Bern's public outdoor pools experienced an unprecedented surge in visitors during the summer of 2025. Nearly 1.8 million people used the city's swimming facilities, setting a new historical record for attendance. This peak occurred despite the closure of one major facility, Ka-We-De, for renovations.
Key Takeaways
- Bern's outdoor pools recorded almost 1.8 million visitors in summer 2025.
- This represents an 11% increase compared to the previous year.
- The record was achieved even with the Ka-We-De facility closed for upgrades.
- Marzili pool alone saw over 895,000 entries, a new individual record.
- Wylerbad remained open longer to accommodate demand.
Record-Breaking Summer for Bern's Swimming Facilities
The city of Bern announced on Wednesday that its outdoor swimming pools welcomed nearly 1.8 million guests by the official season close on September 14. This figure marks the highest number of visitors ever recorded for Bern's public pools in a single summer season.
The total attendance surpassed the previous record set in 2022 by 128,818 entries. This significant increase highlights the growing popularity of public swimming areas in the region.
Attendance Snapshot
- Total Visitors (Summer 2025): Nearly 1.8 million
- Increase from Previous Year: Approximately 11%
- Previous Record (Summer 2022): Surpassed by 128,818 entries
Marzili Leads in Visitor Numbers
The Marzili pool complex was a key contributor to the overall record. It registered over 895,000 entries during the summer. This marks a new individual record for the Marzili facility, even though its season concluded earlier than usual in early September due to ongoing construction work.
Other pools also reported exceptional numbers. The Lorrainebad saw more than 114,000 visitors, while the Wylerbad attracted over 253,000 guests. Both facilities achieved their highest visitor counts to date, reflecting a city-wide trend of increased pool usage.
"The exceptional attendance figures underscore the importance of our public swimming facilities for Bern's residents and visitors, especially during warm summer months," a city representative stated.
Impact of Ka-We-De Closure
Notably, these record numbers were achieved despite the closure of the Ka-We-De outdoor pool for extensive renovations. This facility is one of Bern's well-known swimming areas. Its absence meant other pools absorbed a larger share of the city's swimming demand.
The ability of the remaining pools to handle such a large influx of visitors, and still set new records, demonstrates the robust capacity and appeal of Bern's aquatic infrastructure. It also suggests a strong public desire for accessible outdoor recreation.
Background Information
The city of Bern manages several popular outdoor swimming pools. These facilities offer residents and tourists a place to relax and cool down during the warmer seasons. Regular maintenance and occasional renovations ensure these public amenities remain safe and enjoyable.
Peak Days and Extended Season
The pools experienced particularly high attendance on specific days in June and early August. These periods coincided with spells of warm weather, which typically drive more people to seek relief in public swimming areas.
Looking ahead, Bern expects temperatures to reach up to 26 degrees Celsius in the coming days. This late-season warmth means some facilities will extend their operating hours to allow more people to enjoy the summer's end.
Wylerbad Extends Operations
Due to the early closure of Marzili for construction, the Wylerbad will remain open until September 28. This extension provides an alternative for swimmers in the city.
Additionally, the swimming canal and the 'Bueberseeli' area within the Marzili complex will stay accessible until September 21. These measures aim to maximize public access to swimming options as the summer season concludes.
- Wylerbad extended opening: Until September 28
- Marzili swimming canal & Bueberseeli: Accessible until September 21
Public Demand for Recreational Spaces
The record attendance figures highlight a clear demand for well-maintained public recreational spaces. Investment in these facilities contributes to public health and community well-being.
City officials will likely review these numbers to inform future planning and resource allocation for Bern's public pools. The strong performance of the pools in 2025 indicates their vital role in the city's summer activities.
Maintaining high-quality facilities remains a priority. The successful management of increased visitor numbers, even with a major pool closed, shows effective operational strategies.