Migration
Warmfreibad Trippstadt pool offers relief for those near Kaiserslautern
Stars and Stripes
August 20, 2020
There is a dedicated lap pool for those looking to swim at the Trippstadt pool in Germany. (Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes)
There is a dedicated lap pool for those looking to swim at the Trippstadt pool in Germany. (Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes)
Kids go down the long slide at the Trippstadt pool in Germany. (Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes)
For the small non-swimmers, there is a baby pool at the Trippstadt pool in Germany. (Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes)
There is a dedicated shallow family pool with a large slide at the Trippstadt pool in Germany. (Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes)
There are three diving boards at the deep end of the Trippstadt pool in Germany. (Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes)
There is a large park at the Trippstadt pool in Germany for sunbathing, relaxing or a picnic. (Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes)
As the mid-August heat bears down on Rheinland-Pfalz, many people are looking for ways to escape their non-air-conditioned homes to cool off and relax, and a pool is the perfect way.
Unfortunately, swimming pools in the Kaiserslautern area are selling out even during a pandemic, and lines are forming as everyone looks to beat the heat.
That’s why I headed south to the pool in Trippstadt. It’s large with multiple pools and didn’t feel crowded at all.
Warmfreibad Trippstadt, which conveniently translates as “warm outdoor pool” in Trippstadt, isn’t really warm — it’s actually refreshingly cool.
We bought four tickets on Thursday for a Saturday trip. Planning was key, as it often is when it comes to leisure in Germany. Two families from our neighborhood joined us.
From Kaiserslautern, it’s a 30-minute drive. The high temperature for the day was 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and we couldn’t wait to get there.
Upon arrival, we set a blanket on the grass next to the family pool with the slide and didn’t waste time.
I waded in slowly. Either the water was cold, or I had just become used to the outdoor temperatures and my body got shocked.
I can’t count how many times the kids went down the slide. They even braved the highest diving springboard, as did I with a perfect swan dive — or at least that’s how I remember it. We played and swam in the different pools for hours, then relaxed in the shade of a large tree in the park.
There is an onsite restaurant that serves food, snacks and drinks. I recommend bringing a cooler, though, as it’s always cheaper. A small beer there was 2.50 euro.
The capacity limit for the pool is 650 visitors, and I counted about 300 people there.
Relevant coronavirus distancing rules must be observed on the site. A special 1.5-meter swimming distance rule applies in the water.
There is plenty of space to spread out and once you get there, you won’t want to return to your sweltering house.
ferguson.brian@stripes.com Twitter: @BrianFerg57
DIRECTIONS: Located about 30 minutes south of Kaiserslautern, Germany. Search for Warmfreibad Trippstadt on GPS.
TIMES: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
COSTS: Entry is 4.50 euros for adults and 2.50 euros for kids ages 4-15. No charge for kids under 4. Onsite parking is free.
FOOD: Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
INFORMATION: The website is trippstadt.de/entdecken/warmfreibad-trippstadt.html. Tickets must be purchased online no more than 48 hours in advance at vg-landstuhl.termin-buchen.com. Visitors must show printed or digital tickets at the kiosk before entering.