New Tiered Pricing:: Both indoor and outdoor pools will be divided into three categories based on facilities, with prices varying accordingly.
Price Increases:: Most tickets will become more expensive. Outdoor pool day passes will range from €6 to €7 (up from €5.50). Indoor pool day passes can reach up to €11.50 in top-tier pools.
Online Booking Discounts:: Booking outdoor pool tickets online in advance can yield discounts of 5-20%, especially for less popular time slots. Online tickets guarantee entry.
No More Heating (Mostly):: To save energy costs due to budget cuts, most outdoor pools will no longer be heated, relying solely on sun and ambient temperature. Initial water temperatures could be as low as 12°C.
Shorter Outdoor Season:: The outdoor swimming season will end earlier this year, on September 7th.
Why this matters:: These changes mean higher costs for most swimmers and potentially much colder water, particularly at the start of the outdoor season. Planning ahead and booking online becomes more crucial for securing entry and potential savings.
The Berliner Bäder-Betriebe cite increased operational costs, particularly for energy and personnel, as the primary reason for the pricing overhaul – the first major adjustment since 2014. Budget cuts from the Berlin Senate, including the removal of a €3 million energy cost subsidy, have also necessitated savings, leading directly to the decision to stop heating most outdoor pools.
Pools are now classified into Categories 1, 2, and 3:
Outdoor Pools:: Category 1 (e.g., Sommerbad Kreuzberg, Neukölln) will cost €7 for a day pass, Category 2 (e.g., Strandbad Wannsee, Olympiastadion) €6.50, and Category 3 (e.g., Kinderbad Monbijou, Staaken-West) €6.
Indoor Pools:: Prices vary by category *and* duration (90 mins, 150 mins, or full day). For example, a day ticket costs €11.50 (Cat 1, e.g., Stadtbad Lankwitz), €6.50 (Cat 2, e.g., Stadtbad Tiergarten), or €6 (Cat 3, e.g., Stadtbad Tempelhof).
While online booking is encouraged for outdoor pools (offering discounts and guaranteed entry via timed slots), cash desks will remain open at all pools, selling standard-price tickets throughout the day. This addresses criticism from last year regarding accessibility issues with online-only systems. However, the 'Badespaß' family ticket sees a significant price hike across all categories.
Except for a few pools equipped with solar absorbers (like Prinzenbad, Pankow, and Seestraße), outdoor pools will start the season with water around 12°C, warming only naturally. This has drawn criticism, summarized by one headline as "Expensive and Ice Cold" ("Sauteuer und arschkalt"). Swimmers may need to brace for chilly conditions, especially in May and June.
The existing 'BäderCard' subscription will be discontinued from May 5th. A new 'Club Membership' with tiered access will be introduced in December 2025, along with rechargeable 'Wertkarten' (value cards) replacing multi-entry passes.
When do the new prices start?
The new pricing system takes effect on May 5th, 2025.
How much will an outdoor pool ticket cost?
Standard day tickets will cost between €6 and €7, depending on the pool's category. Discounts up to 20% are possible with advance online booking.
Will indoor pools also get more expensive?
Yes, most indoor pool visits will cost more, especially for longer stays or at higher-category pools. However, short 90-minute swims might be slightly cheaper in some lower-category pools compared to the old standard tariff. A day pass can cost up to €11.50.
Why will the outdoor pools be colder?
Due to budget cuts and the need to save on energy costs, most outdoor pools will no longer be artificially heated. Only pools with solar heating systems are exempt.
Can I still pay with cash at the pool?
Yes, cash desks will be open at all pools selling standard-price tickets, although online booking is encouraged for discounts and guaranteed entry at outdoor pools.
Expect Higher Costs:: Swimming in Berlin will generally be more expensive, particularly for families using the 'Badespaß' ticket and visitors to top-tier pools.
Plan for Cold Water:: If visiting an unheated outdoor pool early in the season, be prepared for significantly colder water than in previous years.
Book Online for Savings:: For outdoor pools, booking tickets online in advance is the best way to potentially save money and guarantee entry during a specific time slot.
Check Pool Categories:: Familiarize yourself with the category of your preferred pools to understand the pricing.
How to Prepare:
Check the BBB website for specific pool categories and prices before visiting.
Consider booking outdoor pool tickets online up to 7 days in advance for discounts.
If sensitive to cold, target pools with solar heating or wait until later in the summer for unheated pools.
Budget accordingly for the increased entry fees.
Who This Affects Most:
Frequent swimmers, especially those who used the BäderCard.
Families, due to the large increase in the 'Badespaß' ticket price.
Visitors to higher-category pools.
Swimmers sensitive to cold water temperatures.
What do you think of the new pricing system and the changes to pool heating? Will this affect your swimming habits?
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