Berliners plunged into the Spree River in a spirited protest highlighting the conflict between public health concerns and urban revitalization, raising hopes of reclaiming cooling spaces for citizens.
At a Glance
- About 200 participants organized a swim-in protest to challenge the 100-year prohibition on swimming in the Spree.
- The ban, enforced since 1925, was originally due to high pollution and public health risks.
- Officials in central Berlin’s Mitte district are considering reauthorizing river swimming by 2026.
- Advocates cite improved water quality and urban heat concerns as key motivators.
- The movement is inspired by similar initiatives in Paris, Vienna, Basel, and Amsterdam.
Splash of Protest; Century-Old Ban Challenged
On June 17, a swim-in protest drew around 200 swimmers who entered the greenish, slow-moving waters of the Spree near Museum Island to demonstrate its safety and recreational potential, according to AP News. The event, organized as an officially registered protest, challenged a swimming ban imposed in 1925 when pollution rendered the river hazardous to public health.
City Officials Eye River Revival by 2026
District city councillor Ephraim Gothe told local media that officials are “optimistic” about reintroducing river swimming by 2026. Remaining hurdles include historical preservation laws, establishing lifeguard access, and managing boat traffic in designated areas, as detailed by AP.
Watch a report: Berlin Swim-In Protest Pushes 100-Year Ban Lift.
Climate Stress and European Inspiration
Advocates such as Jan Edler from Fluss Bad Berlin argue that as urban heat waves intensify, equitable access to safe cooling spaces becomes vital. The Spree could offer such relief, especially as its water is routinely monitored and generally safe—though heavy rainfall can cause short-term pollution spikes, according to AP News. The movement follows successful precedents in cities like Paris, where the Seine will open to swimmers during the 2024 Olympics, and other European cities such as Vienna, Basel, and Amsterdam.
Challenges Ahead
To formally reopen the Spree for swimming, Berlin officials must address logistical and safety concerns. Proposals include creating a 2-kilometer canal section free of boat traffic as a pilot zone. Supporters say this could help relieve pressure on the city’s crowded public pools while offering a climate-resilient public amenity, as AP News reports.
Berlin’s swim revival movement points to a broader trend in urban planning: transforming city waterways from barriers into vital spaces for public life and climate resilience.
