Price increase in the outdoor pool: So you now pay up to 11 euros!

Price increase in the outdoor pool: So you now pay up to 11 euros!

The Berlin outdoor pools are facing considerable change: from May 4, 2025, the Berlin baths (BBB) ​​will increase the prices for bathing fun outdoors for the first time in eleven years. This primarily affects the popular Prinzenbad outdoor pool in Kreuzberg, which is often simply referred to as "Prinzi". The prices for a day ticket rise from 5.50 euros to up to 7 euros so far. In addition, the multiple card for 20 visits from 70 euros will be increased to 80 euros. In recent years, the outdoor pools of an increasing number of visitors, which was 1.9 million in 2024, have enjoyed an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous year, which underlines the popularity of these facilities.

The new prices that differ depending on the category of outdoor pools are part of a new tariff system that comes into force on May 5. The entire outdoor pool offer is divided into three categories: The cheapest bathrooms that can be visited at an entrance fee of 6 euros include the Marzahn kind bath, the Kindersbad Monbijou and the Staaken-West summer pool. Combi baths, such as the Olympic Stadium or the Wannsee lido, cost 6.50 euros. The Sommerbad 1 category, which also includes the prince's pool, is 7 euros; discounted tickets cost 4.20 euros here.

price adjustments and social effects

In addition to the admission prices, the kiosk prices have also experienced an increase: a portion of fries red and white now costs 4 euros. Visitors to the prince's pool must therefore already count on 11 euros for a day ticket and a portion of fries, drinks or ice cream. These price increases could exclude particularly low -income people from visiting the outdoor pools. In the densely populated districts of Neukölln and Kreuzberg, where long snakes are not uncommon in front of the bathing establishments, this could be another problem.

How the taz , the increase in prices should not only be reduced by increasing costs for energy and personnel, but also by reducing state-owned benefits that were reduced from 75 million euros. The unheated outdoor pools, which are filled with a maximum of 12 degrees Celsius, are also particularly striking. This means that the employees in summer will not increase the water temperature to the usual 22 degrees Celsius, which means that the usability is severely restricted in the first few weeks. Only six outdoor pools with solar absorber systems remain heated.

New tariff system and visitor offers

The planned BBB tariff system also provides discounts for students: inside, trainees, students and recipients: inside of social benefits. These groups should pay up to 40 percent less. These measures are intended to help promote the community in the summer pools, while at the same time the economic Situation of bathing companies is to be improved. The announcement that cash registers will be occupied again in the baths and that tickets are sold on site could also appeal to people who do not want to or cannot get used to the online booking options. The "Freibad Easy for All" initiative has protested against the mandatory online ticket obligation in the past, which shows that the topic of admission prices and access to the outdoor pools is discussed a lot.

The new price model could not only increase the financial burden for visitors, but also limit the use of these refreshing summer offers over a longer period of time. The development and reactions to the price increases will be crucial for the future of Berlin outdoor pools in the coming weeks.