Swimming in Berlin

Public pools throughout the city cost EUR 4 for a day pass. For full listings, ask at the tourist office or navigate (in German) www.berlinerbaederbetriebe.deThe lakes Wannsee, Halensee, Müggelsee, and Plötzensee all have beaches. The huge Strandbad Wannsee (Wannseebad-weg 25, Zehlendorf. 030/7071-3833) attracts as many as 40,000 Berliners to its fine, sandy beach on summer weekends. The Sommerbad Olympiastadion (Olympischer Pl. 1, Charlottenburg. 030/6663-1142. Olympiastadion [U-bahn and S-bahn]) was made for the 1936 Olympic games and includes a separate area with three diving platforms. It's open late May to late August, daily 7-8.

In summer, a trip to the Arena Badeschiff (Eichenstr. 4, Kreuzberg/Treptow. 030/5332-030. Schlesische Strasse [U-bahn]) is a must. The outdoor pool is set on a boat anchored on the river Spree, offering great views of the Kreuzberg skyline. It's open April to late August, daily 8-midnight. In winter (September-March) the pool is transformed into an indoor sauna.