienbad natural swimming pool has a water area of around 1,700 m2 and includes a giant slide, 2 beach volleyball courts, table tennis tables, and a terrace café "Seerose". The daily ticket for students costs 2.80€.
The Auster Outdoor Pool, Graz
The Auster Outdoor Pool in Graz has a 50-meter sports pool, a 10-meter diving board, beach volleyball courts, and offers a day ticket for students at €5.
Further Afield
For a wider range of alpine lake swimming experiences, Traunsee Lake is noted for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful backdrop, though it is farther from Graz and more suitable for day trips.
In summary, Graz and its surroundings offer a variety of swimming options, from artificially created lakes like Thaler Lake to natural swimming spots like Schwarzlsee, Well Welt Kumberg, Bad Weihermühle, and Badesee Wildon. For urban bathing fun, consider Margaretenbad, Augarten Baths, Erlebnisbad Semriach, Freizeitzentrum Lilienbad, and The Auster Outdoor Pool. And for those seeking a day trip, Traunsee Lake is a beautiful option. Enjoy your swimming adventures around Graz!
One can enjoy a leisurely pedal boating experience at Thaler Lake, an artificially created lake that also offers hiking trails, after a quick 30-minute bike ride from the STUWO Heim Student City Graz or a bus ride using Graz lines bus 48. On the other hand, Well Welt Kumberg is another outdoor swimming area that provides a more serene swimming experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility. Meanwhile, for travelers looking for a change of scenery, Traunsee Lake, a beautiful alpine lake with crystal-clear waters, offers a memorable swimming experience, albeit slightly farther from Graz and more suitable for day trips.
