About a two-hour drive from Vienna, in the heart of Gmünd in the Waldviertel region,lies a wellness resort called Sole Felsen Welt, which combines therapeutic swimming with rustic natural charm. There, you can swim in water temperatures ranging from 32 to 34 degrees, while an idyllic natural swimming lake stretches out right next door.
What makes this facility special is the direct contrast between the pools and the lake. In the warm pools, a brine concentration of 1.5 percent promotes physical relaxation because the salt water noticeably relieves pressure on your joints. The fine minerals in the pools also have a soothing and cleansing effect on your skin.
Once you’ve soaked up enough warmth, you can jump right into the cool Aßangteich. In addition , during the warmer months, spacious sunbathing areas along the shore are available. There’s always plenty of room here to take a deep breath of fresh air after a swim.
Sweating with a View in the Forest Sauna
The area offers far more than just swimming, as the resort’s architecture perfectly reflects the rugged surroundings of the Waldviertel region. Here, you can work up a sweat in six different themed saunas before taking a dip outdoors to cool off.
The large forest sauna, which reaches temperatures of up to 85 degrees, comes highly recommended, as it’s situated on a small hill and thus offers a sweeping view of the grounds. After your circulation has been thoroughly stimulated, your stomach will likely start to growl anyway. In the adjacent restaurant, you can enjoy delicious regional dishes, so you can continue your wellness day without a rumbling stomach.
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Regional cuisine and relaxing evenings
You don’t have to rush during your visit, even though the drive to the Czech border takes a little time. The facility is open daily starting at 9:00 a.m. and stays open until 11:00 p.m. on weekends. For a day trip that includes the sauna and pool areas, a day pass with sauna access costs €40.50; however, an evening pass for €32.90 is also a good option if you’re arriving later in the day.
📍 Sole Felsen Welt, Gmünd
🗺️ Address: Albrechtser Str. 12, 3950 Gmünd
🎟️ Admission: Day pass with sauna €40.50
⏰ Hours: Sun–Thu 9 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sat & before holidays 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
