A swimming pool is a tank or a large artificial basin intended to contain water in order to swim or practice other leisure activities. It is equipped with a pump to keep the water clean, as well as filtration systems and other accessories (heating, shelters, cleaning equipment…). In Germany, a “Freibad” or “Sommerbad” refers to a public outdoor swimming facility, while a “Waldbad” or “Kombibad” combines an outdoor and indoor pool in a natural setting. Gartenpools
A pool’s architecture can be an important aspect of its aesthetic, as can the choice of materials used for construction and renovation. These choices are influenced by both local culture and the latest international trends. For example, the new Freibad Berenbostel Garbsen in Germany makes use of Kebony Clear wood for poolside decking and sunbathing areas. The architect’s aim was to create a sense of connection to nature by using wood sourced from a sustainable forest, and 29 trees were planted around the pool to reinforce this goal.
As in many European countries, Germans love to hang out at the pools all day during the summer. However, in the past few weeks a spate of fights and assaults have rocked some of the country’s 2,800 public outdoor pools. The violence seems to be fueled by cultural clashes, residual frustration over pandemic lockdowns, and high inflation that has made vacation trips unaffordable for some. Some pools have been responding by deploying volunteer mediators with immigrant backgrounds to defuse tensions. Others have stepped up security by installing video surveillance and requiring bathers to show ID at the gate.
Some are even banning booze in the changing rooms. However, for the most part Germany’s pool culture is fairly tolerant of differences. The venerable Hainbad in Bamberg has been drawing sun worshipers to its riverside spot under old trees since 1935 and has earned a cult status. Its wooden jetty on the Regnitz River and traditional changing rooms in a wooden cabin earned it a place on a list of Germany’s national treasures, but closing was on the table until a revamp was completed in 2018.
The Nord and Sued pools in Trier are both barrier-free, and the arrangement of pools on the single-story structure is a nod to their forested surroundings. The varied ceiling heights subtly demarcate different zones in the open-concept interior, and also create bands of light that shift with the sun throughout the day.
The pools are open seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Entry costs 2.80 euros for adults, 1.50 euros for children and military personnel, and free for those under 6. Ticket books and family cards are available. For more information visit the website of the Freibad Nord pool at Zurmaiener Strasse 122, 54292 Trier, or the website of the Sued pool at Kreissparkasse bank. Both are located on the right side of the road leading into town from the Autobahn.
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