Badeschiff

Kreuzberg, Berlin – Berliners have an obsession with beach bars – arising no doubt from the city’s distinct lack of a coastline to call its own – and one of the best of the bunch is Badeschiff, which contains an outdoor bar, concert venue, and swimming pool located on the banks of the Spree River.

With just a minimal entrance fee, an international flock of sunbathers, families, and young people gain access to sand and sun and the right to lounge the day away on the deck chairs and beds scattered throughout the premises.

Mellow house music plays in the background as patrons soak up the rays, but the real highlight is the long, narrow outdoor pool floating in the river. Swimmers must rinse off with a required (and cold!) shower before taking a dip, but the refreshing water is well worth the quick-freeze rinse.

After a swim or some time in the sun, patrons can satisfy their taste buds by grabbing a drink at the tiki-style bar or a bite to eat at the grill.

When night falls and most families head home, the party heats up with DJs, live bands, and late-night dips in the pool.

During the colder winter months, the venue keeps its doors open by erecting futuristic bubble-like tents over the docks and the pool. Inside the enclosed structure is a sauna and lounge where guests can escape from the cold, have a light snack, linger over some drinks, and even get a massage.

As off color as it may initially seem, perhaps Badeschiff’s owners are exactly right when they describe this crazy collection of bar, beach, and watery playground as “the most unusual bathroom in Europe.”    ← read less