Beach Spots Now Accessible: kicked-off swimming season in Konstanz
Lake Constance Beaches Begin Summer Season, Despite Staff Shortages
After a chilly start, Lake Constance has warmed up, inviting bathers once again. The season's opening, however, comes with staff challenges.
The water temperature hovers around 16 degrees, maintaining a refreshing chill. Nevertheless, the bathing season is underway. In Constance, five beach baths commenced operations this weekend, allowing the brave to take a dip. White flags indicate whether these baths are currently supervised.
Strandbad Horn, a Constance institution since 1907, is the largest beach bath on Lake Constance. It boasts 600 meters of shoreline and over 50,000 square meters of lawn. The picturesque Alpine panorama, playgrounds, volleyball courts, stand-up paddleboarding, and a cafe-restaurant with a kiosk make it a popular destination.
Other baths in Constance districts such as Litzelstetten, Dingelsdorf, and Wallhausen, as well as the Rheinstrandbad, have also started operations. The Rheistrandbad, dating back to the 1930s and situated in the heart of the city, offers a unique urban bathing experience.
Langenargen beach bath in the Bodenseekreis district also opened on Saturday, providing both lake bathing and a heated pool.
In Bodman-Ludwigshafen (Kreis Konstanz), the beach bath has been operational since early May, while the Frei- and Seebad Fischbach in Friedrichshafen has been running for about two weeks, although its beach-specific operations are currently closed due to adverse weather conditions.
A persistent issue in beach baths is the shortage of staff, particularly lifeguards. Many locations are struggling to fill these positions. In Constance, the Stadtwerke cooperate with the local DLRG group, with volunteers stepping in to provide relief during weekends and holidays.
The Stadtwerke emphasize that only qualified personnel are deployed, with DLRG rescuers playing a significant role in the safety concept at popular sites like Strandbad Horn.
Strandbad Horn: Year-Round Access with Varied Activities
Strandbad Horn, open 24/7 and free to visitors all year round, is a well-equipped facility with sports amenities like four volleyball courts, nine badminton courts, and table tennis tables, making it a popular spot for families, students, and sports enthusiasts.
A SUP (Stand-Up Paddling) rental is available seasonally, and the area hosts sports events like beach volleyball tournaments during summer. There is also a restaurant and kiosk on site to cater to visitors.
However, it's worth noting that, while the beach is accessible around the clock, lifeguard services may be limited or nonexistent due to typical open-access lake beach operations. No definitive information on lifeguard presence at Strandbad Horn is available at this time.
Living at Strandbad Horn offers an outdoor-living experience with a home-and-garden feel, providing year-round access and varied activities. Despite staff shortages, the beach remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering sports facilities, Stand-Up Paddling, and events like beach volleyball tournaments.
