Dangerous bathing place on the Holy See: Police clears a new garden!

Dangerous bathing place on the Holy See: Police clears a new garden!

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

The foundation made it clear that the new garden should be reopened on Friday. However, visitors are appealed to be particularly careful because the risk of falling branches continues to exist. Parts of the park, such as the Ruinenberg and Sacroower Park, remain closed until further notice. The Foundation emphasized that all of Potsdam should exercise caution and it is important not to leave the paths.

storm sequences and security measures

Although the storm is over in Berlin, the district office Mitte warns for caution in parks and green areas. Numerous trees have been overturned or badly damaged, which means potential danger to life for people who are in these areas. It is recommended to avoid public green and recreational systems until the danger is considered eliminated. Experts warn that, due to the long -lasting drought in recent years, many trees have been weakened and can also overturn branches or entire trees without warning after the storm. These safety precautions are important to avoid serious accidents, even if annual traffic safety checks are carried out.

In response to the dangerous situation, the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation has announced that it can take harder measures to protect the World Heritage Parks, including the new garden. The situation is even described as "out of control". The bathing area on the Holy Lake, which was previously tolerated, could possibly be completely closed. General Director Christoph Martin Vogtherr emphasized the urgency to preserve the park for future generations and appeals to the city of Potsdam to offer alternative bathing spots.

The return to security

The city is called to act quickly. Potsdam's Mayor Mike Schubert (SPD) supports the upcoming tougher course and has already signaled that concrete suggestions for new bathing spots outside the world heritage are examined. So far, there have been many conflicts among the citizens when it comes to swimming in the Holy Lake that have existed for decades. Earlier measures were not implemented and the foundation is considering serious considerations for an additional fence in the water to prevent bathing.

The situation in the new garden remains exciting, and everyone involved is required to find a solution that guarantees both the safety of visitors and the protection of this significant heir. Visit the parks carefully and pay attention to the warnings to get through the summer safely.

• Berlin Live reports that the police were in use.
• Tagesspiegel emphasizes that the Foundation Prussian Palaces and Gardens are planning harder security measures.
• Stern warns of danger in parks after the storm.