Sunbathing Season Kicks Off with Aquatic Adventures at First-Time Open Venues
The sun currently bathes Dresden in warm temperatures for the first weekend of May, stirring anticipation for the upcoming summer season. Many locals have already enjoyed the sun’s rays for their barbecues. The long-awaited summer tradition of dipping into the cool water will be possible again from May 16th, with several public baths set to open.
The Arnhold Bath, the Kombi Bath Prohlis, the Strand Bath Wostra, the Weixdorf and Weißig bathing places, and the air bath Dölzschen (which was granted an exception permit last year due to urgent renovation needs) will all open their doors. Meteorologist Micha Klein forecasts pleasant weather for the opening weekend, with temperatures around 25 degrees and plenty of sunshine.
However, Dölzschen’s exceptional opening is not permanent. The rest of the bathhouse will only be fully functional from May 28th, once renovation plans receive the necessary funding. Dresden’s sports and recreation mayor, Jan Donhauser, expressed optimism about finding financial support from the new federal government. The Dölzschen bathhouse requires around 2.7 million euros in renovation funds, which were unsuccessful in previous applications.
"We have found a way to reopen the bath this year with an exception permit. We have demonstrated a feasible renovation plan," said Donhauser. The city of Dresden has allocated 2 million euros for the project in its current budget. Despite dwindling city finances, Donhauser hopes for additional funding from the federal government to avoid losing the facility.
The age of Dölzschen bathhouse—built in 1908—poses additional challenges for renovation, as the pool water is currently manually chlorinated and not in accordance with regulations. However, this system has functioned adequately so far. Dölzschen's fate hangs in the balance, as raising the remaining funds is critical to preserving this historic bathhouse.
Admission fees for Dresden’s public baths will remain unchanged. Last year, entrance prices for a single day ranged between 4 and 6 euros for adults.
Enthused by the predicted sunny weather, Dresden's sports and recreation mayor, Jan Donhauser, is optimistic about preserving the historic Dölzschen bathhouse, which will open exceptionally this year with an exception permit, aiming to renovate it with a projected cost of 2.7 million euros, hoping for additional funding to avoid closure. Meanwhile, outdoor-living enthusiasts are looking forward to incorporating a home-and-garden barbecue into their lifestyle before indulging in sports and leisure activities at several open public baths around the city, such as the Arnhold Bath, Kombi Bath Prohlis, Strand Bath Wostra, Weixdorf and Weißig bathing places, and the air bath Dölzschen.
