Conflict surrounding Berlin's outdoor swimming facilities

In the heart of Germany, Berlin is bracing itself for a summer unlike any other, with record-breaking heatwaves expected to hit the city, reaching temperatures near 40°C. However, the city's outdoor swimming pools, a popular refuge during the hot summer months, may not provide the usual respite this year.

A decision has been made to not heat Berlin's outdoor swimming pools, a move that could be a result of energy efficiency measures or environmental policies, though specific details are scarce. This decision is expected to save Berliner Bäder-Betriebe (BBB) between €300,000-500,000, but the impact on everyday Berliners is becoming a topic of heated debate.

The majority of Berlin's 14 Freibäder will not be heated this year, a decision made due to budget cuts. This has led to concerns about the pools becoming less accessible to the general public, with price hikes, new security measures, changes to opening times, and unheated pool water being cited as major issues.

Local musician Klaus Blume, in a poignant song posted on his YouTube channel on May 23, 2025, expresses his anger about not being able to swim his near-daily 1,200 meters due to the cold water temperatures in Berlin's outdoor pools. Brigitte Pieck, a 79-year-old resident, also voiced her concerns, stating that the unheated pools are now unusable, especially for older people and children.

The entry price for a Freibad day pass has increased from €5.50 to €6-€7, but the cost is not the only concern. Some swimmers find the security measures exclusionary, citing concerns about people without credit cards, PayPal accounts, or internet access being unable to book tickets online.

The citizens' initiative Freibad für Alle has been vocal about these issues, alleging that the swimming pool operators are not responding to criticism of the ID requirement and reports of incidents where young swimmers were denied entry due to racism. Ralf Wendling of Wilmersdorf has even launched a petition against the unheated pools, citing safety concerns for swimmers.

Sophie Springer, a Neukölln book publisher, believes the swimming pool issue goes beyond temperatures and ticket prices, stating it's important for society and should not be limited by class boundaries. Local Die Linke representative Ferat Koçak echoes this sentiment, calling out the pools as a class issue, stating that people who can't afford to go on holiday abroad need accessible pools in the summer.

The Senate has promised to invest €370 million in the pools over the next five years for new construction and renovation plans. However, the question remains about who can afford to swim in these public spaces due to the price increase and other changes.

As the summer heats up, the debate around Berlin's outdoor swimming pools continues, with concerns about accessibility, affordability, and safety at the forefront. It remains to be seen how the city will navigate these challenges and ensure that its pools remain a welcoming and inclusive space for all Berliners.

The rising cost of entry for Berlin's Freibaher day passes, combined with new security measures and unheated pool water, has sparked concerns about the swimming pools becoming less accessible to the general public, particularly those without credit cards, PayPal accounts, or internet access.
In response to increased prices and security measures, the citizens' initiative Freibad für Alle has been vocal about the ID requirement for purchasing tickets, alleging that the operators are not responding to criticism of discrimination and incidents where young swimmers were denied entry due to racism.
Local pet owners may need to adapt their usual summer routines now that Berlin's outdoor swimming pools are not heated, as the unheated pool water may not provide a suitable cooling-off option for pets.
With concerns about accessibility, affordability, and safety affecting Berlin's outdoor swimming pools, travelers may be encouraged to explore other destinations with pet-friendly and convenient swimming facilities during their summer vacations. Shopping for swimwear, sunscreen, and other travel essentials can be a welcomed distraction as the debate surrounding Berlin's pools continues.