Varaždin Residents Get Free Access to Pools and Bathing Area Again
The City of Varaždin continues the measure introduced due to high summer temperatures, with free daily entry available upon presentation of an ID card.
The City of Varaždin continues the measure introduced due to high summer temperatures, with free daily entry available upon presentation of an ID card.
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, residents of Varaždin will once again have the opportunity to use the city pools and the Drava bathing area free of charge. The City of Varaždin is extending the initiative launched in response to the intense summer heat, and free daily entry will be granted upon showing an ID card.
The city pools will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the Drava bathing area will be accessible from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Only those with registered residence in Varaždin are eligible for free entry.
Mayor Neven Bosilj encouraged locals to take advantage of the opportunity to swim and cool off during one of the hottest parts of the summer. After a similar measure was implemented last weekend, the campaign continues, and Varaždin residents enjoyed free access to the city's bathing areas under the same conditions at that time.
The number of visitors will, however, depend on available capacity. Once the pool capacity is reached, new visitors will only be able to enter after some of the existing guests leave the premises. These restrictions are in place for safety, sanitary, and hygiene standards, not to deny free entry.
Additionally, the Aquacity bathing facility is available to residents, so Varaždin will have more options for seeking refuge from high temperatures during the heatwave.
Free access to pools may seem like a small municipal measure, but during a heatwave, it carries significant health value. Not everyone can afford to cool their homes, go to the coast, or pay for daily tickets for the whole family. That's why public facilities on days of extreme heat become more than just places for recreation.
Still, it's crucial that such measures are not the only solution to the heat. Cities need to provide shade, drinking water, accessible air-conditioned spaces, and special care for elderly individuals living alone. Free swimming in Varaždin is a positive step, but true preparedness is reflected in whether every citizen can safely survive days when temperatures are hazardous to health.
