Prices in Munich's Westbad: High entrance fees for swimmers criticized!

Prices in Munich's Westbad: High entrance fees for swimmers criticized!

In Munich's Westbad, the pricing policy is causing a stir. Resident Angelika Göricke has taken aim at the exorbitant entrance fees. With a tariff of 8.60 euros for one and a half hours of short swimming and 17.50 euros for the normal price, the Westbad is the most expensive swimming pool run by the Munich public utility company. For comparison: The Dantebad costs 10.50 euros, while the Volksbad and Bad Giesing-Harlaching cost 5.80 euros. These differences mean that many seniors and families prefer to turn to cheaper alternatives.

Göricke calls for a decoupling of swimming pool and sauna tariffs, as many short swimmers hardly benefit from the sauna. She emphasizes that the high prices make visiting the indoor swimming pool unattractive for residents in the west of Munich. However, SWM spokesman Michael Silva explains that the entrance fee for using the sauna in the Westbad can be classified as cheap in comparison and that discounts are offered for pensioners and students.

Cheap alternatives for families

The family card, which costs 38.10 euros, is a cheaper option for families. But the restrictions on the tariffs have not escaped the swimmers either, after a survey as part of a pilot project on the tariff structure in June 2023 showed that over two thirds of those surveyed were in favor of the old tariff model. Even if there are some alternatives such as the Südbad or Bad Giesing-Harlaching, they are simply too far away for Göricke.

The price increases are not only noticeable in Westbad. From January 2025, admission prices to Munich's swimming pools and ice rinks will be increased. A good example are the indoor swimming pools in Forstenrieder Park and in Giesing-Harlaching, where prices will rise from 5.50 euros to 5.80 euros. The price for entry in the short and late swimming tariff also increases from 4 euros to 4.30 euros.

• Neuer Eintrittspreis für Hallenbäder:
• Normalpreis: 5,80 Euro
• Ermäßigungsgruppe A: 4 Euro
• Familienkarte: 17,40 Euro
• Kurz- und Spätschwimmentarif: 4,30 Euro

Swimming is a popular pastime in the city and one can only hope that those in charge listen to the voices of citizens. An adjusted price structure could not only make local swimming pools more attractive, but also make sporting activities easier for all Munich residents. After all, it's important to have a good hand so that swimming fun in Munich remains accessible to everyone.

For more information about the tariff structure and current prices in Westbad, visit the Münchner Stadtwerke at swm.de or read great reports tz.de as well as t-online.de.