300 swimmers demand: end with the bathing ban in the Spree!

300 swimmers demand: end with the bathing ban in the Spree!

Berliner Museumsinsel, Deutschland - Yesterday the Berlin Museum Island experienced an extraordinary event that caused the minds: 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 launched by the association Riverbad Berlin and is intended to show that bathing in the water of the Spree Canal is quite possible.

A real concern of the association is to convince city policy that the decades of prohibition, which was imposed in 1925 due to hygienic concerns, is no longer up to date. As Tagesschau views the current water quality in a river as accepted. In addition, there are now technical opportunities to monitor water quality in real time.

background of the bathing ban

The bathing ban has its roots in a decision by the Berlin magistrate of May 20, 1925. At that time, all river bathing establishments in Alt-Berlin were closed because the river was considered hygienically questionable. This is amazed, because bathing in such waters is allowed in other cities like Amsterdam or Hamburg. The current state of the Spree and the perception of the river are strongly shaped by this historical background.

The Berlin Senate Department still expresses concerns about security and hygiene in connection with bathing in the Spree. For example, due to sewage pipes, pollutants sometimes run into the river in heavy rain. Legal regulations on shipping and bridges also represent obstacles to a possible bathing fun. In addition, there are no clear requirements for bathing spots in such areas.

future prospects

Nevertheless, there is hope. Jan Edler demands the establishment of pilot bathrooms as early as summer 2026. City councilor Ephraim Gothe from the SPD also sees potential and considers a bathing area to be realistic. An already existing system for displaying the water quality in the historic center of Berlin could be useful here. The results of ongoing scientific studies on water quality are expected this year and could support decision -makers in estimating bathing suitability.

This remains to be seen how the situation will develop. However, the initiative of the Riverbad Berlin has brought an important point into conversation: Where is the city policy in relation to bathing in the Spree? The debate about the bathing ban could soon make new waves.