Dangerous bathing area at Heiligen See: Police clear Neuer Garten!

Dangerous bathing area at Heiligen See: Police clear Neuer Garten!

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the police were on duty at the Holy Lake in the Neuer Garten in Potsdam to clear the bathing area. The reason for this measure was the closure of the area by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation, which responded due to the risk of branches breaking off after a storm on June 26, 2025. During this storm, two people were seriously injured when branches broke off trees. Despite repeated requests from police, around 150 people initially ignored security warnings but eventually left the site voluntarily.

The foundation made it clear that the New Garden should reopen on Friday. However, visitors are urged to be particularly careful as the risk of falling branches still exists. However, parts of the park, such as Ruinenberg and Sacrower Park, remain closed until further notice. The foundation emphasized that all of Potsdam should exercise caution and that it is important not to leave the paths.

Storm consequences and safety measures

Although the storm in Berlin is over, the Mitte district office is urging caution in parks and green spaces. Numerous trees were downed or severely damaged, posing a potential threat to the lives of those in these areas. It is recommended to avoid public green and recreational areas until the danger is deemed to have been eliminated. Experts warn that due to the prolonged drought in recent years, many trees are weakened and that even after the storm, branches or entire trees can fall without warning. These safety precautions are important to avoid serious accidents, even when annual road safety inspections are carried out.

In response to the dangerous situation, the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation has announced that it will take tougher measures to protect the world heritage parks, including the New Garden. The situation is even described as “out of control”. The bathing area at the Holy Lake, which has been tolerated so far, could possibly be closed completely. General Director Christoph Martin Vogtherr emphasized the urgency of preserving the park for future generations and appealed to the city of Potsdam to offer alternative bathing areas.

The return to safety

The city is called upon to act quickly. Potsdam's mayor Mike Schubert (SPD) supports the upcoming tougher course and has already signaled that concrete proposals for new bathing areas outside the world heritage site will be examined. So far, there are many conflicts among citizens when it comes to swimming in the Holy Lake, which have existed for decades. Previous measures have not been implemented and the foundation is seriously considering an additional fence in the water to prevent bathing.

The situation in the New Garden remains exciting, and everyone involved is called upon to find a solution that ensures both the safety of visitors and the protection of this important heritage. Visit the parks carefully and pay attention to the warning signs to get through the summer safely.

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