Weekend Getaway from Graz: Montequarium Experience

Weekend Trip Alert! ✨ I recently discovered this amazing conservation and eco-tourism project, and honestly, it’s pure magic. 🌿🐟

Austria keeps surprising me with new places and experiences. And living in Graz makes everything feel so close and easy to explore. 🚗💫

If you’re planning a weekend getaway (or a 3-day escape), this one’s a hidden gem. You’ll need a car and a reservation — but it’s totally worth it!

Welcome to the Montequarium

Tucked inside the Alpentherme Gastein, the Montequarium is the first swim-in saltwater aquarium in the Alps — and it’s just as incredible as it sounds.

Imagine floating in a warm thermal pool while colorful fish glide beside you. Above you, near you, below you. Sometimes even with a diver in the tank. It’s part relaxation, part wonder, and 100% unforgettable.

This 300,000-liter aquarium is home to around 800 marine animals from 12 different species, all cared for by a passionate in-house marine biology team.

Swim, Observe, and Be Amazed

One of the most unique aspects of this place is that you’re not just looking at the fish — you’re in the water with them. Thanks to a special tunnel design, you can literally swim through the Montequarium and observe fish at every level of the tank.

You’ll see:

Pompano, batfish and silver moony fish cruising near the surface
French grunt, golden trevally, foxface rabbitfish and cow-nose rays gliding through the middle
Stingrays and striped snappers resting near the bottom

It feels wild, natural, and surprisingly calming.

The Science Behind the Beauty

Behind this magical experience is serious science and care. Marine biologist Murathan Özdemir, who has worked in major aquariums around the world, leads a team that monitors every detail — from fish behavior to water chemistry.

Every drop of saltwater is prepared and filtered on-site. New fish spend at least 21 days in quarantine before joining the main tank, ensuring a safe and healthy environment. The system even includes a full hospital area and high-end filtration that refreshes all the water three times per hour.

More Than Just a Pretty Aquarium

Montequarium is not just about the experience. It’s also about conservation and education. In partnership with Save the 7 Oceans and Reefvillage, Alpentherme Gastein is helping fund the construction of an artificial coral reef in Bali — creating new habitats and restoring life to damaged marine ecosystems.

So yes, your visit actually supports global ocean health. 🌍💙

Plan Your Visit

📍 Location: Alpentherme Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, Salzburg
🕒 Open: Year-round, included in spa admission
💡 Tip: Make a reservation, especially on weekends and holidays
🚗 Travel: Best accessed by car from Graz (approx. 3.5 hours)

Why We Love It

It’s rare to find something that’s both soothing and awe-inspiring. The Montequarium delivers that balance beautifully. It’s perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking for a unique way to relax and reconnect with nature — in the middle of the Alps.

So yes, you can swim with tropical fish in a thermal spa in Austria. And now you know where.

Let us know if you go — and tag us @grazmagazine or @bestof.graz.austria so we can share the adventure with you! 🐠✨

Source: https://www.alpentherme.com/de/therme-sauna/family-world/montequarium