Baxenteich outdoor pool turns 100: A look at its eventful history!

Baxenteich outdoor pool turns 100: A look at its eventful history!

The Baxenteich outdoor pool in Sonneberg is having a very special celebration on July 4th, 2025: it is celebrating its 100th birthday. What began as a simple swimming pond for students has developed over the decades into a popular local recreational area. This success story would be unthinkable without the tireless efforts of a sports club and the support of the city administration. The head of the municipal utilities, Steffen Hähnlein, emphasizes the importance of the committed citizens who have worked hard to preserve the pool. The gymnastics and sports club in particular has taken on a crucial role.

But the path to celebrating the anniversary was anything but straightforward. In every decade there were challenges that had to be overcome to keep the outdoor pool afloat. Hähnlein, who has dealt intensively with the history of the spa, can draw on interesting insights he gained from the files of the Sonneberg city archives won.

The city archive as a treasury

The city archive plays a central role in researching local history. It offers access to old address books, newspapers and image collections, which provide valuable information not only for citizens, but also for students who want to create seminar papers or chronicles. “The history of a city is not shaped by dates, but by the events that had a deep impact on the lives of the people of their time,” emphasizes Wilhelm Hoffmeister, whose quote aptly describes the archive. However, since March 3, 2025, due to health restrictions, the archive has only been open in the mornings and visitors must register in advance by telephone or email.

The tasks of the city archive are diverse: They range from storing documents and certificates to archiving historically relevant material in various formats. An archive is not only a place for storage, but also the memory of a community, preserving cultural and legal-administrative knowledge. Cultural heritage is kept alive here, and the archive is a place where past and present can meet.

Celebrations and outlook

The celebrations surrounding the 100th anniversary of the outdoor pool are intended to show how important it is for the community of Sonneberg. The Baxenteich outdoor pool is not only a place for relaxation, but also reflects the history and sense of community of the city. The combination of local initiatives and city support shows how you can achieve something great together - true to the motto: If people are committed, success is in their own hands.

At a time when many outdoor pools have to close, the Baxenteich outdoor pool is a shining example of preserving traditions and community work. A good knack for maintaining this institution will also be required in the coming years. Because one thing is certain: this outdoor pool not only saved the water, but also the cohesion in Sonneberg.