Summer ended prematurely as Bäderland announced the closure of open-air baths.

In the heart of Hamburg, the city's Bathing Association has summarised the summer season as being quite mixed and rainy, but typical of the city. Despite the occasional showers, the Association is optimistic about the future, predicting a "Super Summer" next year, according to Michael Dietel, the Bathing Association spokesman.

As the autumnal breeze starts to creep in, outdoor swimming and splashing will come to an end from Thursday. The closure of outdoor pools marks the unofficial end of summer in the city. Among the pools closing this week is the Marienhöhe, which will shut its gates on Tuesday.

However, the end of summer doesn't mean the end of swimming and sunbathing for Hamburg residents. Thermal baths will provide an alternative for those who still crave a dip and a dose of sunshine. Kaifusole and Bartholomäustherme, two popular thermal baths, will open their doors on Saturday, 13 September.

Indoor pools, meanwhile, are gearing up for a busy season. From Friday, 12 September, indoor pools in Billstedt, Finkenwerder, and Blankenese will open their doors. The indoor hall pool season at WaldSchwimmbad Neu-Isenburg will start on September 13, with daily operations from 7:00 am.

Despite the hoped-for "Super Summer" not materializing, the season has gone by without any major incidents. The Bathing Association has declared an end to summer this week, with the focus now on the future: a long indoor and sauna season.

The last "Super Summer" was in 2018, according to Dietel, who also suggested that next year's summer could be even better. The outdoor pool Osdorfer Born will remain open on Wednesday and Thursday, offering a final chance for a swim before the season's close.

The end of summer is attributed to falling temperatures and rain in the 14-day forecast. As the weather cools, swimming and sun lovers will have to switch to indoor pools to satisfy their aquatic and sunbathing needs.

However, not all indoor pools will be operating during the same period. Freizeitbad CaLevornia, for instance, will be closed from September 8 to 26 due to revision works. The exact dates for the closure of other outdoor pools and the opening of indoor pools are not specified in this announcement.

Despite the re-introduced rest day rule being the reason for the earlier closure of the outdoor pool Marienhöhe, the Bathing Association remains committed to providing a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.