Hamburg, March 12 – The historic Holthusenbad in Hamburg-Eppendorf will close its doors to swimmers starting May 4th, 2026. The bathing facility will undergo an eight-month renovation and is expected to reopen in late January 2027.
Asbestos Discovery Necessitates Extensive Renovation
Initially, the more than 100-year-old bath was slated for a simple renovation. However, during preliminary inspections, asbestos was discovered in the vault, requiring the complete removal of the dome ceiling. “Due to the construction noise and the space required for the construction work, it is unfortunately not possible to keep the bath open,” stated Marcus Gross from Holthusenbad.
Scope of the Renovation Project
The renovation project will focus on making the historic Holthusenbad more accessible. This includes the installation of barrier-free changing rooms and sanitary facilities, new toilets, and windows. Additionally, the historic changing cabins will receive a fresh coat of paint. The total cost of the renovation is estimated to be around three million euros.
Holthusenbad: An Architectural Gem and Hamburg Landmark
This investment is directed towards a true Hamburg gem. Designed by Fritz Schumacher, the Holthusenbad has been in operation since 1914. Only the Kaifu-Bad in Eimsbüttel and the Bartholomäustherme in Barmbek are older. It is also the only bathing facility in Hamburg equipped with a wave pool.
Impact on Other Swimming Facilities and Services
The closure of Holthusenbad follows a trend of extensive renovations in Hamburg’s public swimming facilities. The St. Pauli indoor swimming pool is also undergoing a lengthy closure for comprehensive refurbishment. During the closure of Holthusenbad, many swimming courses will be relocated to Wandsbek.
Fritz Schumacher’s Enduring Legacy in Hamburg
Architect Fritz Schumacher’s buildings and projects continue to shape the cityscape of Hamburg. Born on November 4, 1869, in Bremen, Schumacher’s work is characterized by the use of brick and a blend of traditional and modern architectural styles.
Initiatives to Promote Swimming Skills
In related news, the “Ab ins Wasser” (Into the Water) campaign has been launched for Hamburg’s elementary school children. This initiative, taking place over three action days, aims to provide support for children learning to swim. This comes in response to the concerning statistic that half of all elementary school children lack experience in the water.
Other News from Hamburg
Beyond the Holthusenbad renovation, Hamburg is buzzing with other significant developments:
- Olympia Bid: Hamburg’s Senator of the Interior, Andy Grote, presented plans for a new Olympic stadium to HSV members, emphasizing the city’s ambition to host the Olympic Games.
- Hapag-Lloyd Container Ship Incident: A Hapag-Lloyd container ship was hit by projectile fragments in the Persian Gulf. A fire on board was quickly extinguished.
- SAGA Housing Project: SAGA is constructing over 100 apartments in Mümmelmannsberg, with the majority designed to be barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible to support independent living for seniors.
- Deutsche Bahn: The railway line to Berlin is expected to be completed by June 14th.
The renovation of Holthusenbad represents a significant undertaking to preserve a historical landmark while modernizing its facilities to meet contemporary needs. The temporary closure will undoubtedly impact regular users, but the long-term benefits of a revitalized and accessible swimming facility are anticipated to outweigh the short-term inconvenience.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/historisches-holthusenbad-schliesst-ab-mai-fuer-acht-monate,holthusenbad-100.html
