Mass demonstration opposes Spree bathing prohibition in Berlin
Progress Towards Lifting Century-Old Swimming Ban in Berlin's Spree River
On a beautiful summer day in Berlin-Mitte, hundreds of people gathered to protest against the century-old ban on swimming in the Spree River. The demonstration, dubbed the "Mitschwimm-Demo," was organized by the non-profit association Flussbad Berlin [6].
Approximately 700 people attended the event, according to Flussbad Berlin [7]. The demonstration was aimed at lifting the ban, originally imposed in 1925 due to severe pollution [8]. However, with water quality improving significantly following extensive cleanup efforts, the ban is now being challenged [1][2].
Mathias Schulz, an SPD member of the state parliament, expressed support for a Spree river bath, suggesting it could be a symbol of the ability to unite nature and city [3]. Stefanie Remlinger, the Green district mayor of Berlin-Mitte, also expressed her support, stating "I want to see you swimming!" [4].
However, the Senate Department for Transport and Environment remains skeptical about the resumption of swimming in the Spree and Spree Canal due to their status as federal waterways [9]. The department has raised concerns about water quality, stating that these issues have not changed [10].
Despite these concerns, incidents of people swimming in the Spree between the main station and the Mühlendamm have been reported by the police [5]. A spokesman for the police warned of the strong current in the Spree and urged people to swim only in designated areas [11].
Kerstin Wolter, chairwoman of the Left party in Berlin, criticized the lack of capacity in the city's public swimming pools and demanded the swimming ban be lifted [12]. Silke Gebel, a Green party member from Mitte, echoed the sentiment and called for the Senate to lift the swimming ban [13].
A similar demonstration against the swimming ban in the Spree took place in mid-June [14]. Flussbad Berlin has been pushing for the resumption of swimming in the Spree for over a decade [2]. They propose opening a 1.8-kilometre, boat-free stretch near Museum Island, inspired by Paris’s reopening of the Seine, to allow swimmers safe access without interference from river traffic [2].
Negotiations are underway for a controlled reopening of the Spree for swimming as early as 2026. The main challenge is maintaining sufficient water quality and managing safety protocols in a historically polluted urban waterway [1]. The police reported finding several groups attempting to swim in the Spree during the protest, but the ban remains formally in place as authorities continue evaluations to guarantee water cleanliness and swimmer safety before permanent reopening [3][4][5].
[1] Berliner Morgenpost
[2] Tagesspiegel
[3] Deutsche Welle
[4] The Local
[5] Berliner Kurier
[6] Flussbad Berlin
[7] Tagesspiegel
[8] Deutsche Welle
[9] Berliner Morgenpost
[10] Berliner Kurier
[11] Berliner Kurier
[12] Berliner Morgenpost
[13] Berliner Kurier
[14] Deutsche Welle
Read also:
- Unveiling of Advanced Ochre Tools Uncovers Complicated Early Human Craftsmanship
- Sweet concoction made from Hawthorn berries, known for its potential heart health benefits.
- E-bike Velotric Breeze 1 available at discounted price of $1,699 with additional $150 worth of free gear; Navee Back to School Sale in progress; EcoFlow offering 48-hour flash sale with undisclosed deals; further sales unspecified.
- Eco-friendly irrigation: Schlosspark Rumpenheim is adapting to climate change
