You've heard of a Freibad, and probably also a Schwimmbad or a Stadtbad, but what about a Naturbad?
For the uninitiated, all of the above are German terms for swimming pools: Freibad (literally 'free pool') is the general term for the outdoor public pools found in many German cities. Whereas a Schwimmbad (literally 'swimming pool') or a Stadtbad ('city pool') can be indoors or outdoors.
But then there are those called a Naturbad, which tend to use plant-based filtration systems to offer a chlorine-free 'natural' swimming areas, and often come with picturesque nature views as well.
Here are some of the more striking Naturbäder to be found in Germany's southern 'Free' state.
Felsenbad Pottenstein
Opened in 1926, Felsenbad is said to be the oldest outdoor pool in Bavaria, and its arguably the most beautiful as well.
Located in the heart of 'Franconian Switzerland' (Fränkische Schweiz), the pool itself is set in a lush green ravine, between the crystal clear Weihersbach stream and a wall of jagged limestone cliffs.
A Naturbad in the truest sense, the emerald water in the swimming pool here is not chemically treated, but is instead purified via aquatic plants. Here you can see water being pumped into a a corner of the pool that is densely planted with lily pads, reeds and other water-purifying aquatic plants.
The pool is located just outside of Pottenstein. It's just about an hour's drive from Nuremberg, or a two to two-and-a-half hour journey by regional train and bus.
It's open for swimming until 6:30pm. A day ticket for adults is €4.50, or €3 for kids.
Naturbad Großhabersdorf
A bit closer to Nuremberg is the Naturbad in the village of Großhabersdorf.
While not as breath-takingly scenic as Franconian Switzerland, the timbered-frame houses of the village in the background give this outdoor swimming area a uniquely Bavarian feel.
From Monday to Thursday you can swim here until 8pm, or until 7pm on the other days. Adult day tickets are €4, or there's an 'after work' option for €3. Kids under the age of six swim for free.
Naturbad Vierkirchen
Natural pool lovers in Munich will be familiar with Naturbad Maria Einsiedel, which is located right in the city, on the southern side near the banks of the Isar river.
But for a more idyllic experience, or one that is at least a touch less crowded, you might try Naturbad Vierkirchen.
Located just north of Dachau, it's accessible from the Munich via S-Bahn (S2 to Vierkirchen-Esterhofen).
Naturerlebnisbad Schöllkrippen
In the north-western corner of Bavaria, close to Aschaffenburg (and also within reach of Frankfurt or Wurzburg) is the sprawling natural pool at Schöllkrippen.
The pool is a great one for a whole-family all-day stay: It's got a huge swimming area, as well as diving rocks, a water slide, beach volleyball courts, a playground and plenty of grassy areas for tanning and relaxing.
A brief history of natural bathing in Germany
Designing and swimming in naturally-filtered chlorine-free pools, it turns out, is something of a uniquely German tradition.
Public bathing culture in Germany can be traced back to Roman times – the Romans brought the culture of public bathing to regions in modern-day Germany, and built some of the first public spa facilities (Therme in German, then called Thermae).
But after the fall of the Roman Empire, public bathing culture largely collapsed in Europe. Public bathing was usually avoided in Germany though the Middle Ages because of its potential for spreading disease.
But bathing culture was revitalised in the 19th century, and in Germany people gathered in open-air river baths (Flussbäder) or on lakeside beaches to swim together. In the 20th century, chlorine made public swimming pools hygienic, and public facilities popped up in cities across Germany.
But starting around the 1980s German and Austrian engineers began experimenting with natural filtration systems, which involved purifying water by pumping it through gravel beds rich with plants and certain microorganisms. Thus the Naturbad was born.
Do you have a favourite Naturbad in Germany? Please share in the comments below.
