Stadtbad Neukölln

The Stadtbad Neukölln is a neoclassical public bath in Berlin’s Neukölln district, designed by Reinhold Kiehl and Heinrich Best between 1912 and 1914. Its design draws on ancient Roman and Greek thermae, with a layout resembling a temple or basilica. The building once housed both the bath and a public library, connected by an atrium that featured a small fountain by sculptor Richard Guhr. The fountain’s figures were stolen in the 1980s, but the rest of the original features remain. When opened in 1914, it was one of Europe’s largest and most modern baths, designed to accommodate up to 10,000 visitors daily. The bath has undergone several restorations, including a major renovation in the 1980s that restored the main and smaller swimming halls to their original state. In 1998, a spa area was added within the historic rooms, blending modern facilities with preserved architecture. The building was placed under Denkmalschutz in the late 20th century. Today, the bath and sauna operate separately, with the sauna offering a Finnish sauna, herb sauna, marble steam bath, Caldarium, and Sanarium. The interior surfaces were carefully restored in 2009 to maintain their historic character. Visitors enter through grand columns and tiled corridors lined with mosaics by Puhl & Wagner. The large swimming hall features high ceilings and original fixtures, while the smaller hall retains its early 20th-century design. The surrounding Neukölln area provides a mix of residential streets and local cafes. The bath’s historic atmosphere contrasts with its modernised technical systems, ensuring both comfort and preservation. The separation of swimming and sauna areas allows for quiet relaxation or active swimming as preferred.