Ending its near century-long run, the cult-free public swimming pool in Karlsruhe has shut down.
The Rheinstrandbad Rappen, a beloved public swimming pool in Karlsruhe, is set to close for two years beginning in the 2026 season. This closure is part of a larger plan for renovations and modernization efforts aimed at improving facilities, ensuring safety standards, and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The pool's closure may impact the community's access to affordable recreational facilities for two summers, potentially disrupting the regular swimming routines of many locals. The decision has been met with criticism, as many see it as absurd given the pool's popularity and the enjoyment it brings to residents of Karlsruhe and the surrounding area.
The Rheinstrandbad Rappen, spanning 16 hectares of meadow, offers a wide range of activities and has been a favourite spot for many. Operating for nearly 100 years, it is one of the most popular public swimming pools in the country.
However, the pool's closure is a reflection of the broader financial and staffing challenges faced by public swimming pools in the region. Swimming pools in the federal state are struggling to survive, with the Rheinstrandbad Rappen being one of many pools facing these difficulties.
In response to the pool's planned closure, the community has launched a petition. As of now, there are no announced plans to prevent the pool's closure. The baths' operators aim to close it to save costs.
Despite the closure, locals can still look forward to the pool's reopening in 2028, where they can once again enjoy the beautiful facilities and activities offered by the Rheinstrandbad Rappen.
In the absence of the pool, finding free time to engage in recreational activities may become a challenge for locals, potentially affecting their lifestyle. During the pool's closure, some individuals might take up home-and-garden tasks as alternatives to spend their free time productively.
