Swimming Europe

RE: Swimming Europe

Former Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:55:44 GMT

Just a heads up on some of the things you may encounter. While in Germany last summer, I visited a big "Schwimmhalle" or pool facility,with everything from lappool to lazyriver.We had fair warning when arrived,but it was still a bit jarring when at 6pm sharp the facility changed to a nudist one!At that point you either strip or have to leave...so always double check the schedule of the facility you pick,as this is not uncomon. Also,changing rooms tend to be one large area,with individual stalls for changing and separate showers/bathrooms-make sure you have your towel with you...unless it is nudist night and you're ok with that. In some places you pay for the number of hours you will be in the building,in advance,and you will get a wristband with a chip that you scan when entering and upon leaving.If you go over you cannot leave until you have paid the additional cost, so make sure you allow yourself enough time to change/swim/shower or that you have enough cash to pay for any "over time".

RE: Swimming Europe

TRYM_Swimmer — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:57:26 GMT

Ditto to the Otter Masters in London. I worked in London from 77-80 and 87-90 and was a member of the club both times. Very nice group of people, with a history dating to 1869.

RE: Swimming Europe

White Lightning — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:40:05 GMT

I agree. When in Der Vaterland, watch out in the changing rooms, pay for the whole day, and check if there are any nudist accomodattions in the pool schedule. I must say I have not been to any pools which have them.

RE: Swimming Europe

Former Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 08:05:43 GMT

if Spain-Catalonia or Andalusia, Portugal are on your route ask… can give you info… have a nice trip!!!:applaud:

RE: Swimming Europe

gschneider — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:49:42 GMT

This is great information! Thanks for the help. My plans aren't finalized yet, so I can't say for sure where I'll be when. I will be in and around London for two weeks, in Paris for a week or so, northern Italy for a week or so, then in Germany. swimmersguide.com is amazing! This will be a great tool, since I have no idea where I'll be at this point. Thanks, qbrain!

RE: Swimming Europe

White Lightning — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:31:12 GMT

If you are near Stuttgart try the Sindlefingen pool just south of the city. Very nice 8 lane indoor 50 meter hallenbad with 3-4 roped off lanes for lap swimming--rare in Germany. 3 euros. Noodlers are in an adjacent pool or in the diving well--also rare.

RE: Swimming Europe

Former Member — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:13:30 GMT

RE: Swimming Europe

aztimm — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:35:27 GMT

While in London, check outOtter Masters Swimming. I've swum with them every time I've been in London, they're always been super friendly, and they've never charged me. I've also heard the Serpentine Swim Club is good, if you want some open water (and they have various races around town through much of summer). In Munich, you HAVE to swim in the pool used in the 1972 Olympic games (it is quite nice and yes it does indeed have lanelines!) It is open from about 6 or 7am to 11pm Mon-Fri, and I think it cost about E4-5. In Barcelona, the 1996 Olympic Pool at Montjuic is awesome; if for some reason the main pool isn't open (it is outside), the warm-up pool (inside) is a good substitute. The pools also have very liberal times, but are a bit more expensive, close to E10. Otherwise, if you give details on where specifically you'll be going, that would help.

RE: Swimming Europe

Three Rivers — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:25:42 GMT

While in Munich a couple years ago I swam at a couple of city owned pools. Not expensive but no lane lines. I think they have public swimming at the olympic pool too. It looks like a great venue. There's a tribute to Mark Spitz there too.

RE: Swimming Europe

Former Member — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:11:24 GMT

http://www.swimmersguide.com/

RE: Swimming Europe

Former Member — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:51:58 GMT

In Germany almost every city of any size has Hallenbad (indoor pools) or Freibad (outdoor pools). You can google it. If you are in the Franfurt area, there are two lakes on the south side near Langen both are great for open water swimming.