Swimming pools in Thuringia closed: protest against financial bottlenecks!

Swimming pools in Thuringia closed: protest against financial bottlenecks!

Next Thursday, October 30, 2025, many swimming pools in Thuringia will remain closed. However, this is no cause for celebration, as the day is organized by the group “Bäder in Not” as a pool protest day. A total of around 25 swimming pools are taking part, showing that there is an urgent need for action here. Some facilities will be closed completely, while others will at least allow school classes in. In cities like Brotterode, Gotha, Greiz and Hildburghausen, citizens are called upon to deal with this problem.

But that's not all: the saunas will also remain closed on this day. A real sign of solidarity among those affected. The plight of the pools is primarily caused by financial bottlenecks. In 2023, the state of Thuringia made 15 million euros available, but only 1 million euros are planned for 2026. A dramatic disparity that has mobilized the employees in the indoor swimming pools: A protest action is planned in front of the state parliament in Erfurt to point out the precarious circumstances and to push for a significant improvement in the financial situation. As MDR.de reports, swimming pools are an indispensable part of the social infrastructure, and the past year in particular has shown how important access to such facilities is for the community.

Financial grievances and their consequences

In recent years, the pressure on swimming pools in Thuringia has increased. Many facilities are fighting for survival, and the pool protest day is just the latest cry for help. Not only are managers and employees taking the closures personally; They know that the consequences extend far beyond the outer walls of the baths. The decline in offerings contributes to the lack of freedom of movement in everyday life, and children and young people are particularly affected by this.

Easy access to water and swimming lessons is essential for the health and safety of the younger generation. So it is not surprising that teachers and parents also support this protest. Many swimmers, especially younger ones, are worried: Where will the kids learn to swim if the relevant facilities have to close? A circumstance that decision-makers urgently need to focus on in order to secure the future of the pools.

It is therefore high time for politicians to find a solution that is not only decisive in the short term, but also sustainable in the long term. Many swimming pools not only need financial support, but also a reconsidered concept to secure their existence. Financing applications must be revised and the local authorities must sit down at the table together with the state of Thuringia to work on a future-proof solution.

If this situation continues, there will not only be a loss of swimming pools, but also a reduction in opportunities for exercise for the entire population. Maybe there is one or two good hands to improve the situation. It remains to be seen how those responsible will respond to this serious appeal. Further information about the pool protest day can be found on hostingspeed.net.