Freibad: The etiquette rules you need to know for Germany's outdoor pools
A warm summer day spent at an outdoor swimming pool (
Freibad
) is a quintessential German experience, enjoyed by millions every year.
Many
Freibäder
are stunning historic monuments in their own right. Some of the most spectacular include Berlin's
Sommerbad Olympiastadion
, built in 1936 for the Summer Olympics, Hamburg's
Kaifu
, and the
Naturbad Maria Einsiedel
in Munich.
Most are open from some point in May until September.
Unsurprisingly, they are usually packed in the warmer months when families, groups of friends or individuals go to take a dip. The humble
Freibad
is part of growing up for many Germans.
The
Freibad
is not just an outdoor swimming pool for a quick swim - most have a large lawn area for people to relax and dry off after a swim. There can also be snack bars and even playgrounds.
But these pools have plenty of unspoken rules – most are common to pools the world over, and a few are unique to Germany.
From what to wear to when to overtake in the pool, here is your guide to
Freibad
etiquette.
Observe hygiene rules
Most swimming pools require bathers to take a shower before entering the pool, ideally with soap or shower gel. Parents of children should remind them that the pool is not to be used as a toilet. Finally, wearing sandals when walking around is appreciated, though not always required.
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Dress appropriately
Most public pools in Germany require standard swimwear – no underwear! Nudity is only permitted in clearly designated FKK (nudist) areas.
Pools in Berlin do allow women to swim topless after a 2023 court ruling, a move which was
followed by other German cities albeit on a restricted basis.
If you want to go topless, it's worth checking the rules at the pool you plan to visit ahead of time.
On the other hand, saunas and spa areas are often nude – even when mixed-gender.
READ ALSO:
What are the laws in Germany around topless swimming?
Some pools require ID
You got a license for that swim? Some
Freibad
operators in places like Berlin have introduced ID checks on swimmers in response to antisocial behaviour. Check your area's rules before setting out as you may be denied entry to the pool without ID (as absurd as this sounds).
Stay right, overtake left
If you're swimming laps, treat the lane like a road. Stick to the right and overtake on the left. Most pools divide lanes by speed, so find the one that matches your pace. If you need a break, move to the edge, not the end of the lane, where swimmers turn. Blocking that area disrupts swimmers' flow.
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Supervise your children
Depending on your children's age and swimming ability, you may be required to supervise them when they use the pool, or ensure they remain in dedicated children's areas.
Some pools require children to have achieved a certain level of competency before swimming, and lifeguards may ask for proof.
READ ALSO:
How to make the most of Germany's long summer days
Be considerate
Be mindful of your fellow swimmers. If someone nearby is reading or snoozing, it's probably not the time for loud music or a volleyball match.
Rules on eating and drinking vary from pool to pool. If picnicing is permitted, always clean up all your rubbish.
Smoking may be banned or only allowed in specific areas.
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Listen to the lifeguards
If the weather turns and a thunderstorm looks likely, lifeguards will ask everyone to exit the pool. You should heed their instructions without arguing – lightning and swimming pools are a dangerous mix.
Don't stress
If you inadvertently break a rule, a German lifeguard will probably let you know.
Comply agreeably and that will be the end of the story. Staff are there to ensure the good functioning of the pool, not to scold, and just want to ensure everyone has a good time.
Above all, use common sense – a little goes a long way in getting the most out of this classic German summer pastime.
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