Germany: Re-opening of Adventure Pools & Spas in Germany Goes Forward

Thanks to declining infection numbers and relaxations for various areas of social life, some adventure pools and spas in Germany are now finally allowed to welcome guests back at their facilities, depending on their location and the regulations in force in the respective region.

Following the reopening of selected water parks and bathing complexes in mid-May as part of model projects, today also the Spreewelten Lübbenau leisure pool destination opens its gates, inviting guests again to “swim with penguins” (cf. EAP 2/2019). Nearly all parts of the water park can be used, only excluding the steam saunas for the time being. Admission is possible with or without reservation and according to current hygiene rules. “As everywhere, the general distance and hygiene rules apply. The high standards and permanent air exchange in the facility reduce the risk of infection enormously,” emphasises bath manager Axel Kopsch. Also, the related Spreewelten Hotel reopens, where guests can stay with a valid negative test not older than 72 hours (in the bathing complex, it must not be longer than 24 hours).

From tomorrow, Saturday, the Tropical Islands holiday resort, located about half an hour's drive from the Spreewelten, will also welcome visitors again, both in the water park and in the overnight accommodation. The measures to protect against possible infections are similar to those in other facilities: Guests aged six and over need a negative rapid test (no older than 24 hours), which can also be carried out on site. Tropical Islands has reduced its admission capacity by 50 per cent so that everyone in the adventure pool can keep a sufficient distance from each other. All slides will be usable at the large slide tower and a selection of slides at the “Jungle Splash” children's play structure. The saunas will initially only be available to overnight guests and annual pass holders – a measure to avoid crowds in the wellness area.

If we look to the south of Germany, we see a similar picture of cautious pool and spa openings: Rulantica, the water adventure world of Europa-Park in Baden-Wuerttemberg, has already reopend its gates on 3 June including its new outdoor water play structure “Svalgurok” (cf. EAP news f. 3 June 2021).

How the pool industry – especially the privately-run adventure pools and thermal spas – has faced the adversities and challenges of the pandemic, and what opportunities have been seized in some places, you can read in our upcoming EAP issue, which will be published on 1 July. (eap)