The future of the Neuwaldegg spa is in danger: 100 years of tradition are in jeopardy!

The future of the Neuwaldegg spa is in danger: 100 years of tradition are in jeopardy!

The Neuwaldegger Bad in Hernals, known for its long-standing tradition and its role as a popular meeting place in summer, will remain closed in 2023. This marks the end of an era, after over 100 years of continuous operation. Gabi Dolezel, the operator of the pool, unfortunately did not manage to open the season, which saddens many Viennese. The closure raises questions that many citizens are asking: What will happen to this historic bath? And what happens next?

Marcus Korn from the estate administration of St. Peter's Abbey intervened and did everything he could to prevent a final closure. Discussions between Korn and Dolezel about the future of the pool are already underway, but many of the regulations, such as transfer fees and a new lease agreement, have not yet been clarified. Korn says that he is not too optimistic that the Neuwaldegger Bad will return to life next year. If the negotiations fail, the pool may be demolished - a bitter blow to the bathing culture in Vienna, which offers places to meet, relax and socialize.

The importance of outdoor pools

Public outdoor pools are not just places for physical exercise and cooling off, they are part of a centuries-old bathing culture whose roots go back to ancient times. In ancient civilizations such as Rome and Greece, public baths were important for social participation. Outdoor swimming pools also symbolize democratization in the 19th century, but today's challenges should not be underestimated. The decline in pools is alarming, because in 2019 there were only 6,400 public pools in Germany - 1,400 fewer than 2,000. Around 70 pools close every year.

The future of the Neuwaldegger spa is uncertain, and many Viennese hope that through committed citizens' initiatives the spa could perhaps shine in new splendor. Anyone interested in taking over the pool can contact badneuwaldegg@gmx.at. It remains to be seen whether someone will be found who has the talent, will and the necessary knack to preserve this piece of Viennese history.

The declining number of outdoor pools is also alarming, considering that fewer and fewer children can swim. This is not only a local challenge, but also a societal one. With a tense personnel situation and financial bottlenecks, dark times are looming for the swimming pool landscape. The next few years could be crucial, especially in times of climate change, when the importance of outdoor swimming pools for recreation and society could increase.

The history of the Neuwaldegg spa is an example of many public institutions that are coming under pressure. The loss of an outdoor swimming pool would not only be the loss of a cultural element, but also a sign of a failure in political and social responsibility towards social meeting places. Their preservation could have a decisive impact on the quality of life in the city.