Vienna Pools See Surge in Early Morning Swimmers

Early risers in Vienna are embracing the cool waters of the city's public pools, with the "early swimming" program experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity. What began as a pilot project in 2017 has blossomed into a cherished routine for thousands, offering a refreshing start to the day. The Amalienbad, located at Reumannplatz, is one of several municipal pools offering these early sessions, which run from 6:45 AM to 7:50 AM three times a week.

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If my inner pig dog doesn't stop me, I'll gladly come.

Ursula Zahor from the Vienna municipality reported that after a dip during the pandemic, the number of early swimmers has rebounded strongly. In 2022, 33,413 people participated, a figure that jumped to 46,149 in the following year, marking an impressive increase of over 38% in just four years. This growing trend underscores a desire for healthy activities and a structured start to the day, even for those facing demanding work schedules.

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Because that means getting up at 5:45 AM.

Participants are drawn to the early morning swims for a variety of reasons. For some, like retired individual Petra, it's about maintaining good health. Others, such as economic psychologist Fabia, value the invigorating effect of a swim before a long workday, describing it as a "wake-up call." Former process engineer Paul finds it simply "great fun," highlighting the diverse crowd that frequents the pools, including managers and laborers, young and old.

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It's just great fun.

Despite the growing numbers, the atmosphere remains largely positive and social. Betriebsleiter Dejan Nedeljkovic noted that the Amalienbad typically sees 40-50 swimmers per session, creating a communal yet manageable environment. While dedicated lanes exist for faster swimmers, many prefer a more leisurely pace, often engaging in conversation. However, as Petra humorously observed, some swimmers can get so engrossed in their chats that they inadvertently impede others. Nevertheless, with a pleasant water temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, the overall mood is convivial, fostering a sense of community among the regulars.

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There are some wild dogs here.