Swimming & bathing lakes
Guaranteed refreshment in Graz and around the city
The Graz Region has the perfect place for every kind of swimming day. In Graz itself, 8 outdoor and indoor pools offer plenty of ways to cool off - from family-friendly pools to sports facilities. Prefer to escape into nature? Around the city, you’ll find numerous lakes, adventure pools and leisure centres in every direction. And for a little extra relaxation, Therme NOVA in Köflach is just 30 minutes from Graz.
Whether you’re looking for a spontaneous dip or planning a full day by the water, here’s an overview of the best places to swim in and around Graz.
Graz city pools
Swimming in the Styrian capital
Graz and water simply belong together. If you fancy a swim in the city, there’s plenty of choice: Augartenbad is a firm favourite with families, while Auster offers a 25-metre sports pool for keen swimmers. At Bad Straßgang, the water is treated biologically rather than with chlorine, while Ragnitzbad stands out for its peaceful location on the outskirts of Graz.
Indoor pools such as Bad zur Sonne and the Sportunion indoor pool make swimming possible even when the weather doesn’t play along.
Bathing lakes & adventure pools around Graz
Countryside & nature
A day by the water outside the city starts with just a short drive and can easily turn into a full day surrounded by nature. The bathing lakes and adventure pools around Graz offer much more than swimming: spacious sunbathing areas, places to eat and drink, sports and plenty of fun by the water. There’s a perfect spot for every taste.
NOVA spa
Wellness & thermal water
If you want to combine fun in the water with relaxation, Therme NOVA in Köflach is the perfect choice. Thermal water, a tropical cave, Blue Grotto, Kneipp pools and a dedicated toddler area for families make this much more than just a day at the pool.
The thermal spa is located right next to the Piber Lipizzaner Stud and is ideal for a full-day excursion in the western part of the Graz Region.
Find the right place to swim
Frequently asked questions
The most important questions about swimming in the Graz Region, answered at a glance.
The Schwarzl Leisure Centre, just 7 km from Graz, and the Tieber Leisure Centre in Frohnleiten are ideal for families, with spacious lawns, food and drink options, play areas and calm water for children.
Graz has six outdoor pools: Auster, Augartenbad, Margaretenbad, Bad Straßgang, Ragnitzbad and Stukitzbad. They are generally open between May and September. Indoor pools such as Auster, Bad zur Sonne and the Sportunion indoor pool are open all year round.
Yes. At Schwarzlsee, you can enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding and sailing, and there is also a diving school. Packer Stausee is popular for sailing, while Hirzmann Stausee is ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddling.
The Eggersdorf natural swimming pool uses biologically purified water without chemical additives. Packer Stausee and Hirzmann Stausee are also popular with locals for their excellent water quality and natural surroundings.
Yes. Graz’s indoor pools are a good option whatever the weather. Therme NOVA in Köflach also offers indoor thermal pools, a tropical cave and a sauna area. Thanks to solar heating, the St. Radegund leisure centre also maintains pleasant water temperatures on cooler days.
