Last summer I went swimming in a natural pond for the first time and it was a very special experience, especially for me as a nature lover. Surrounded by trees and the beautiful garden, I just let myself float among the water lilies! The best thing about this natural experience is that natural swimming ponds do not require any chemicals. Maybe this is something for your own garden, or at least for your vacation?

Clear water through the power of nature

Biological balance is the name of the game in a natural swimming pond. A coordinated combination of marsh, bank and underwater plants keeps the water clean! And they also create a great backdrop.

As you can imagine, this combination of the right plants is the most important thing when designing swimming ponds. However, most natural swimming ponds cannot do without technology. In particular, “pollution” caused by leaves and pollen or fish living in the water must be removed by filtration systems. The cleaned water is then pumped back into the pond. However, to keep the pond as natural as possible, some types of plants can be used as natural filters.

In principle, chemicals can also be used in some swimming ponds to maintain water quality. However, swimming pond experts recommend avoiding chemicals altogether, as they can disrupt the biological balance of the water.

#1 Natural bathing pond from STURM in Mellrichstadt – a place of peace and relaxation

Where the natural swimming pond now forms the heart of the STURM garden, a swimming pool was originally planned. During the planning phase, however, it quickly became clear that only a natural swimming pond would fit in with the hotel’s philosophy. Today, the small ecosystem not only serves as a retreat and relaxation zone, but also provides its own energy through revitalized Grander water. Here you can take a relaxing dip in the greenery and listen to the rustling of the reeds. Guests and instructors alike enjoy using the shore as a place of power for outdoor yoga sessions.

#2 Swimming pond with Alpine panorama from the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol

The swimming pond at Naturhotel Outside is nestled in a garden of longing, where you can do so much for your health! Stroll through the herb garden and let the spicy scent waft through the air. Or simply relax on the sunbathing lawn and enjoy the panorama of the East Tyrolean mountains. Would you like to do something good for your skin? Try the glacier peeling with fine rock particles from the Großvenediger glacier. The rock particles contain valuable minerals that make your skin velvety soft. You can also get your cardiovascular system pumping on the KNEIPP Trail right next to the natural swimming pond. The only thing missing is a dip in the pond!

#3 New Swimming Pond at Hotel Das Rübezahl in Allgäu, Germany

In the spring of 2023, the romantic Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen opened its completely redesigned wellness garden. The 2,500-square-meter area with flower and alpine herb meadows and various alpine biotopes also includes a natural swimming pond with a lounge terrace. The panorama is magnificent – you can look directly at the mountains and Neuschwanstein Castle while swimming!

#4 Swimming close to nature and daily yoga at the vegan hotel LA VIMEA

Relax and swim without kids? That’s what you’ll find at LA VIMEA in the South Tyrolean resort of Naturno. The vegan hotel is for adults only and offers you the perfect setting for total relaxation in nature. You can swim in a pond with water lilies and enjoy the scenery during daily yoga sessions. There is also an indoor pool – but it is a saltwater pool. Again, thanks to the salt water, pool chemicals are (mostly) unnecessary.

#5 Swim and relax at Gut Guntrams near Vienna

Gut Guntrams is an organic retreat for design lovers. Unusual “floating” accommodations are nestled among fruit trees, and designer loungers by Kenneth Coponpue await you by the natural swimming pond. The pond itself is a little out of the way and therefore in complete, natural tranquility. A short walk will take you to another world, past old trees and the crystals of the Nature Museum.

“Our pond regenerates itself. A skimmer ensures that as few flowers and leaves as possible sink to the bottom, keeping the water clear and clean. – Gut Guntrams

Wellness Hotels with Natural Bathing Ponds in Germany

Some of the sustainable Green PearlsⓇ wellness hotels have also opted for a mixture of conventional pools and natural swimming ponds. In this way, both can be tested and compared directly. This may also help to increase the acceptance of swimming ponds.

#6 Der Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort – Luxury combined with sustainability

If you are looking for a truly pampering place with world-class cuisine, then Der Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort is the place for you. Located on a hill in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, the hotel features a large spa area and the 2-star Eisvogel restaurant. The outdoor spa area includes an outdoor pool, a saltwater pool, an onsen pool – and a large organic bathing lake.

It is interesting to note that despite its luxurious standards and hotel and Michelin star awards, the hotel is committed to sustainability, for example generating its own energy from its own cogeneration plant. You can learn more about this in the interview with Lukas Obendorfer of the owner family.

#7 Lifestyleresort Zum Kurfürsten on the Mosel – 3 outdoor pools and natural swimming pond

The Lifestyleresort Zum Kurfürsten in Bernkastel-Kues also has a huge wellness area with indoor and outdoor pools and various saunas. A real highlight, however, is the chemical-free natural swimming pond. Thanks to the atmospheric lighting, you can glide into the cool water even in the evening.

Finally, my personal “warning”: once you dive into natural swimming ponds, you won’t want to get out!

This is an update from March 05, 2019

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