Let's Dive Back into the Spree: A Dream Coming to Life in Berlin?
District of Mitte Proposes Resuming Swimming in Spree River - Allowing Swimming in Spree River Restoration Proposed by Mitte District
The Mitte district is giving the idea of bathing in the Spree River in Berlin a second thought. The district mayor, Ephraim Gothe (SPD), remains optimistic about the prospect and considers a pilot bathing spot on the Spree canal for the summer of 2026 a realistic endeavor.
Gothe draws inspiration from the example of Paris, where bathing in the Seine is already a reality. He is unconvinced by the arguments raised against the idea, such as water quality. According to Gothe, the water quality in the Spree has significantly improved over the past decade.
The monitoring of water quality has also become simpler with modern technology. However, it's worth noting that after periods of heavy rain, polluted water could still seep into the Spree. With advanced monitoring, though, the level of contamination can be easily tracked.
Gothe advocates for a scaled-down version of the original idea—a pilot bathing spot on the Spree built without major renovations, with access afforded via a ladder.
However, the Senate Department for Urban Development expresses concerns. Before any implementation, numerous questions regarding technical feasibility, water quality, heritage protection, and operations need to be addressed. This includes identifying who could construct and manage the pilot bathing spot.
Legally, bathing in the Spree river is currently prohibited, and adjustments to the bathing water regulation would be required. The environmental administration has voiced skepticism about the idea, citing concerns about the Spree canal and Spree being federal waterways and the need to adhere to heritage protection regulations.
Regarding water quality, the environmental administration points out that the Spree may contain various fecal bacteria after heavy rain. Investigations are still ongoing as to whether bathing in the Spree canal would be safe from a hygienic standpoint.
The association Flussbad Berlin has long been an advocate for bathing in the Spree and has made plans for a demonstration on the 100th anniversary of the bathing ban, reminding us of Berlin's history with water-based activities and the need to reconsider our approach in the present.
- Spree
- Berlin
- Urban Development
- Paris
- SPD
- Tagesspiegel
Some Interesting Insights:
- In Berlin, an alternative solution exists for those who crave a swim with a view: the Badeschiff Berlin, a pool placed in the Spree River, using filtered water[5].
- Safety and environmental protection are essential considerations in the current push for a bathing spot in the Spree. Potential challenges include technical feasibility, water quality, heritage protection, and the operation of such a facility[5].
[5] Source: Various water quality studies and experts' opinions.
- The community policy should consider the public's desire for a pilot bathing spot in the Spree river, as advocated by the association Flussbad Berlin and the SPD district mayor Ephraim Gothe, taking into account the technical feasibility, water quality, heritage protection, and operations.
- While modern technology has simplified the monitoring of water quality in the Spree river, concerns remain about the potential presence of pollutants, especially after heavy rain, which may affect the hygiene of home-and-garden activities near the river, such as gardening or outdoor events.
