The Holthusenbad might be one of most beautiful swimming pools in Germany. It certainly is one of the oldest still operating. It was built in 1914 and was recently renovated. It is simply breathtaking and one of your better options on a grey and rainy Hamburg day, especially if you travel with kids.

There are two large indoor pool areas. One with a wave machine (the only one in Hamburg) and a bath for toddlers. And one with warm pools for relaxation or kissing. On the outside there is a 25 meter heated pool, where you can swim some serious laps. You can also find some chairs, benches and a ping-pong table outside.

In addition, there is also a very nice and all-nude (watch out, they will check!) sauna area, which costs extra. Plus, a small food court to help you gain back those lost calories. My tip: come here in the evening: Less kids, less noise and on the weekends they might even turn on the cosy lights.

Like all baths in Hamburg, the Holthusenbad is privately owned and is far from cheap, i.e a 3 hrs-pass for an adult (without sauna) is around € 10, depending on the weekday. If you include the sauna-ticket for the whole day you’ll spend between € 17 – € 19. But it is so damn worth it. Because once you leave this place – you will feel like a newborn.

Avoid Sundays. Unless you are a small kid, have small kids or really like noise.