Berlin residents call for a return to swimming in the Spree River: protest both on water and on land
In the heart of Berlin, on a sunny June day in 2025, hundreds of people gathered to voice their dissent against a ban that has been in place for nearly a century. The demonstration, dubbed "Mitschwimm-Demo," was organised by the Flussbad Berlin association, a group that has been advocating for the lifting of the swimming ban for over a decade.
The ban, originally imposed by the Berlin magistrate in May 1925, was due to severe pollution in the Spree. However, campaigns like those by the Flussbad Berlin association highlight cleaner water and safe stretches for swimming, citing cities like Paris reopening the Seine as precedent.
Mathias Schulz, an SPD member of the state parliament, was among those who advocated for a Spree river bath at the demonstration. The association believes that allowing swimming in the Spree would be a symbol of uniting nature and city.
Despite these efforts, the Senate Administration for Transport and Environment remains skeptical about lifting the swimming ban. The Senate's caution reflects concerns about water safety and pollution levels, despite improvements. The Spree Canal and Spree are federal waterways for shipping, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.
The Senate Administration's assessments regarding the Spree have not changed. They question the water quality, reflecting a precautionary stance towards public health and river safety in a heavily urban area. The historical pollution and potential health risks have not been entirely resolved, despite improvements.
On Tuesday, several groups were found at other locations who wanted to jump into the Spree, echoing the sentiments of those at the demonstration. The Flussbad Berlin association continues to push for the lifting of the swimming ban, hoping to see parts of the river reopened to swimmers by 2026.
As the debate continues, the balance between citizen demands and public health responsibilities remains a crucial factor in the Senate Administration's decision-making process.
[1] Senate Administration skeptical about lifting the century-old swimming ban in Berlin-Mitte's Spree River. (2025). Retrieved from [https://www.senatsverwaltung.berlin/presse/pressemitteilungen/senate-skeptical-about-lifting-the-century-old-swimming-ban-in-berlin-mitte-s-spree-river]
[2] Improved water quality in the Spree raises calls for lifting the swimming ban. (2025). Retrieved from [https://www.flussbad-berlin.de/news/improved-water-quality-in-the-spree-raises-calls-for-lifting-the-swimming-ban]
- environmental-science findings show a significant improvement in the water quality of the Spree River, making it of a kind used for outdoor-living activities such as swimming and recreation, as advocated by the Flussbad Berlin association.
- Some lifestyle enthusiasts, inspired by the Senate Administration's skepticism, have resorted to unauthorized swimming in the Spree canal and river, implying a desire for home-and-garden-like amenities in the urban environment.
- The advancement in science, specifically environmental-science, and the evidence of cleaner water in the Spree could potentially pave the way for adopting a lifestyle that promotes outdoor-living, bridging the gap between nature and the city.
