Whether you want a relaxing getaway, or a personal day off, I can highly suggest visiting Vienna’s Die Therme Wien.
I went there in early February as a treat for myself and chose the Relax! One Day Holiday package. It was my first time visiting the spa, and I can honestly say I had a wonderful time – so much so I’d like to share my experiences and tips if you ever want to visit.
Preparing for your Therme Wien Day
Making your reservation online is the best thing to do because you can choose your lounge chair for the day, which will be prepared before your arrival.
Once you reserve your name, you will receive an email to print out and show when entering the Therme Wien. You don’t have to pay just yet (payment happens at the end of your time there).
Next, you’ll need to prepare for your relaxing one-day holiday! Here’s my take on what to bring:
- Pack a bathing suit and two pairs of clothes. One pair to be soft loungewear – shorts, t-shirt, undergarments to wear while you’re lounging in the spa section. You don’t want to be in a wet swimsuit all day! The other pair is what you wear when you enter and leave Therme Wien (i.e., your outside clothes).
- For the ladies: Come with a clean face, but you can bring your makeup, moisturizer, and any hair items to wear once you’re done at the spa. Swimming and going into the sauna/steam rooms will take off whatever you put on your face.
- Therme Wien provides their towels, flip-flops, shampoo, and body soap. If you want, you can bring your shower gear and any soaps you want to use to shower.
- Bring an empty or reusable water bottle. You get two water bottles with the holiday package, but it won’t be enough. There are water fountains around the area if you need more.
- Bring your bathrobe and flip-flops if you are unsure about the ones Therme Wien will provide for you.
- Bring reading material, magazines, or anything you would like to keep yourself busy with during the day.
What is included in Relax! One Day Holiday at Therme Wien?
For €85, here is a list of what Therme Wien provides for you at the ‘Relax! One Day Holiday’ at Therme Wien (info subject to change, please see their website for updates):
- Spa day ticket with a changing room
- Access to sauna area and Solewelt salt world
- Relax! Check-in (no need to wait in the long admission line)
- Relax! Pool bag to use for the day includes a white robe, two towels, two water bottles (one sparkling water, one plain/still), a pen that says RELAX, shampoo, body soap, a bag for your wet swimsuit. For flip flops, you need to request them at check-in.
- Access to German/Austrian magazines and books in the lounge area
- Two snacks (morning and afternoon) and a hot drink
- Voucher/Gift Card worth €12 for food at the cafeteria
- Voucher/Gift Card worth €5 for your next Relax! One Day Holiday
- 15% discount on all treatments at the spa massage suite and the spa shop
- Free garage parking and WiFi
Settling in at Relax! One Day Holiday Therme Wien
Taking regular breaks from your everyday routine has a positive impact on your health, general wellbeing, and physical and mental state. In fact, it is not the length of the holiday itself that matters, but how often you take a break. Similarly to sleep, relaxation is not something you can catch up on later. Regular time out from your normal routine is a critical element of lasting good health. This means remembering to schedule in a day off once in a while to get away from it all. -Die Therme Wien
Upon entering, I was personally welcomed and asked if I needed flip-flops. The staff gave me directions on finding my changing room while strapping a waterproof bracelet on my wrist.
My changing room/cubicle was number 23. I followed the signs to the changing area and found my room. I opened my space by pushing the top of my bracelet against the electronic doorknob. It clicked, and when I entered the room, a large beach bag was waiting for me, with all the supplies noted above.
My changing room was large enough to fit a family of four. It was pretty spacious for an individual like me, so I did the necessary changing and put on my swimsuit, flip-flops, and the white robe (which, to be honest, was a bit scratchy, but whatevs, right)? If you are picky on flip flops and robes, I recommend bringing your own! I saw many people at the Therme wearing their own,
I walked two massive flights of stairs to the VIP Relax! Lounge area, which was on the top floor. Immediately, as I entered the swimming pool area, moist, warm air hit my body. By the time I got upstairs, I was already sweating. Walking to the lounge was quite the exercise (they do have elevators if anyone wants to know)!
I made my way to the center desk to make them aware I was here. The staff spoke a little English and assisted me in letting me know I had access to their books, magazines, and Bluetooth headphones.
At 11:00 and 15:00, I was served two snacks: A breaded Italian cheese ball with tomato sauce and a piece of vanilla walnut cake, A hot drink of my choice (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) was also administered at 15:00. The staff also provided me with a paper with the WIFI password and other information (in German). They escorted me to my lounge chair, situated in a quiet area next to flowing white curtains.
When I saw my personal space, I felt relaxed. I could stay here as long as I wanted, reading and doing nothing. I made sure I put my phone on silent and kept it in the bag as much as possible.
What’s Inside Wien Therme?
Therme Wien has one main swimming pool, and directly outside are three pools. A tunnel area connects the main pool with the outside pool, so you feel either a gust of cold or warm air when you transition.
As you continue to walk to the left, they have this fantastic dark cave-like swimming area for adults only. It’s got a relaxed atmosphere with dim lighting and glowing colored lights. This water area is a hot spot for couples, and because people are more open in showing affection in Europe – well, couples can get a little frisky.
There are two other indoor pools inside, one of which has two small waterslides and a play area for kids. Upstairs are the sauna rooms and a salt room where you can breathe in Himalayan salt crystals that help your respiratory system.
But keep in mind, entering their sauna and salt room requires entrance only in a towel. You need to be ok with nudity if you genuinely wish to experience these two spa features.
On the right side of the Therme Wien are two steam rooms, each with a mix of essential oils. I visited the Eucalyptus steam room, which was so pleasant and calming. The mosaic stone seats complimented the serene environment of the steam room. The spot was so quiet that any movement or sound made could be heard by everyone.
Additionally, there is a beauty salon where you can get your nails done.
For lunch, I was able to get a salad, bread, and drink just under the €12 voucher that comes with the package. The lounge area also had a table with dried fruits and nuts to snack on throughout the day.
Other Things to Be Aware of
- Getting to the Therme Wien is relatively straightforward if you’re using public transportation: Take the U1 metro to the station Oberlaa and walk down the long ramp until you see the entrance. Easy peasy.
- Because it’s pretty humid inside of Therme Wien, wear light clothes if you’re not planning to be in your bathing suit. This place will open up your pores!
- It’s essential to stay hydrated and consume electrolytes. Whether you’re lounging or swimming, you’re going to be sweating, so make sure you have an electrolyte drink to replenish fluids.
- Get used to the staring: In Vienna, it’s common to have people stare at you as you walk by or are swimming. It’s cultural, so accept it.
- You can get by with English, but it would help say your Danke and Bitteschön.
- If you go to Therme Wien during school breaks, it can be a little chaotic and loud with kids – but you can always escape upstairs to the adult-only lounge!
- When you leave, make sure you have proper payment (they accept card and cash) and return the bag and items rented to you. But – you can keep the flip-flops – yay!
Overall Impression for Relax! One Day Holiday at Therme Wien
Generally, I balanced my day swimming, lounging in the steam room, and reading upstairs. I liked how I could decide what I wanted to do. Plus, I felt no pressure to do something or be somewhere.
Additionally, it was remarkable how no one bothered me and just let me be in the VIP lounge. It was Adults Only (no kids allowed), so everyone kept to themselves. You could sit and read all day if you wanted to – it was awesome.
Overall, I was very impressed with the experience at ‘Relax! One Day Holiday’ at Therme Wien. Not only was it incredibly convenient to travel there, but I loved how everything was prepared for me when I got there (i.e., check-in, changing room, lounge chair). Everything was very efficient, and the staff was friendly and courteous. I especially enjoyed the VIP lounge area, where I could relax and do nothing all day.
It felt like I wasn’t in the city, so it was a pleasant getaway experience for me. I definitely will be coming back and making ‘Relax! One Day Holiday’ at Therme Wien is something I will do every year.
