Sun-drenched outdoor swimming pools in Saxony anticipate a bright summer season
Outdoor Pool Visitor Numbers in Saxony See Mixed Results Amidst Unfavorable Weather
Outdoor pools in Saxony have seen varying visitor numbers this summer, with some cities experiencing a decline compared to the same period last year. According to Kevin Kempe, head of the department in Chemnitz, the lower number of visitors can be attributed to rainy periods, competition from free-of-charge lakes, and a wide range of alternative leisure activities.
In Chemnitz, 47,000 visitors have been counted in the four outdoor pools as of August 2025, marking a 10% decrease compared to the same time last year. Dresden's nine outdoor pools have welcomed 165,000 guests so far, but another 200,000 are needed to reach last year's total.
Lars Kühl, spokesman for the Baths GmbH in Dresden, states that the weather has been unfavorable for outdoor pool operators for a long time, which is relatively rare. This sentiment is echoed in the videos "The Season is Catastrophic for All Pools" and "Outdoor Pools Suffer from Rainy Summer," both of which discuss the challenges faced by outdoor pools in Saxony this season.
However, not all cities have seen a decline in visitor numbers. Leipzig, for instance, has seen around 110,000 people visit its six municipal outdoor pools by the end of July, which is similar to the number at the same time last year. Katja Gläß, the responsible spokeswoman in Leipzig, is optimistic about the balance of the outdoor pool season due to a strong start in 2024, followed by a weakening later in the season, but improved weather in the last third of the season.
Meteorologists' forecasts give cause for hope that individual outdoor pools may remain open beyond the main season until September in the event of a hot and sunny late summer.
In addition to outdoor pools, Saxony offers a variety of leisure attractions to keep visitors entertained during the summer months. Leipzig, for example, boasts popular leisure attractions like the Zoo Leipzig and historical sites, which may attract visitors who could otherwise visit outdoor pools.
For those seeking swimming lessons, the DLRG provides tips on how to best prepare for swimming lessons and how to find a swimming course to prevent drowning. For those looking to enjoy swimming in outdoor pools and lakes, the article presents tips for swimming in these venues in Saxony, with information about available offers, catering, and additional facilities.
The rights for the videos and audios in the article belong to MITTELDEUTSCHER RUNDFUNK. While specific visitor statistics and detailed impacts of weather or competing leisure activities on visitor numbers are not readily available from the provided sources, contacting the respective city tourism offices, pool management, or local leisure authorities would likely be necessary for precise and up-to-date statistics.
In the event of unfavorable weather, alternatives for leisure activities during the summer holidays have been suggested, such as indoor playgrounds. The weather in Saxony may not be inviting for swimming, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the summer months.
In light of the challenging weather conditions, some individuals might opt for home-and-garden activities or outdoor-living arrangements to enjoy the summer amidst the uncertainty. For instance, one could embrace a 'staycation' lifestyle, focusing on lifestyle improvements in one's own backyard, such as gardening or setting up a hammock for reading.
Moreover, the diverse leisure attractions in Saxony offer endless opportunities, allowing visitors to switch from outdoor pools to home-and-garden experiences, exploring historical sites or visiting the Zoo Leipzig instead. This versatility in leisure options ensures that residents and tourists can enjoy the summer months to the fullest, regardless of the weather.
