Hochrindl Region · Summer
Naturbad Sirnitz —
the Hidden Gem of the Gurktal
Crystal-clear mountain water, 30×70 m swimming area, playground — just 10 km from the Berglodge.
A summer holiday at Hochrindl gives you the perfect mix of mountain air, hiking, and alpine panoramas. What many visitors miss: just ten kilometres downhill lies one of the most beautiful natural swimming spots in Carinthia — and while the Wörthersee is packed in high summer, here you often feel like a regular.
Naturbad Sirnitz in Sirnitz-Frankenberg is not a chlorinated pool — it is a 30 by 70 metre natural pond with crystal-clear mountain water that purifies itself. Around it: beach volleyball, a playground, a diving platform, and a 2-metre springboard. This is what a real summer day in Carinthia looks like.
Photos: hochrindl.at
What makes Naturbad Sirnitz so special
Crystal-clear mountain water without chemicals. The water is not chlorinated — it purifies itself through a natural plant-filter system. You swim in the same water that springs from the sources of the Gurktaler Alps — cool, clear, and after swimming your skin smells like summer, not a pool.
30 × 70 metre swimming area. Large enough to swim proper lengths, yet small enough not to lose your family. At 2,100 square metres of water surface, one of the largest natural pools in Carinthia.
Completely redesigned in 2018. Facility, jetties, lawn, play area — all modern, but in the style of a classic alpine bathing spot. No concrete bunker with plastic loungers, just wood, grass, and mountain views.
Hidden gem character. While Wörthersee pools burst at the seams in July and August, here you still find space for the whole family even on high-summer weekends. Most day visitors come from the local area — keeping the atmosphere relaxed and authentic.
What families find here
For children, the pool is a mini adventure park in water format:
Separate children's area
Shallow water — safe paddling even for the youngest, without worrying about deep sections.
Playground "Plätschernde Vier"
Four elements — water, earth, fire, air — as interactive play stations. Educationally designed, but for children simply: a great playground.
Diving platform with 2-metre springboard
For more confident swimmers from about age 8. The jumping area is clearly separated — no conflict with lane swimmers.
Trampoline, table tennis, beach volleyball
When the kids have had enough of the water, there is dry entertainment right next door. Beach volleyball court with real sand.
Water slide
Classic, fast, into the water. Always works.
Insider tip: Pack a change of clothes for the kids and bring your own towel — hired loungers and towels are not available; the pool is organised in the classic Austrian way. A blanket and cushion for the lawn are essential — then you feel right at home.
Photos: hochrindl.at
Getting there from the Berglodge Hochrindl
The Berglodge sits at 1,630 m in the Hochrindl ski area. Naturbad Sirnitz is about 10 kilometres downhill in Sirnitz-Frankenberg — a winding mountain road, roughly 15 minutes' drive. The route itself is scenic: you pass through forest, by alpine meadows, and down into the Gurktal valley.
Parking: Free parking directly at the pool. If you have hungry children, pack your own snacks — the buffet on site is fine, but queues are possible.
What the buffet offers
A classic Austrian pool buffet: chips, schnitzel rolls, ice cream, coffee, beer. Nothing gourmet, but everything you need after three hours of swimming. Shaded seating — even at 30 °C outside you will find a cool spot.
Insider tip: The buffet coffee is decent, but if you care about quality, drive five minutes further into Sirnitz village after the swim — small cafés there are noticeably better. A perfect finish before heading back to the lodge.
When is the best time to swim?
Season
Early June to early September, depending on water temperature and weather.
Best time of day
Morning between 10 and 13:00, when the sun has warmed things up but the day-trippers have not all arrived yet. Or late afternoon from 16:00 — the lawn and play area start to empty out.
Weekdays better than weekends
Saturdays and Sundays bring day-trippers from Klagenfurt and Villach — Monday to Thursday you largely have the pool to yourself.
During a heatwave
At 1,630 m in the lodge it never exceeds 26 °C in high summer. In the valley at Sirnitz it can reach 32 °C. Plan the pool as a "heatwave escape" — or the other way around: when it gets too hot in the valley, drive back up to the Berglodge and sit on the terrace with a cold beer in 20-degree air.
Plus: What else to do in the area
Sirnitz village centre
Parish church, main square, a few small shops and cafés. A 30-minute stroll is enough to soak up the charming village atmosphere.
Gurk Cathedral
One of the most important Romanesque churches in Austria, dating from the 12th century. A must for culture lovers.
Bad Kleinkirchheim thermal spa
If after a day at the cool natural pool you still fancy a wellness touch: the famous Römerbad thermal spa is about 20 minutes by car in the other direction.
For more summer activities around Hochrindl, see our Summer Guide with 12 Activities.
Why the Berglodge is the ideal base
The Berglodge Hochrindl at 1,630 m is the ideal summer base for families: two bedrooms with two king-size beds and two single beds for up to six guests, a 590 m² private garden with a garden house full of toys for the children, and a private barrel sauna with panoramic window for the adults in the evening.
Plus: Naturbad Sirnitz is just one of many summer highlights. Right outside the lodge you have the disc golf course, hiking trails in the Gurktaler Alps, and an archery course. And for a rainy day: Bad Kleinkirchheim thermal spa is 20 minutes away.
When you book the Berglodge, you receive our Premium Guest Guide by email before arrival — with insider tips on all summer activities, garden house access with bocce, badminton, and disc golf discs, plus everything you need to know about heating, sauna, and smart TVs.
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Ready for your summer holiday in Carinthia — with mountain views, natural pool, and alpine panorama? The Berglodge awaits at 1,630 m.
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