Illicit Swimming in the Spree River is a Caution from Authorities
The waters of Berlin's Spree River have been off-limits for swimming since 1925 due to severe industrial pollution. However, the improved water quality has sparked a movement led by the Flussbad Berlin association, demanding the ban be lifted and swimming reinstated.
On August 12-13, 2025, a demonstration called the "Mitschwimm-Demo" took place. Hundreds of Berliners staged a "swim-in" protest, briefly swimming in the river to highlight the improved water quality and urge the city to allow swimming again. This temporary lifting of the ban was only for the protest event.
The demonstration was not just a swim, but also a political statement to pressure authorities to change the policy. It emphasised public access rights and the safer, cleaner state of the river water, despite occasional sewage overflows during heavy rains.
The designated entry and exit point for swimming, as clarified by the police, is located south of the Schlossbrücke at Schinkelplatz. However, the police have warned of the strong current in the Spree and urged swimmers to stay alert. They have also reminded everyone of the current swimming ban in the Spree.
Interestingly, several groups were found near the main station and Mühlendamm who wanted to jump into the Spree. It appears that they may have misunderstood a call for a demonstration against the swimming ban.
A rally is planned before the demonstration at Schinkelplatz near the Museumsinsel in Berlin-Mitte. City officials in Berlin’s Mitte district have expressed interest in reintroducing river swimming as early as 2026.
References: [1] Flussbad Berlin website [2] Berliner Morgenpost, 12th August 2025 [3] Tagesspiegel, 13th August 2025 [5] Berliner Zeitung, 14th August 2025
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