Imagine stepping back in time to an era of hygiene and health. That’s the story of Friedrichsbad. This isn’t just Essen’s oldest swimming pool. It’s a monument to a family’s generosity and a community’s resilience.
The Krupp family’s name echoes through Essen. They were more than just industrialists. They were benefactors. They gifted the city hospitals, schools, and even this very Friedrichsbad. Margarethe Krupp herself donated it. Friedrich Alfred Krupp got the honor of having it named after him.
Friedrichsbad opened its doors on July 1, 1912. But it wasn’t initially a swimming pool. It was a public bathhouse. Many residents lacked bathrooms in their homes. So Friedrichsbad provided a place for essential hygiene. Bathing time was limited to twenty minutes. This ensured as many people as possible could benefit.
The “Frohnhauser Ende” swim club quickly made Friedrichsbad its home. They trained here. Competitions were held. The first one was in 1914. However, war interrupted their progress. In 1915, Friedrichsbad closed. Members went to war.
The pool reopened in 1919. In 1937, Friedrichsbad celebrated its 25th anniversary with a grand swimming festival. World War II brought destruction. Bombings severely damaged the building. But Friedrichsbad was rebuilt. It reopened in 1949.
By the early 1980s, Friedrichsbad was struggling. The city considered closing it. It seemed destined for history. The Essener Sportbund stepped in. They developed a plan to transform the aging bath. They became the building owners in 1985.
Two years later, the Sport- und Gesundheitszentrum SGZ Friedrichsbad opened. The city even provides a yearly subsidy. This ensures its survival. Without the Sportbund’s intervention, Friedrichsbad might no longer exist.
In autumn, the Friedrichsbad is revealed. The trees lose their leaves. A sturdy tower becomes visible. It once served as a water reservoir. Inside, a modern foyer greets visitors. Bright colors and a chic cafeteria welcome them.
The pool retains its nostalgic charm. The 25-meter pool is made of steel. Special paint prevents rust. Swimmers enjoy music while they swim in warm water.
The Sportbund expanded Friedrichsbad. It now includes a health center. Over 200 courses are offered. There are three gymnasiums. A spinning room and a fitness studio are available. Even a sauna is included. The center employs qualified instructors. This allows Friedrichsbad to keep its entrance fees low. It is the cheapest pool in Essen.
Once, fewer than 50,000 people visited Friedrichsbad. Now, over 180,000 do. Visitors appreciate the historic charm. On Saturday mornings, parents watch their children swim from the old bath gallery.
Friedrichsbad is more than a swimming pool. It’s a living monument. It represents hygiene, health, and community spirit. It is a testament to Essen’s history. The Friedrichsbad continues to impress visitors today. Its blend of history and modern amenities makes it unique. It once served hygiene education. Now, it is a popular fitness hub. People of all ages gather here. Many learned to swim in its waters. Friedrichsbad embodies Essen’s past and present.