Summer in Graz can be beautiful. Long sunny days, outdoor cafés, evening walks by the Mur, open-air events, parks full of people and that special feeling that the city is alive.

But during heatwaves, summer also brings a very practical question:

Where can we cool down?

Coming from Brazil, I grew up thinking it was normal to refresh yourself in a park, a waterfall, a River, or at the beach. Water felt like part of public life. Something accessible. Something shared.

Living in Graz, this difference becomes more visible during very hot days. Yes, the city has public pools, green areas, drinking fountains, and lakes nearby. And these are great options. But in many cases, cooling down still depends on transport, planning, or paying for entry.

And this made me think: in a future with hotter summers, what does it mean to make access to cooling truly democratic?

I’m not only talking about more swimming pools. I’m talking about cities that integrate water into public life: urban bathing areas, free water play zones, interactive fountains, safe river access, shaded parks with cooling elements, and public spaces where people can refresh themselves without needing to consume or pay.

Graz already has many positive examples, especially with green spaces, public drinking water, and beautiful parks. But maybe this is also the right moment to expand the conversation. In the context of climate change, access to cooling is not just a comfort issue. It is also about health, inclusion, and quality of life.

And while we wait for cities to keep evolving, here are some of the best ways to enjoy summer in Graz and stay cool.

Spend the Day at a Public Pool

Graz has several public swimming pools that are perfect for hot summer days.

Some options include:

• Augartenbad
• Auster Sport- und Wellnessbad
• Straßganger Bad

They offer swimming areas, sunbathing lawns, cafés, and spaces for different ages. For families, friends, or anyone who wants a classic summer day, this is one of the easiest ways to cool down in the city.

Visit a Lake Near Graz

If you have a car or can plan a short trip, the lakes around Graz are a great summer escape.

Popular options include:

• Schwarzlsee
• Thalersee
• Tiebersee
• Stubenbergsee

Some are better for swimming, others are more for walking, relaxing, or having a coffee by the water. Always check opening hours, bathing rules, and current conditions before going.

Find Shade in the Parks

Not every summer plan needs a ticket. Graz has beautiful green spaces where you can slow down, rest, and escape the strongest sun.

Some lovely options are:

• Stadtpark
• Augarten
• Schloss Eggenberg Park
• Hilmteich
• Leechwald

Bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a picnic blanket. Sometimes the best summer plan is simply sitting under a tree.

Walk Along the Mur in the Evening

During the hottest hours, the city can feel heavy. But in the evening, Graz becomes softer again.

A walk along the Mur, especially around Augarten, Murinsel, and Lend, can be a beautiful way to enjoy the city after the temperature drops.

Go for Ice Cream or a Cold Drink

Austrian summer also means ice cream, iced coffee, lemonades, and shady terraces.

Whether you are in the city center, Lend, Geidorf, or near the river, there is always a café or ice cream shop nearby where you can take a break.

Escape Indoors During the Hottest Hours

Museums, galleries, libraries, and cafés can be a good refuge when the sun is too strong.

This is also a great way to explore the cultural side of Graz while staying comfortable.

A Thought for the Future

Extreme heat should not only be manageable for people who can pay for entry or travel outside the city.

Cities of the future will need to think about cooling as public infrastructure. Water, shade, and safe public spaces are part of a good quality of life.

And maybe that is one thing we can learn from warmer countries too: cooling down can be collective. It can be simple. It can be part of the city.

Until then, Graz still offers many beautiful ways to enjoy summer. With a little planning, some shade, and enough water, hot days can become slower, softer, and even joyful.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy summer in Graz.