Bathing accident Gänsehäufel Vienna: Man resuscitated | Major operation

Background: The Gänsehäufel

The Gänsehäufel is considered a traditional Viennese bathing facility on the Old Danube. According to the operators, this summer the outdoor pool recorded almost 165,000 visitors, making it the most popular in the city.

Despite the high number of visitors and the associated crowds, the emergency services brought the incident under control quickly on Saturday morning. No information was initially available regarding possible closures of pools or lounging areas.

The exact circumstances that led to the bathing accident are still the subject of investigations. Whether health problems played a role is also not yet conclusively clarified.

Investigations and further information

The Vienna Police announced that further information on the man's state of health would be released in the course of the day. By the afternoon, no new details were available.

Observers reported in the morning of an increased presence of rescue vehicles on the grounds of the lido. Bathers were asked to give the area around the scene a wide berth.

Safety on the Old Danube

The Gänsehäufel is located in Vienna's 22nd district of Donaustadt, directly on the Old Danube, and is accessible via the U1 subway line. On hot summer days such as July 11, 2026, the area is one of the most heavily frequented bathing spots in the federal capital.

The authorities have repeatedly pointed out in the past that caution is required when swimming in the Old Danube. Bathing accidents occur again and again even on hot days, according to the Vienna Police.