Two Water Worlds in Austria! Which Suits You?

If you’re planning a family holiday in Austria and looking for a place where both kids and adults can have a fun and relaxing time, there are two great waterparks worth checking out: H2O Hotel-Therme-Resort in Bad Waltersdorf and Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg near the Hungarian border. Both are known for being family-friendly and full of water fun, but they each have their own atmosphere and special features. Even though they share the same idea — swimming, sliding, and relaxing — they actually offer quite different experiences.

H2O Hotel-Therme-Resort feels playful and colorful from the moment you walk in. It’s full of cartoon mascots, cheerful decorations, and excited children. Everything is close and connected — if you stay in the hotel, you can walk straight into the waterpark from the lobby. Many families love this easy setup, especially with young kids. A lot of guests also say it feels warm and welcoming, like a place made for smiles.

In comparison, Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg feels a bit more modern and calm. The colors are softer, the design more elegant, and even the noise level is lower. It still welcomes families, but it has a strong focus on babies and toddlers. You’ll see this from the start — strollers are free to use, changing rooms include baby baths, and even the pools have steps and platforms made for tiny feet. 

never seen such a baby-friendly place — from the restaurant chairs to the swim classes, everything was thought through.}Tripadvisor’s User

When it comes to attractions, H2O is more classic waterpark-style. It has bright waterslides like the Black Hole and Speedy Slide that older kids and teens really enjoy. The wave pool and adventure area bring excitement, and younger children have their own splash pool with mini slides and playful fountains. The whole place feels active, and in the evening, there’s even a water disco with music and lights.

Sonnentherme, on the other hand, is all about gentle fun. There are still some slides — like the long, curvy Twister and Speedy Yellow — but they are smoother and easier, which makes them great for smaller kids and for parents who want to slide together. The Baby World area is really the heart of the park. Warm baby pools, tiny bubble spots, and swimming classes are just some of the things on offer. It’s clear the park was built with babies in mind, not just as an extra thought.

Thermal water is another big part of both parks. At H2O, there are warm pools inside and outside, with massage jets and bubble zones where you can sit and relax while the kids play nearby. It feels like a family spa and so just cozy. At Sonnentherme, the thermal side is more separate. There’s a quiet wellness zone called Sauna World where children aren’t allowed, so parents can take turns having some peace. There’s also a spa for massages and treatments, including options for moms and even little ones.

In terms of extras, H2O adds some fun with cartoon characters walking around the pool, themed hotel rooms for kids, and a more “festive” atmosphere overall. It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to plan too much — everything’s happening around you. Kids can dance with mascots or join activities without needing to sign up. Sonnentherme offers a different kind of bonus: quiet playrooms for drawing or building when kids want a break from the water, workshops about baby movement and health, and fitness zones for parents. It’s more about development and gentle fun.

Both parks also make staying overnight very easy. H2O has its own hotel just steps away from the pools, with colorful family rooms and a buffet that’s friendly to kids (yes, even picky eaters). Many visitors love the fact that you can swim in the morning, take a nap in your room, then return for an evening splash. Sonnentherme also has hotels nearby, like Thermenhotel Kurz and All in Red, which are fully designed for families. You’ll find extras like bottle warmers, baby monitors, and even free baby supplies to borrow. Parents say it really takes the stress out of packing.

So which park should you choose? It depends on your family. If your children are very small, still crawling or learning to walk, and you want a quieter and more baby-focused trip, Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg has everything designed for those early years. If your kids are a bit older and love action, lights, music, and exciting slides, then H2O Hotel-Therme-Resort brings the energy and fun.

But no matter which one you pick, both parks offer a warm, safe, and splashy holiday that’s sure to leave happy memories.