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Local Germany
6 days ago
- Local Germany
In which German cities can you swim in the river?
Munich The Isar river that winds its way through the Bavarian city is well known for its swimming – and river-surfing – opportunities. And, of course, this much-loved summer hotspot comes with the added bonus of never being much more than a hop, skip and a splash from a beer garden. These are the areas where you can get in and enjoy the clean, icy-cold waters: Upwards from the Flauchersteg to just before the Wittelsbacherbrücke – this spot just south of the city centre is probably the most popular area for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking From the Marienklausensteg to the Thalkirchner bridge A few metres downstream from Wittelsbacherbrücke to the Reichenbachbrücke Downstream from the Großhesseloher railroad bridge to just before the Marienklause From the Max-Joseph bridge to just before the Oberföhring weir A day-tripper jumps out of their floating tyre to take a swim in the Isar river in Munich. Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa And if you prefer to embrace Germany's FKK culture and let it all hang out, then there are several nude bathing areas along the river, including by the large gravel bank east of the Flauchersteg. One word of caution, though: the Isar can have strong currents, so do check conditions before you go in and only swim in the designated areas. READ ALSO: Germany's top 10 most beautiful summer swimming spots Children swim in the Marli open-air pool with the city's skyline in the background. Photo: COLORplus / dpa-Bildfunk Lübeck Lübeck's love affair with swimming has been going on for a long time – the first river pool in the maritime city was opened in 1899 and the city fully supports swimming in its waters. There are four open-air pools along the slow-flowing Wakenitz river in this medieval north-German city: Krähenteich , Falkenwiese, Marli and Eichholz, with water quality being particularly excellent in the last three. The historic Krähenteich pool is in the old town area, right by the former city wall. The much-loved supervised bathing facility also has a sauna and café. Advertisement The busy Falkenwiese is also close to the city centre, so it's ideal if you want to get your strokes in/cool off on a daily basis. The Marli is on the opposite side of the river – and its historic changing area, the Alte Magazin, has been lovingly restored, serving as a perfect reminder of 19th century bathing culture. Head here to enjoy the view over the old town and some glorious sunsets. The Eichholz pool is slightly further out, on the not-so-small Kleiner See, technically an area where the Wakenitz widens. It might not be that tiny, but it's still got a more peaceful intimate feel to the other two with added forest views. READ ALSO: Where in Europe has the cleanest and dirtiest swimming spots All the pools – most of which also have beaches, lawns and areas for non-swimmers – are open from May to September. Swimmers bathe in the Spree canal during a demonstration to mark the 100th anniversary of a ban on swimming in the Spree river, in Berlin on June 17, 2025. The demonstrators are pleading for a lifting of the ban. (Photo by Lilas TANTUSSI DEVOS / AFP) Berlin Swimming in the inner city is generally verboten , but there's a growing movement called Fluss Bad Berlin that's organised demonstration swims. It's been calling for Spree to be cleaned up since 2012 and it looks like this might actually happen by 2026 with plans to open up a section for recreational swimming on track. READ ALSO: Will Berlin open up the Spree river to swimmers? For now, there's the popular floating Badeschiff pool right on the Spree, at Arena Berlin. Advertisement There are also plenty of clean and calm swimming lakes to choose from on the outskirts of the city, such as the open-air lido at Wannsee, actually a bay in the Havel river. Or check out Wild Swim Berlin , which takes you to some of the over 3,000 lakes in and around the city. READ ALSO: A guide to Berlin's hidden swimming spots - from the woman who wrote the book on it A paddler paddles in a kayak in Dresden, on the banks of the river Elbe on July 4, 2025. (Photo by JENS SCHLUETER / AFP) Dresden Boat traffic, currents and water quality can impact swimming in the Elbe river that runs through the eastern city of Dresden, but there are still a couple of (unofficial) options: For example, there are a few calm stretches of the Elbe downstream from the Blaues Wunder bridge which some locals favour. Just be aware, these aren't official swim spots, so take care if you go in. Since 1998, though, there's been an official 3.5km Elbe swim every August from the bridge down to Fährgarten Johannstadt. The Prießnitz estuary, where the stream flows into the Elbe, is a calm spot, that's perfect for paddling rather than full-on swimming due to the shallow waters. The same goes for the scenic Rabenauer gorge to the west of the city. Advertisement Many locals head to the safer Carolasee lake rather than risking an Elbe swim outside of the organised event. READ ALSO: Travel in Germany - A guide to Berlin's best lakes And a few to avoid: The Elbe river in Hamburg is a very busy waterway. This picture shows the "Hamburg sud" carrier sailing on the Elbe in the city. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) Hamburg Swimming in the Hanseatic city isn't officially recommended because the maritime river's a major commercial waterway. That means strong undercurrents and not the best water quality, so you'll see warnings strongly advising against getting in. Even though some people do swim – cautiously – by the beaches along the banks of the river, the Elbstrand, the city says it's not suitable for swimming or bathing. Most people who fancy an outdoor swim, head to nearby supervised lakes, such as Boberger See and Eichbaumsee. Advertisement Düsseldorf, Cologne and Bonn Swimming is off limits in several parts of the busy Rhine in these neighbouring cities, but even where it's not prohibited it can be extremely dangerous – even for experienced swimmers. Several people drown every year because they didn't heed the warnings. [embed] The city administrations and fire brigades regularly remind people not to swim in the river at all and there are notices up – in English, too – warning tempted tourists of the dangers. Dangers include strong undercurrents, hidden obstacles forming treacherous whirlpools and shipping traffic, such as large freighters and tankers, creating strong currents and suction effects. If you want to swim, you're better off visiting one of the cities' nearby lakes or lidos. READ ALSO: How to stay safe while swimming outdoors in Germany this summer Wherever you swim, remember to check conditions before you go in and follow the usual advice to keep yourself and others safe: be careful about going in if you're too hot (due to the extreme temperature difference) and never swim if you've been drinking alcohol or have just eaten. Do you have a favourite city swimming spot? Let us know in the comments!
Local Germany
01-07-2025
- Local Germany
German word of the day: Badesee
Why do I need to know Badesee ? Going for a swim in a lake isn't just a refreshing way to spend a sweltering summer day, it's also a cherished part of German culture. When temperatures get hot – like they're expected to this week – you'll want to know how to say yes when your German friends invite you on a day trip to the Badesee . What does it mean? Badesee (plural: Badeseen ) literally translates to bathing lake, and the word refers to a lake where people go swimming. Heading to the Badesee is a common summer pastime across Germany. There are at least a dozen popular Badeseen in and around Berlin. But there are Badeseen all across the country too. Odds are, there's one in your corner of Germany as well. Badeseen offer a cheap and accessible way to cool off, exercise and relax with family and friends. And with temperatures projected to reach 35C in Berlin this week, you can expect your local Badesee to be pretty crowded. If schools and workplaces grant Hitzefrei – a day off from work or school due to high temperatures – the lakes will probably be especially packed. READ ALSO: Hitzefrei - Is it ever legally too hot to go to work or school in Germany? Some Badeseen in Germany include designated nudist – or Freikörperkultur – areas, though the practice has waned in popularity over the years. If you see a sign saying FKK, be prepared to enter a mostly clothing-free zone! Advertisement Here's how to use it: Willst du zum Badesee mitkommen? Do you want to come along to the (bathing) lake? Wir sind letztes Wochenende zum Badesee gefahren. We went to the lake last weekend. Es gibt viele Badeseen in der Nähe von Berlin. There are many lakes near Berlin.
Local Germany
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Local Germany
Freibad: The etiquette rules you need to know for Germany's outdoor pools
A warm summer day spent at an outdoor swimming pool ( Freibad ) is a quintessential German experience, enjoyed by millions every year. Many Freibäder are stunning historic monuments in their own right. Some of the most spectacular include Berlin's Sommerbad Olympiastadion , built in 1936 for the Summer Olympics, Hamburg's Kaifu , and the Naturbad Maria Einsiedel in Munich. Most are open from some point in May until September. Unsurprisingly, they are usually packed in the warmer months when families, groups of friends or individuals go to take a dip. The humble Freibad is part of growing up for many Germans. The Freibad is not just an outdoor swimming pool for a quick swim - most have a large lawn area for people to relax and dry off after a swim. There can also be snack bars and even playgrounds. But these pools have plenty of unspoken rules – most are common to pools the world over, and a few are unique to Germany. From what to wear to when to overtake in the pool, here is your guide to Freibad etiquette. Observe hygiene rules Most swimming pools require bathers to take a shower before entering the pool, ideally with soap or shower gel. Parents of children should remind them that the pool is not to be used as a toilet. Finally, wearing sandals when walking around is appreciated, though not always required. Advertisement Dress appropriately Most public pools in Germany require standard swimwear – no underwear! Nudity is only permitted in clearly designated FKK (nudist) areas. Pools in Berlin do allow women to swim topless after a 2023 court ruling, a move which was followed by other German cities albeit on a restricted basis. If you want to go topless, it's worth checking the rules at the pool you plan to visit ahead of time. On the other hand, saunas and spa areas are often nude – even when mixed-gender. READ ALSO: What are the laws in Germany around topless swimming? Some pools require ID You got a license for that swim? Some Freibad operators in places like Berlin have introduced ID checks on swimmers in response to antisocial behaviour. Check your area's rules before setting out as you may be denied entry to the pool without ID (as absurd as this sounds). Stay right, overtake left If you're swimming laps, treat the lane like a road. Stick to the right and overtake on the left. Most pools divide lanes by speed, so find the one that matches your pace. If you need a break, move to the edge, not the end of the lane, where swimmers turn. Blocking that area disrupts swimmers' flow. Advertisement Supervise your children Depending on your children's age and swimming ability, you may be required to supervise them when they use the pool, or ensure they remain in dedicated children's areas. Some pools require children to have achieved a certain level of competency before swimming, and lifeguards may ask for proof. READ ALSO: How to make the most of Germany's long summer days Be considerate Be mindful of your fellow swimmers. If someone nearby is reading or snoozing, it's probably not the time for loud music or a volleyball match. Rules on eating and drinking vary from pool to pool. If picnicing is permitted, always clean up all your rubbish. Smoking may be banned or only allowed in specific areas. Advertisement Listen to the lifeguards If the weather turns and a thunderstorm looks likely, lifeguards will ask everyone to exit the pool. You should heed their instructions without arguing – lightning and swimming pools are a dangerous mix. Don't stress If you inadvertently break a rule, a German lifeguard will probably let you know. Comply agreeably and that will be the end of the story. Staff are there to ensure the good functioning of the pool, not to scold, and just want to ensure everyone has a good time. Above all, use common sense – a little goes a long way in getting the most out of this classic German summer pastime.
The Independent
10-03-2025
- The Independent
City to ban people from wearing clothing on nudist beaches
Clothed visitors to beaches in the German city of Rostock could face bans from nudist beaches. The third largest city on the German Baltic coast is home to 15km of white sand beach, which is divided into clothing optional, mixed and clothed sections. The new ruling follows local authorities who have 'received numerous complaints from people who felt harassed in the naturist (or nudist) areas,' Rostock Tourism's Moritz Naumann told The Independent. By defining these areas as exclusively for textile-free sunbathing and swimming, the beach warden now has the ability to issue bans in case of conflict, he said. Mr Naumann said that the ban is only to be used in 'case of conflict'. He added: 'It should be noted that not every situation where someone wears clothes in this area directly leads to a conflict. The main focus is to protect those who genuinely feel disturbed.' Offensive comments, staring or the taking of photographs or video are all broadly regarded as inappropriate etiquette in nudist spaces. Mr Naumann added that Rostock city authorities have observed that 'the number of people practicing it today is decreasing. 'Therefore, we have reduced the number of naturist beaches from 37 to 27 blocks with the new regulation.' He added: 'It is important to us that every guest at our beach feels comfortable, especially in sensitive areas, and we hope that the new regulation will meet the needs of our visitors. 'Naturism has a long tradition in Rostock and is appreciated by many locals as well as guests.' While nudism, known as 'Freikörperkultur' (FKK) or 'free body culture,' has traditionally been popular throughout Germany, enthusiasm for the practice appears to have fallen out of style with younger generations. In addition to beaches, the movement – which dates back to the 19th-century – has seen nudism extended to parks and even hiking trails across the country. In June 2024, the German Association for Free Body Culture (DFK) – an umbrella organisation for several naturist interest groups – told its members that anniversary celebrations would be cancelled due to a lack of interest. Group membership has fallen from 65,000 people 25 years ago to fewer than 34,000 in 2024. In 2023, city officials in Berlin ruled that all swimmers would be permitted to swim topless following an equality row. The ruling came after a woman took legal action in response to being ejected from an open-air pool in the German capital for sunbathing topless. As a consequence of the complaint, the Berliner Bäderbetriebe, which runs the city's public pools, changed its clothing rules accordingly, saying that the ruling established 'equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female or non-binary'.
The Independent
07-03-2025
- The Independent
German city to ban people from wearing clothing on nudist beaches
Clothed visitors to beaches in the German city of Rostock could face bans from nudist beaches. The third largest city on the German Baltic coast is home to 15km of white sand beach, which is divided into clothing optional, mixed and clothed sections. The new ruling follows local authorities who have 'received numerous complaints from people who felt harassed in the naturist (or nudist) areas,' Rostock Tourism's Moritz Naumann told The Independent. By defining these areas as exclusively for textile-free sunbathing and swimming, the beach warden now has the ability to issue bans in case of conflict, he said. Mr Naumann said that the ban is only to be used in 'case of conflict'. He added: 'It should be noted that not every situation where someone wears clothes in this area directly leads to a conflict. The main focus is to protect those who genuinely feel disturbed.' Offensive comments, staring or the taking of photographs or video are all broadly regarded as inappropriate etiquette in nudist spaces. Mr Naumann added that Rostock city authorities have observed that 'the number of people practicing it today is decreasing. 'Therefore, we have reduced the number of naturist beaches from 37 to 27 blocks with the new regulation.' He added: 'It is important to us that every guest at our beach feels comfortable, especially in sensitive areas, and we hope that the new regulation will meet the needs of our visitors. 'Naturism has a long tradition in Rostock and is appreciated by many locals as well as guests.' While nudism, known as 'Freikörperkultur' (FKK) or 'free body culture,' has traditionally been popular throughout Germany, enthusiasm for the practice appears to have fallen out of style with younger generations. In addition to beaches, the movement – which dates back to the 19th-century – has seen nudism extended to parks and even hiking trails across the country. In June 2024, the German Association for Free Body Culture (DFK) – an umbrella organisation for several naturist interest groups – told its members that anniversary celebrations would be cancelled due to a lack of interest. Group membership has fallen from 65,000 people 25 years ago to fewer than 34,000 in 2024. In 2023, city officials in Berlin ruled that all swimmers would be permitted to swim topless following an equality row. The ruling came after a woman took legal action in response to being ejected from an open-air pool in the German capital for sunbathing topless. As a consequence of the complaint, the Berliner Bäderbetriebe, which runs the city's public pools, changed its clothing rules accordingly, saying that the ruling established 'equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female or non-binary'.
