The Kongreßbad was built in 1928 in a Constructivist style. It used to be the biggest outdoor pool in Europe until it was recently divided in two to add a kids' section and a water slide. "They fucked it." says Herta.

The "Republik Konge" (as it's known locally) is a leftover of Proletariat Vienna, located as it is in what is traditionally a workers' suburb. The public baths culture is still one of egalitarianism. The elderly regulars rule the place, playing cards and drinking white wine and soda in the baking mid-day sun.