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The big yellow sphere in the sky is peeking out more often, temperatures are rising, you may miss air-conditioning. You’re definitely ready for a cool refreshment and a dive into the next body of water?
You may be surprised that Germany boasts an impressive coastline that stretches over 1,400 miles (2,250 kilometers). The North Sea along the west coast offers sandy shores and islands such as Wangerooge, Borkum, Norderney and trendy Sylt, Germany’s most northern island. The Baltic Sea to the east has a variety of beautiful beaches along the coast, several fashionable seaside resorts, and Germany’s largest island Rügen. The only drawback is that all the sandy sites may be a good choice for an extended weekend, but just too far away for an afternoon refreshment.
The good news is that Kaiserslautern and the surrounding county offer a variety of swimming and bathing opportunities, ideal for all ages and preferences. Here are some notable spots:
Kaiserslautern Freibad Waschmühle: Known locally as “Wesch,” this historic outdoor pool is one of the largest in the region. It features a vast water area of 7,200 square meters and a sunbathing area of 25,000 square meters. It’s a popular spot for families and those looking to enjoy a sunny day by the pool.
Warmfreibad Kaiserslautern: This heated outdoor pool is another great option, offering a range of facilities including a large swimming pool, diving boards, and a children’s pool. It’s open from May to September and provides a comfortable swimming experience even on cooler days.
Ramstein Azur: Family friendliness is particularly important at the AZUR. Children up to three years of age have free entry to the swimming pool when accompanied by their parents. There are paddling areas for the youngest visitors both in the inner area of the pool and in the outdoor pool. For hot summer days there is a swimming pool with a length of 50 meters in the outdoor pool, as well as an adjacent non-swimmer area. A separate diving pool offers space for brave jumpers. The spacious sunbathing lawn rounds off the offer for the summer.
Seewoog Miesenbach: Situated on the outskirts of Miesen-bach in a woody area, the lake offers a beautiful park area with a terrace overlooking the water. It’s ideal for a leisurely walk, swim or simply enjoying the scenic view with a cool drink or snack at the kiosk.
Naturerlebnisbad Landstuhl: The beautifully landscaped beach area is popular. Children and adults alike particularly enjoy spending time there. The older ones help the little ones with digging, building castles or just watching and enjoying the day. Depending on your ability, you can splash around and swim in the naturally fresh water. Experienced swimmers prefer the swimming area to hone their technique and endurance.
Hohenecken Gelterswoog: For those who prefer natural settings, Gelterswoog is a beautiful lake located just outside Kaiserslautern. It’s perfect for swimming and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a serene escape from the city. There are also facilities for paddle boating and a beach area for sunbathing.
Naturfreibad Otterberg: This natural pool uses a chemical-free system, offering a unique swimming experience in pure spring water. A short drive from Kaiserslautern, it offers a more rustic experience. It’s surrounded by nature and provides a peaceful environment for swimming and rejuvenating.
Warmfreibad Trippstadt: A large, green grassy area surrounds 2,000 square meters of water that invites guests to splish and splash, play water games or simply just swim.
Waldfreibad Rodenbach: A heated forest pool with six lanes, a slide, a baby pool, and a kiosk. There are spacious areas to sunbathe and relax, there is a small restaurant, and the facility is equipped with a high dive and a kids’ pool area.
Freibad Alsenborn: The pool was renovated a few years ago and offers a fun slide, a large basin with diving boards, a separate children’s pool and plenty of shady places to relax and enjoy.
Freibad Mehlingen: Another outdoor pool near Sembach that is somewhat simpler than Alsenborn, but less crowded on hot summer days.
Natur-Erlebnisbad Rockenhausen: The unique swimming facility offers a natural swimming experience without the use of chemicals. It features various swimming and bathing areas, a beach volleyball court, a large lawn for sunbathing and a kiosk. The water is treated using biological and mechanical processes, making it suitable for young children and people with sensitive skin. It includes a swimmer’s pool with 25 and 50-meter lanes, a non-swimmer area with a pebble beach and grotto, a children’s paddling pool, and a 60-meter water slide.
Two natural lakes near Sembach are also worth a mention:
Billesweiher: This idyllic lake is located near Neuhemsbach on the road towards Alsenborn and is known for its peaceful surroundings. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet swim or a picnic, but please note that it is not ideal for children swimming and there is no lifeguard for safety.
Eiswoog: Eiswoog is a picturesque lake located near Ramsen, about 30 kilometers north of Kaiserslautern, driving through the forest towards Eisenberg. It is a tranquil spot surrounded by dense forests, making it perfect for a peaceful retreat. The lake is great for swimming, fishing, and hiking. There is also a charming hotel and restaurant nearby, offering a lovely place to stay or enjoy a meal with a view of the lake. The narrow-gauge railway Stumpfwaldbahn offers short rides on weekends during the season. But beware: the name says it all “Eiswoog” means ice lake and the fresh water is extremely cold!
Last, but not least, if you’re willing to drive a bit further, there are three bathing sites west of Kaiserslautern well worth a visit:
Vitalbad Pfälzer Bergland/Kusel: In addition to the swimmers’ pool, bathers at the outdoor pool have access to the play and fun pool with a wild water channel, cascading water showers, floor and wall bubblers and massage jets, as well as a water mushroom and a wide slide. Little bathers can have fun in the paddling pool or at the water playground.
Bostalsee: Located about 40 kilometers southwest of Kaiserslautern, Bostalsee is a large, popular recreational lake. It offers a variety of activities including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. The area around the lake is well-developed with beaches, camping sites, and hiking trails, making it a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Ohmbachsee: Situated approximately 25 kilometers west of Kaiserslautern, Ohmbachsee is another fantastic spot for outdoor activities. The lake is surrounded by a beautiful park and offers facilities for swimming, boating, and picnicking. There are also walking and cycling paths around the lake, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
We wish you lots of fun trying out the various swimming and bathing opportunities in the area. Enjoy swimming, splashing, diving or just lying out in the sun, but stay cool!
