Germans summers are short. Battling grey skies, rain and cool weather year-round, once the sun peeps through the clouds, Hannover bustles with excitement. Crowded street cafes, busy beer gardens – the locals spend as much time as possible in the sunshine.
Although Hannover is land-locked, this city features a wide variety of outdoor swimming opportunities from lakes to pools. It seems like the options are limitless in Hannover since tiny lakes and pools are dispersed throughout the region. Although there’s more than this list offers, these are the places that I explored and are some of the best spots in town.
Swimming is magical part of the Hanoverian summer experience. From my perspective, Germans love to swim. Riding your bike through nature, I saw Germans live this balanced life where they got in touch with nature and enjoyed the present moment of just laying in the grass or the sand, something we Americans struggle with – relaxation.
If you are looking to stay cool this summer, be sure to check out one of the see (lakes), schwimmbad (pools) or freibad (outdoor swimming pools).
Although Hannover is land-locked, this city features a wide variety of outdoor swimming opportunities from lakes to pools. It seems like the options are limitless in Hannover since tiny lakes and pools are dispersed throughout the region. Although there’s more than this list offers, these are the places that I explored and are some of the best spots in town.
Swimming is magical part of the Hanoverian summer experience. From my perspective, Germans love to swim. Riding your bike through nature, I saw Germans live this balanced life where they got in touch with nature and enjoyed the present moment of just laying in the grass or the sand, something we Americans struggle with – relaxation.
If you are looking to stay cool this summer, be sure to check out one of the see (lakes), schwimmbad (pools) or freibad (outdoor swimming pools).
Maschee Lake next to the Aspira
Swimming is forbidden in Maschee Lake with the exception for the small public beach located at the Aspira health club. You'll enter in the public gates located between the beer garden and the health club. Swimming in Maschee looks inviting, but if you ever saw the ginormous fish and eel-like creatures swimming around you’ll understand why swimming is prohibited. The swimming area at the Aspira is a clean beach that contains an underwater fence. Beachside showers help rinse off the sand, but it’s the perfect place to spend a day at the sea. Entrance is less than three euros. If you get hungry, a crepe stand, strawberry stand and beer garden is located outside of the entry gates. This does not give you access to the health club.
Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 83
Hanover
Swimming is forbidden in Maschee Lake with the exception for the small public beach located at the Aspira health club. You'll enter in the public gates located between the beer garden and the health club. Swimming in Maschee looks inviting, but if you ever saw the ginormous fish and eel-like creatures swimming around you’ll understand why swimming is prohibited. The swimming area at the Aspira is a clean beach that contains an underwater fence. Beachside showers help rinse off the sand, but it’s the perfect place to spend a day at the sea. Entrance is less than three euros. If you get hungry, a crepe stand, strawberry stand and beer garden is located outside of the entry gates. This does not give you access to the health club.
Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 83
Hanover
The Maschee Park Lakes
Just south of Maschee, are the Maschee park lakes. You can access these lakes via foot, bike or by parking your car several blocks away at Maschee. Here locals relax in the grass and dive deep into the water (or jump off the tree). Since your feet touch the bottom, be prepared for mud and slime, but once you are in the lake its “smooth swimming” from there. On Friday and the weekends, locals bring their transportable BBQ sets and an “eis” (ice cream) van sells one-euro per scoop cones. There is also a snack shake that sells beer, water, wursts and all things German. This no-charge lake is next to the FKK beach (see directions below).
Just south of Maschee, are the Maschee park lakes. You can access these lakes via foot, bike or by parking your car several blocks away at Maschee. Here locals relax in the grass and dive deep into the water (or jump off the tree). Since your feet touch the bottom, be prepared for mud and slime, but once you are in the lake its “smooth swimming” from there. On Friday and the weekends, locals bring their transportable BBQ sets and an “eis” (ice cream) van sells one-euro per scoop cones. There is also a snack shake that sells beer, water, wursts and all things German. This no-charge lake is next to the FKK beach (see directions below).
The FKK Beach at Maschee Park Lakes
Connected to the Maschee Park lakes, the FKK beach is a nude beach. Tucked away behind trees with a small bike path running through it, locals get in touch with nature in their natural state. I enjoyed this lake because the water is clean and there is a small deck and ladder to get in and out of the water. Since it leads directly to deep water your feet don’t the slimy stuff at the bottom. There is absolutely no tolerance for photographs or odd behavior at this lake. Keep your eyes to yourself. On google map, search for the term, “freibadeplatz ricklinger mash.” It's directly off the bike path that cuts off from the Maschee Lake loop trail.
Connected to the Maschee Park lakes, the FKK beach is a nude beach. Tucked away behind trees with a small bike path running through it, locals get in touch with nature in their natural state. I enjoyed this lake because the water is clean and there is a small deck and ladder to get in and out of the water. Since it leads directly to deep water your feet don’t the slimy stuff at the bottom. There is absolutely no tolerance for photographs or odd behavior at this lake. Keep your eyes to yourself. On google map, search for the term, “freibadeplatz ricklinger mash.” It's directly off the bike path that cuts off from the Maschee Lake loop trail.
Naturbad Hainholz
Located in the Nordstadt neighborhood, take the #6 U-bahn to this outdoor natural bath. It’s the perfect place for the family or anyone looking to escape the city. Waterslides, diving boards and volleyball courts, this natural swimming hole features plenty of entertainment. The water can be quit cool so don’t expect bathwater. There is a separate natural bath for babies. Free onsite lockers are also available.
Voltmerstraße 56, 30165 Hannover, Germany
http://www.naturbad-hainholz.de
Located in the Nordstadt neighborhood, take the #6 U-bahn to this outdoor natural bath. It’s the perfect place for the family or anyone looking to escape the city. Waterslides, diving boards and volleyball courts, this natural swimming hole features plenty of entertainment. The water can be quit cool so don’t expect bathwater. There is a separate natural bath for babies. Free onsite lockers are also available.
Voltmerstraße 56, 30165 Hannover, Germany
http://www.naturbad-hainholz.de
Blauer See
Located in Garbsen, take the number four or five u-bahn to downtown Garbsen or the #126 bus from Hannover. Blauer see “blue lake” is popular for the onsite waterskiing. The lake is shallower so the water is warmer and more pleasant. The grounds include a small beer garden, beach club and snack shake. There are plenty of benches and swings located next to the sand. I recommend taking your bike on the U-bahn and then riding it to Blauer see from the last stop. During the summer months, you can enjoy daytime techno parties hosted by Tante Hanne.
Am Blauen See 119
30826 Garbsen
Strandbad Hemmingen
Just past the Maschee Park lakes and Maschee is the Strandbad Hemmingen, an outdoor lake outlined with a beach. Tucked away behind trees, this public lake, situated in a private setting, also features an inexpensive café that sells food and coffee beverages. It’s the perfect escape from Hannover’s city center and is about a 30-minute bike ride from downtown. The lake is clean and features a dock that you can swim to and sunbathe on. It’s also nearby the Hemmingen self pick strawberry fields, which I believe are the best strawberries in Hannover (and possibly all of Germany). Entrance feel is around 2.50 euros.
http://www.strandbad-hemmingen.de/preise.php
Strandbad Hemmingen
Hohe Bünte 10
30966 Hemmingen
Where is your favorite place to swim in Germany? Let us know and share the amazing spots for summer swimming in this beautiful city!
Located in Garbsen, take the number four or five u-bahn to downtown Garbsen or the #126 bus from Hannover. Blauer see “blue lake” is popular for the onsite waterskiing. The lake is shallower so the water is warmer and more pleasant. The grounds include a small beer garden, beach club and snack shake. There are plenty of benches and swings located next to the sand. I recommend taking your bike on the U-bahn and then riding it to Blauer see from the last stop. During the summer months, you can enjoy daytime techno parties hosted by Tante Hanne.
Am Blauen See 119
30826 Garbsen
Strandbad Hemmingen
Just past the Maschee Park lakes and Maschee is the Strandbad Hemmingen, an outdoor lake outlined with a beach. Tucked away behind trees, this public lake, situated in a private setting, also features an inexpensive café that sells food and coffee beverages. It’s the perfect escape from Hannover’s city center and is about a 30-minute bike ride from downtown. The lake is clean and features a dock that you can swim to and sunbathe on. It’s also nearby the Hemmingen self pick strawberry fields, which I believe are the best strawberries in Hannover (and possibly all of Germany). Entrance feel is around 2.50 euros.
http://www.strandbad-hemmingen.de/preise.php
Strandbad Hemmingen
Hohe Bünte 10
30966 Hemmingen
Where is your favorite place to swim in Germany? Let us know and share the amazing spots for summer swimming in this beautiful city!
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