300 swimmers demand: an end to the ban on swimming in the Spree!

300 swimmers demand: an end to the ban on swimming in the Spree!

Yesterday, Berlin's Museum Island experienced an extraordinary event that stirred emotions: around 300 people jumped into the Spree to demonstrate for the lifting of a bathing ban that has existed for 100 years. This floating protest was organized by the association Berlin river bath was brought to life and is intended to show that swimming in the water of the Spree Canal is definitely possible.

A real concern of the association is to convince city politicians that the decades-long ban, which was imposed in 1925 due to hygiene concerns, is no longer appropriate. How daily news reports, the association's board member Jan Edler views the current water quality in the river more positively than expected. In addition, there are now technical options for monitoring water quality in real time.

Background to the bathing ban

The bathing ban has its roots in a decision by the Berlin magistrate on May 20, 1925. At that time, all river bathing establishments in Old Berlin were closed because the river was considered hygienically questionable. This is surprising, because in other cities such as Amsterdam or Hamburg, swimming in such waters is permitted. The current state of the Spree and the perception of the river are strongly influenced by this historical background.

The Berlin Senate Administration continues to express concerns about safety and hygiene in connection with swimming in the Spree. For example, pollutants temporarily flow into the river through sewage pipes during heavy rain. Legal regulations regarding shipping and bridges also represent obstacles to possible bathing fun. In addition, there are no clear guidelines for bathing areas in such areas.

Future prospects

Still, there is hope. Jan Edler is calling for pilot bathing areas to be set up as early as summer 2026. City councilor Ephraim Gothe from the SPD also sees potential and considers a bathing area on the Spree Canal to be realistic. An existing system to display water quality in the historic center of Berlin could be useful here. The results of ongoing scientific studies on water quality are expected later this year and could help decision-makers assess bathing suitability.

So it remains to be seen how the situation will develop. However, the Flussbad Berlin initiative has brought an important point into the conversation: Where does the city's policy stand in relation to swimming in the Spree? The debate about the bathing ban could soon cause new waves.