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7 June 2025

'Bewegt im Park': Free Outdoor Fitness Courses Across Austria

Group of people exercising outdoors in a park fitness class led by an instructor.

Movement is one of the most effective tools for promoting health — and not just physical health. Regular activity improves cardiovascular fitness, supports the immune system, and strengthens muscles and joints. Just as important, however, are the positive effects on mental well-being: even gentle forms of physical activity can reduce stress, lift mood, and help prevent depression and anxiety. Given these proven benefits, it is no coincidence that Austria's largest outdoor fitness initiative is driven by institutions with a mission to protect health.

Why Movement Matters – and for Whom

Launched in 2016 and now with over 700 free courses offered every summer, *Bewegt im Park* is a joint initiative by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), the Dachverband der Sozialversicherungsträger (umbrella association of social insurers), the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport, and the Wiener Gesundheitsförderung (WiG). Its mission: to bring physical activity into public spaces and make it accessible to all.

Whether someone is looking to ease back into exercise, stay active during retirement, or try something new on vacation, the open and no-registration format ensures low-threshold access. Inclusivity is central: courses are adapted for all fitness levels and ages, and many are explicitly designed for people with disabilities. The initiative works closely with experienced trainers and partners including ASKÖ, ASVÖ, SPORTUNION, the Austrian Disabled Sports Association (ÖBSV), and Special Olympics Austria.

Austria-Wide, Inclusive, Free: The Idea Behind "Bewegt im Park"

The courses take place from June to September in all nine federal states of Austria — in city parks, village greens, or lakeside meadows. A user-friendly online directory at bewegt-im-park.at allows filtering by location and inclusive offers as well as keyword search after courses, trainer, etc. Each listing includes clear details about time, trainer, description of the session, and suggestions for what to wear or bring (e.g., a mat, comfortable clothing, or a bottle of water). Interested participants can opt in to receive email reminders a day before the next course.

The initiative has proven especially valuable for promoting not just fitness but also community spirit. Meeting regularly for exercise in the open air often leads to new social connections — including for tourists who are welcome to join local sessions during their stay in Austria.

Examples Show: From Orientation Runs to Yoga – Movement Comes in Many Forms

A look at some examples illustrates the wide range of offerings:
  • "Orientierungslauf im Park" (Orientation Run in the Park) takes place every Thursday evening in Vienna's Türkenschanzpark. Participants of all ages practice map-based navigation and running, supported by playful interval exercises. (12 June – 4 September 2025)
  • "Dance Yoga" combines the flowing movements of dance with the meditative poses of yoga. Held Wednesdays at the Stadtpark near the Robert-Stolz monument in Vienna, it aims to bring body and soul into harmony. (18 June – 3 September 2025)
  • "Rückenfit in Bad Ischl" is tailored to strengthen back muscles and improve posture. The holistic training includes mobilization, stretching, and core exercises. Sessions run on Wednesdays at Sisi Park. (18 June – 3 September 2025)
  • "Selbstverteidigung" (Self-Defense), offered on Mondays at Stadtpark in Graz, focuses on coordination, self-confidence, and fun — suitable for all age groups and without injury risk. (16 June – 1 September 2025)
Whether you're looking to boost your overall health, discover a new activity, or simply connect with others outdoors — *Bewegt im Park* offers a valuable and inclusive space to move and meet. Participation is free of charge, open to all, and welcomes newcomers, locals, and travelers alike.


Image: The AI-generated picture shows a group of diverse individuals is participating in an outdoor fitness class led by an instructor in a public park on a sunny day. The participants, dressed in athletic wear, are standing on the grass and mimicking the instructor's movements. Photo: © Fashion.at, generated with Imagen by Google AI Studio.