Nostalgiebad Mili (Bregenz)

The Mili in Bregenz is a U-shaped wooden bathing house on the Bodensee, standing on 123 piles. It is the oldest surviving bathing station on the lake and protected as a listed building. The site lies 398 metres above sea level, close to the pipeline, the Vorarlberg railway and the L 190 road. Built in 1825 as a military swimming school by Sub-Lieutenant Schilling, it became a public bath after a fire. The name ‘Mili’ comes from the military bathing station. By the late 19th century the U-shape we see today was added. The city of Bregenz took ownership in 1961 and restored the left wing in 1977–78. A fire in 1978 destroyed the right wing, which was rebuilt the following year, and the south and north wings were renewed in 1983 and 1985 while keeping the original style. Visitors reach the Mili by a narrow 16-metre footbridge from the pipeline. Inside the U, a sun deck sits at roof level and there is direct access to the Bodensee. Under supervision, swimmers and water-polo players use the lake, while others can play table tennis, try slacklining over the water or rent a stand-up paddleboard. The setting combines the old wooden structure with views across the Bodensee.