Germany has one of the highest densities of public swimming pools in Europe. Nearly every city and many small towns have both a Freibad (outdoor pool, summer only) and a Hallenbad (indoor pool, year-round). For expats, these are deeply underused compared to their quality and price.
Freibad (Outdoor Pool)
German Freibäder typically open in May and close in September, weather-permitting. They’re large — most have 50-meter competition pools, separate children’s pools, meadows for sunbathing, and often a slide or high-dive tower. Day admission runs €3–6 for adults (reduced rates for children, students, and seniors). Many cities offer seasonal passes (Saisonkarten) for €50–120 that pay off quickly for regular visitors.
Famous Freibäder: Munich’s Olympia-Schwimmhalle outdoor pool (hosted the 1972 Olympics), the Wellenbad (wave pool) in many cities, and the Naturbad (natural swimming lake with no chemicals). Munich alone has 18 outdoor pools.
Hallenbad (Indoor Pool)
Indoor pools operate year-round and typically offer lane swimming (Bahnschwimmen) in 25- or 50-meter pools, leisure areas, saunas, and often therapeutic pools. Admission: €4–8 for a standard 2-hour session. Lane swimming sessions are often split into slower and faster lanes — choose based on your pace, not your ambition.
Rules and Etiquette
Swim caps (Badekappe) are required in some indoor pools — check before arriving. Towels are not provided; bring your own. Showering before entering the pool is required and actually enforced. Changing rooms are typically gender-separated. Some Hallenbäder have Familienumkleide (family changing rooms) for parents with young children of different genders.
Finding Pools Near You
Most cities publish a Bäderführer (pool guide) or app. Berlin’s Berliner Bäder-Betriebe runs over 60 public pools. Munich’s Stadtwerke München operates the public pool network. Use the respective city’s pool website or Google Maps “Schwimmbad” to find the nearest. Day tickets at pools with sauna access can cost €10–20 — a fraction of a gym membership for a much better experience.
