Tiergartenbad Heidelberg

Tiergartenbad Heidelberg is an outdoor swimming pool complex at Tiergartenstraße 5 in the Neuenheim district, next to Zoo Heidelberg, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It serves as the city's practical alternative to a beach, because swimming in the Neckar is discouraged. There is no sand or natural shoreline: the water is treated pool water, clear and chlorinated, with sunbathing lawns around the basins. The grounds are enclosed rather than open to wind or surf, giving a sheltered, controlled setting that suits families with children. The pool area includes a children's pool and a water slide, along with changing rooms and a kiosk for snacks and drinks. Lawns surround the pools, so visitors typically spread out towels on the grass in addition to using the edges of the basins. The atmosphere is that of a classic German Freibad: families, school groups and local swimmers on warm days, with the zoo next door adding to the sense of a day out. As an outdoor facility it operates in the summer season, roughly from June to early September, with opening dates and times depending on the weather, so visitors should check the operator's current information before travelling. Lifeguard supervision is standard in German public pools, but exact hours are not listed here. Admission is charged at the gate, and prices and concessions should be confirmed with the operator. Access is easy. Bus 31 stops at Zoo, and trams 21 and 24 run to Hans-Thoma-Platz, followed by a short walk. The site is around 3 km northwest of the Altstadt, and the Neckarwiese lawn is within reach for visitors who want to combine a swim with a riverside picnic. Parking near the zoo can fill quickly on hot days, so public transport is the more reliable option. Visitors should bring a towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes, and arrive early on the hottest days.