Best outdoor pool Cologne: 8 summer pools you shouldn’t miss 

Do you want to enjoy the Cologne summer to the fullest? Then we have just the thing for you! The summer season is officially open, and that means the outdoor pools are open again. Choosing a single best outdoor pool in Cologne is a real challenge – especially since it depends on your personal preferences and the selection is simply huge.

To make your decision a bit easier, we have compiled a guide with the 8 most beautiful outdoor pools in Cologne. From action-packed water slides to relaxing lawns – these pools have everything you need for an unforgettable escape from everyday life. And the best part? With your Urban Sports Club membership, you can visit all these pools – and many more – for free. Say goodbye to day tickets! Grab your swimwear and get ready for a summer full of refreshing adventures. Dive into the cool water and enjoy the variety that Cologne has to offer.

Best outdoor pool in Cologne in an idyllic forest location: Milchborntal Freibad

The Freibad Milchborntal offers a refreshing getaway in an idyllic forest location for everyone. With a 25-meter swimming pool, it is ideal for both ambitious lane swimmers and relaxed swimming. The pool is particularly popular with water sports fans. Additionally, there is a diving pool with a 3-meter tower, a non-swimmer pool, and a children’s pool. You can sunbathe on the lawn or relax in the shade of the surrounding trees.

Address: Milchborntalweg 69, 51429 Cologne
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Urban Sports Club Rates: S, M, L, XL

Best outdoor pool with a large wave slide: Karlsbad Freibad

The Karlsbad Freibad is the perfect place for a break from everyday stress, especially for families. Here you will find everything your heart desires: a large swimming pool, extensive green areas, water games in the parent-child pool, and a fly agaric mushroom for the little ones. The absolute highlight? A large wave slide that lets you slide into the pool in a wave motion.

Address: Kurfürstenstraße 40, 50321 Cologne
Opening hours: Daily (according to the 3-day weather forecast)
Urban Sports Club Rates: S, M, L, XL

Best outdoor pool in Cologne where swimmers meet ice skaters: Lentpark

At Lentpark, you can experience a unique combination of water fun and ice-cold pleasure. While swimmers swim their laps in the indoor pool below, ice skaters glide through the facility on the 260-meter-long elevated ice rink above. This unique architectural solution not only offers a great view, but also ecological and economic benefits: the waste heat from the ice rink is cleverly used to heat the swimming pool. In summer, the place transforms further: a natural swimming pond offers refreshing swimming fun without chlorine.

Address: Lentstraße 30, 50668 Cologne
Opening hours: Daily (according to the 3-day weather forecast)
Urban Sports Club Rates: S, M, L, XL

Do you want to enjoy the variety of summer pools and beach pools in Cologne this year without paying an entrance fee each time? With Urban Sports Club, you can try out numerous outdoor pools all over Cologne and, instead of paying separately each time, a single membership gives you access to a variety of pools. Find out here how Urban Sports Club works.

Best outdoor pool in Cologne at an idyllic quarry lake: Naturbad Vingst

The Naturfreibad Vingst offers you an idyllic getaway in a natural atmosphere right in Cologne. The quarry lake on the eastern outskirts offers everything you need for a perfect summer day: crystal-clear water, fine sandy beach, and lush wild plants. Relax on the spacious lawns, swing in hammocks, or let your kids romp on the large adventure playground. On hot summer days, the Vingst natural outdoor pool is the ideal place for a relaxed open-air bathing experience with the whole family. Pack your swimwear and enjoy the beach feeling!

Address: Vingster Ring, 51107 Cologne
Opening hours: Daily (according to the 3-day weather forecast)
Urban Sports Club Rates: S, M, L, XL

All these great outdoor pools and more can be yours – and even at a discount or for free! Yes, you read that right! With Urban Sports Club’s corporate fitness offer, you can let your employer pay for your membership. Find out more and recommend Urban Sports Club to your employer.

Best outdoor pool in Cologne with a beach club: Strandbad Otto-Maigler-See

Summer, sun, beach feeling – all this awaits you at the Strandbad Otto-Maigler-See. Not far from the city, you will find a real holiday paradise. The fine sandy beach and the water quality make the beach pool a popular location in the region. In the large “OMS Beachclub,” designed in a Mediterranean style, you can relax in the sun all day. Enjoy the lounge atmosphere and treat yourself to a cocktail or something refreshing to drink. Whether you come from Cologne or Bonn, the Otto-Maigler-See is your perfect spot for a summer getaway right on your doorstep.

Address: Zieskovener Straße 85, 50354 Cologne
Opening hours: Daily (according to the 3-day weather forecast)
Urban Sports Club Rates: S, M, L, XL

Best outdoor pool in Cologne with games: Freibad Bedburg

Are you looking for the perfect cooling off in summer? Then the Freibad Bedburg in Cologne is just right for you! This popular destination offers everything a swimmer’s heart desires: a 25 by 17-meter multipurpose pool, an exciting adventure pool with a huge water slide, and a paddling pool for the little ones. And if that wasn’t enough, there are plenty of games on the grounds that guarantee fun for the whole family.

Address: Erftstraße 15, 50181 Cologne
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 6:30 PM
Urban Sports Club Rates: S, M, L, XL

Best outdoor pool in Cologne with a slide and beach volleyball court: Freibad Kierdorf

The Freibad Kierdorf is a hidden gem for those seeking peace, relaxation, and fun in a family-friendly environment. Swim your laps in the 50-meter pool or take a leap from the 3-meter tower. For the little ones, there is a children’s pool, while you can relax on the spacious lawn. The slide and the beach volleyball court provide plenty of variety. And when you get hungry, grab a refreshment at the kiosk. Whether you want to be active or just enjoy the sun – the Kierdorf outdoor pool has something for everyone!

Address: Wiesenstraße 52a, 50374 Cologne
Opening hours: Daily (according to the 3-day weather forecast)
Urban Sports Club Rates: S, M, L, XL

Best outdoor pool in Cologne for climate protection: Freibad Türnich

The Freibad Türnich is a popular meeting point in Kerpen and ideal for families. With a 50 by 20-meter swimming pool, it offers perfect conditions for leisure and sports swimmers. Want a bit of adrenaline? Then jump from the 5-meter tower or dive off the 1-meter board. For the little ones, there is a separate paddling pool. A special highlight: Since 2023, the outdoor pool has high-efficiency pool water circulation pumps, reducing electricity consumption by about 43 percent and significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Address: Heerstraße 127, 50169 Cologne
Opening hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Urban Sports Club Rates: S, M, L, XL

Your favorite outdoor pool wasn’t listed? With Urban Sports Club, you can explore many more swimming pools in Cologne. Also, discover our top bathing oases for the whole year if the weather isn’t quite warm. And if you fancy HIIT or boot camp outdoors, check out our Outdoor Sport Guide for Cologne.