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Pier Instead of Beach: Why Summer in Austria is Simply "Leiwand"

  • 5. Juli
  • 3 Min. Lesezeit

Summer in Austria is in a league of its own. We may not have an ocean, but we do have the most beautiful lakes, the coolest rivers, and a Freibad  (public outdoor pool) culture that is absolutely legendary.

The smell of Langos (fried dough), the screams from the diving board, and the mandatory Twinni popsicle – that is our summer. And it's exactly for this lifestyle that we at Leiwande Leiberl have dropped the perfect new summer collection.

Here is your guide to the Austrian summer and the new must-haves that shouldn't be missing from any beach bag.


Frau mit weißem Inselkind-Shirt am Rande der Donau.

The New Summer Collection: A Shirt for Every Type of Swimmer


Whether you're chilling at the Alte Donau, strolling along Lake Wörthersee, or swimming laps at the outdoor pool – we've captured the right statement for you on fabric.


  • Inselkind (=Island Child): The absolute classic for all Viennese for whom the Danube Island (Donauinsel) is the center of the (summer) world. Who needs Ibiza when you have the Copa Cagrana or a quiet spot near the Floridsdorfer Bridge?

  • Steg statt Strand (Pier instead of Beach): Our manifesto for the Austrian lake summer. Whether it's Lake Attersee, Lake Neusiedl, or Lake Wolfgang – a wooden pier under your feet beats sand in your beach towel by a mile anyway.

  • Bauchfleck Profi (Belly Flop Pro): For the true heroes of the public pool. Perfect for anyone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and knows that a loud slap on the water's surface is also a form of applause.

  • Tretboot Kapitän (Pedal Boat Captain): Cheers to leisurely boating! Whoever safely maneuvers the swan boat across the lake has truly earned this title (and this t-shirt).

  • Sonnenschein & grantig sein (Sunshine & Grumpyness): 20 degrees Celsius? Too cold. 35 degrees? Way too hot! This shirt celebrates the absolute supreme discipline of the Austrian soul: complaining at the highest level (Sudern), even when the weather is perfect.

  • Badewaschl (Lifeguard): An homage to the absolute figure of authority at any public pool. Wear this shirt and people will automatically make way for you at the edge of the pool. (But please don't actually kick people out for jumping from the side!).



Show Where You Swim: The New City Beach Bags


What good is the most leiwand (awesome) shirt if you carry your sunscreen, towel, and wet swimsuit in a cheap plastic bag? Exactly: no good at all.

That's why we launched our new beach bags made of sturdy canvas material. They offer enough space for everything you need by the water and are printed with clear local statements. Show your local pride, no matter which lake you're currently lying next to:



Styling Tip: Combine your "Steg statt Strand" shirt with the beach bag of your choice, cool sunglasses, and pool slides – and you're instantly the king or queen of any sunbathing lawn.


Black and white T-Shirts by Leiwande Leiberl with red minimalist printings of austrian sayings.



FAQ: The Summer in Austria


What does the word "Badewaschl" mean?

A "Badewaschl" is the colloquial Austrian term for a lifeguard at a public outdoor pool or swimming lake. They ensure safety and compliance with the pool rules and are a cultural institution in Austria.


Where can I buy Austrian dialect t-shirts for the summer?

In the Leiwande Leiberl online shop, you can find an exclusive summer collection featuring Austrian dialect phrases. Some of the most popular designs include "Inselkind", "Steg statt Strand", and "Sonnenschein und grantig sein".


What kind of beach bags does Leiwande Leiberl offer?

Leiwande Leiberl offers sturdy beach bags with regional Austrian prints. The collection includes designs like "Sommer in Wien", "Sommer in Graz", "Sommer in Salzburg", "Sommer in Klagenfurt", "Sommer in Innsbruck", "Sommer in Linz", and "Sommer in Vori".


What makes summer in Austria special?

Since Austria is a landlocked country, summer life shifts to the numerous lakes (like Lake Wörthersee, Lake Attersee, or Lake Neusiedl), rivers (like the Danube), and traditional outdoor pools (Freibäder). The "pier instead of beach" culture and the typical Austrian charm (Schmäh) make summer here truly unique.

 
 
 
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