Ever wanted to take a dip in Berlin’s Spree River in the scenic Mitte district? You could join a swim demonstration. Here are the dates you need to know.
Nothing beats cooling off on a hot day in one of Berlin’s many swimming pools or lakes.
But did you know that bathing in the Spree River is technically off limits?
That’s right: swimming in the canal waterway – at least in the inner city area – has been banned since 1925 due to historic hygiene and safety reasons.
However, a local association has been campaigning to change this. Flussbad Berlin argues that water quality has improved significantly in the last century – and wants to see a portion of the Spree opened up for swimming.
By the way, if you want to check on the Spree’s water quality before considering a dip yourself, take a look at this water quality forecast portal.
Last year they staged a number of ‘swim demonstrations’ – and they’re doing it again this year.
READ ALSO: Will Berlin open up the Spree river to bathers?
Under the motto “vote out the 101-year swimming ban,” they are encouraging people to go for a dip in the water, volunteer to help organise or cheer them on throughout the summer.
Swimmers line up to take a dip in the Spree river during a demonstration. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)
The demonstrations are due to happen on the 20th of each month.
A vote on whether the Spree will open up in future to swimmers is set for September 20th in the Berlin House of Representatives.
The first of this year’s “swim-along-demos” was scheduled for May 20th but had to be cancelled due to bad weather.
Here’s a look at the dates and times of the upcoming swimming events. The meeting point is Schinkelplatz, 10117 Berlin, and changing facilities usually open 30 minutes before the start of the demo.
- Saturday, June 20th, 2026, 1pm – 4pm
- Monday, July 20th, 5pm – 7pm
- Thursday, August 20th 5pm – 7pm
- Sunday, September 20th 1pm – 4pm
IN PICTURES: Berlin bathers demand lifting of swimming ban in Spree river
People are encouraged to register beforehand (although you can also turn up spontaneously), and check for information shared ahead of the event, such as predicted water temperatures.
In response to the announcement of the demonstrations, the Berlin state government department responsible for the environment said that swimming in the Spree canal is prohibited and that there are no special permits for “swimming demonstrations”.
“Anyone who enters the Spree canal as part of these events is therefore acting unlawfully and at their own risk,” a spokesperson told broadcaster RBB.
Where else can I swim near the Spree?
If getting into the river isn’t for you, don’t worry there are plenty of other options.
Check out the Badeschiff, a swimming pool in an old cargo container that sits directly on the Spree. You can sip drinks at the beach bar before taking a refreshing dip. Book a ticket beforehand though – on hot days, it sells out fast.
You can also visit a stunning lake on the outskirts of the city like Müggelsee in the east or Krumme Lanke in the west.
READ ALSO: Free drinks for good deeds – Berlin residents to be rewarded for cleaning up city
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
