Badeschiff, Swimming pool on a barge in Treptow, Germany
The Badeschiff is a swimming facility housed in a converted cargo barge moored in the Treptow district along the Spree River in Berlin. The rectangular pool measures approximately 8 meters wide by 32 meters long, is filled with filtered river water, and is surrounded by sandy beaches and sunbathing areas.
The facility began in 2004 following a competition organized by a public art society, designed by architect Fernando Menis alongside artist Susanne Lorenz. This repurposed cargo vessel emerged as a creative response to the demand for a safe swimming spot when the Spree itself remained questionable for bathing.
This floating pool serves as a public meeting spot where locals swim, relax in the sun, and gather for music and cultural events throughout the year. It transforms the riverside into a casual social hub that brings the community together beyond just bathing.
The facility operates during summer months and requires advance booking with assigned time slots to manage visitor numbers effectively. The water depth of about 2 meters suits swimmers of various levels, from beginners to families with children.
The vessel was designed in collaboration with artists and occasionally transforms into an unconventional performance and event space beyond typical swimming. This artistic involvement gives it a role that extends far beyond standard recreational bathing facilities.
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