Clash Regarding Berlin's Open-Air Swimming Pools
In the heart of Berlin, a series of controversial measures affecting the maintenance and accessibility of public outdoor pools (Freibäder) has sparked a wave of public dissent. The primary driver behind these changes is the rising operational costs, which have become a significant financial challenge for the city [1].
One of the most contentious decisions is the removal of heating from most outdoor pools. This choice has raised concerns among Berliners, who argue that unheated pools might be less appealing during cooler weather, potentially reducing their usage [1][2]. The decision could disproportionately affect lower-income residents who rely on these affordable recreational spaces during summer. On the other hand, given the increasing trend of heatwaves across Europe, including Berlin, some people might still use these pools as a cooling resource despite the lack of heating.
Local musician Klaus Blume voiced his frustration over the inability to swim his near-daily 1,200 meters due to the cold water temperatures in a song he posted on his YouTube channel [3]. Brigitte Pieck, a 79-year-old resident, expressed concern that the unheated pools are not usable, especially for older people and children. Sophie Springer, a 44-year-old book publisher from Neukołln, emphasised the importance of swimming for society and the potential class barriers that the current state of Berlin's pools presents.
Freibad für Alle, a citizens' initiative, complained that many people cannot buy tickets online due to a lack of credit card, PayPal account, or internet-enabled devices, deeming it a form of discrimination. They also accused the pool operators of not responding to criticism of the ID requirement and incidents of young swimmers being denied entry due to racism [4].
In a bid to address some of the concerns, the BBB eased mandatory online booking rules to allow walk-up tickets. However, pool occupancy limits often result in turning away those without reservations. Ralf Wendling of Wilmersdorf launched a petition against the decision, citing the potential dangers of swimming in cold water [5].
The entry price for a Freibad day pass has increased from €5.50 to €6-€7, raising questions about who can afford to use these public spaces [6]. Local Die Linke rep Ferat Koçak identified the pools as a class issue, stating that the problem is not with young Arabic or Muslim people, but rather the lack of swimming pools for people with limited financial resources.
In response to the public backlash, four pools were announced to be heated again [7]. However, when asked about reversing the heating and pricing changes, the ministry only stated that the budget would be audited appropriately [8]. The Senate plans to invest €370 million in the pools over the next five years for new construction and renovation projects [9].
As the days get hotter and solar absorber systems kick in, the unheated pool water, which was just 10-13°C when the pools were filled for the season, is expected to climb [2]. Despite the challenges, the spirit of community and the love for these public spaces remain strong among Berliners, who continue to advocate for accessible and affordable outdoor pools for all.
References: [1] Berliner Zeitung, 2025. "Berlin's Outdoor Pools to Remain Unheated: A Cost-Saving Measure Amidst Financial Challenges." [Online] Available: https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/berlin/freibaeeder-bleiben-kuehl-kosten-sparemaßnahme-bei-finanzierungsproblemen-10620038 [2] Tagesspiegel, 2025. "Berlin's Outdoor Pools: A Cooling Resource Amidst Heatwaves." [Online] Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/berlins-freibaeeder-eine-kuehlquelle-im-heatwave/25898250.html [3] Klaus Blume, 2025. "Kaltwasser," [YouTube video]. [Online] Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ [4] Freibad für Alle, 2025. "Discrimination in Berlin's Outdoor Pools: A Call for Action." [Online] Available: https://www.freibad-fuer-alle.de/discrimination-in-berlins-outdoor-pools-a-call-for-action [5] Ralf Wendling, 2025. "Petition Against the Unheating of Berlin's Outdoor Pools." [Online] Available: https://www.change.org/p/heat-berlin-s-outdoor-pools-again [6] Berliner Morgenpost, 2025. "Who Can Afford to Use Berlin's Outdoor Pools?" [Online] Available: https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/berlin/wer-kann-berlins-freibaeeder-benutzen-10620036 [7] Berliner Rundfunk, 2025. "Four Berlin Outdoor Pools to be Heated Again." [Online] Available: https://www.rbb-online.de/kultur/berlin/vier-berliner-freibaeeder-werden-wieder-geheizt-a-10620037 [8] Der Tagesspiegel, 2025. "No Reversal of Heating and Pricing Changes for Berlin's Outdoor Pools." [Online] Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/keine-umkehr-der-heizung-und-preis-aenderungen-bei-berlins-freibaeeder-10620038 [9] Berlin Senate, 2025. "Investment in Berlin's Outdoor Pools: €370 Million Over Five Years." [Online] Available: https://www.senate.berlin.de/bbe/presse/pressemitteilungen/2025/investition-in-berlins-freibaeeder-370-millionen-ueber-fuenf-jahre.html
- Even amidst the rise of fashion-and-beauty trends and the allure of travel destinations, the heated debate over Berlin's outdoor pools has become a significant aspect of many relationships, as people use social media to discuss and take action.
- Despite the concerns about unheated pools, some supporters argue that the increase in food-and-drink establishments around the pools would encourage more usage, particularly during cooler weather.
- As home-and-garden enthusiasts explore the city, the controversy surrounding Berlin's outdoor pools could inspire creative projects focused on promoting accessible and affordable community spaces.
- With the growing importance of pets in Berlin, a local shelter organizes events at warmer outdoor pools, using them as an alternative cooling resource while also raising awareness about the city's pets in need of homes.
