Natural and river bathing areas

Rivers are not open-air swimming pools, but sensitive habitats. Swimming may be prohibited in protected areas or sensitive sections. You should therefore only swim at designated bathing areas or river baths and avoid secluded, near-natural sections that can be a refuge for animals and spawning grounds - especially in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park or on rivers such as the Erlauf (Erlaufschlucht) or Schwarza (Höllental). The Höllental is a protected spring area. This is where the drinking water for the city of Vienna comes from and bathing is prohibited.

Infrastructure can be found above all at the classic river baths/beach baths and where there is explicit mention of facilities, buffet or bathhouse:

• Strandbad Hollenstein an der Ybbs - lovingly renovated and well equipped (incl. non-swimmer area)
• Ybbsnaturbad Kematen - buffet and additional facilities such as stand-up paddles
• Donaustrand Rossatz-Arnsdorf - with "Strandgut" bar (incl. barbecue dates from May)
• Strombad Kritzendorf - rustic buffet in a historic setting
• Donau Naturstrand Weißenkirchen - with sunbathing lawn and infrastructure
• Strandbad Drosendorf - renovated wooden bathhouse (plus cultural programme such as readings/concerts/open-air cinema)
• Strandbad Plank am Kamp - classic river bathing setting plus SUPs/rowing boats available to hire free of charge

There are many bathing lakes in Lower Austria, but only a few naturally formed lakes - the majority are reservoirs, quarry ponds or constructed bathing waters.

Natural lakes in Lower Austria

• Lunzer See (Lunz am See) and Erlaufsee
• Obersee & Mittersee (near Lunz): two crystal-clear mountain lakes as part of the hike Lunzer See - Obersee - Dürrenstein - Ybbstalerhütte (natural; an excursion/hiking destination as a classic bathing lake)

Artificial lakes/bathing lakes in Lower Austria (a selection)

• Kamp reservoirs in the Waldviertel: Ottenstein, Dobra, Thurnberg
  Waldviertel
• Ratzersdorf bathing lake as part of the Viehofner lakes (St. Pölten)
• Auseen Blindenmarkt (three bathing lakes in the Ausee area)
• Aubad and recreation park Tulln (bathing lake with island)
• Weitenegg leisure centre (swimming in the Danube lake, not in the main stream)

Designated beach and river bathing areas as well as calm side waters are best suited - the entry, depth and current are easier to assess there than in wild sections. Particularly suitable from the examples mentioned:

• Strandbad Hollenstein an der Ybbs - well equipped and with its own non-swimmer area in the river
• Altes Thayabad Dobersberg - tranquil and child-friendly natural bathing area
• Freizeitzentrum Weitenegg - swimming in the Danube lake instead of the main river

Never underestimate the current, enter carefully and do not jump from unknown rocks - if in doubt, it is better to avoid them and go to designated bathing areas.

The current of the Danube in particular should not be underestimated. Only experienced swimmers should venture further out. If it has rained a lot, the current is also stronger.

After heavy rainfall, the current can increase significantly, as well as driftwood, murky water and fluctuating water quality - do not swim in these conditions. The same applies, of course, especially during floods. 
 

Stay on paths, use designated entry points, avoid gravel banks/shallow banks (spawning and retreat areas) and do not leave any rubbish behind. No shampoo/soap in the water, no campfires on the shore, and dogs only in the water where it is permitted - in short: swim in such a way that the place looks just as unspoilt afterwards as it did before.