The 10 most wonderful outdoor pools in North Rhine-Westphalia for hot summer days!
Discover the Cologne-Dünnwald forest pool: an idyllic outdoor pool for relaxing summer days with a slide and shady trees.

The 10 most wonderful outdoor pools in North Rhine-Westphalia for hot summer days!
The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising – summer is here and with it the desire to cool down. Cologne and the surrounding area offer a variety of outdoor pools that not only invite you to swim, but also offer other attractions. A look at the most beautiful outdoor pools in North Rhine-Westphalia shows where you can have a good time in the heat of summer.
This is a highlight among the outdoor pools Gudenhagen forest outdoor pool in Brilon. With 6,500 m² of water surface, it is one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Germany. Surrounded by trees and with a wide range of leisure activities such as water slides and beach volleyball, it is the ideal place for a family trip. The pool opened its doors from Pentecost weekend 2025 and is open during the week from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The entrance fees are also moderate: 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for children and young people.
Attractive outdoor pool alternatives
You can find another recommended outdoor swimming pool in Emmerich: this Embricana outdoor swimming pool. Here visitors can look forward to an adventure pool, a thermal pool and an exciting 86 meter long slide. The spacious lawn and the whirlpool make your stay particularly pleasant. It is open Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Day tickets cost 8.50 euros for adults and 4.70 euros for children during the week.
This is for art and swimming fans Factory swimming pool in Essen an exceptional contact point in the Zollverein coking plant. The excursion destination, which has been popular since 2001, is housed in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open on days from July 15th. until August 26th open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Entry here is free and ensures an all-round successful experience.
An outdoor swimming pool in the countryside
This is particularly idyllic Cologne-Dünnwald forest pool, which is surrounded by pine trees. With three pools up to 50 meters long and a 42 meter long slide, it is ideal for swimming from Wednesday to Sunday. Prices are 7 euros for adults and 4 euros for children. A real insider tip for everyone who loves nature and is looking for a refreshing way to cool off at the same time.
This is another insider tip Frog hole in Dortmund, a natural pool with ecological water treatment. Here you can look forward to an outdoor adventure, with a large playground and a variety of pools not just for children. The pool is open daily from Monday to Sunday and offers the perfect setting for a relaxing day with the family.
The outdoor swimming pools in North Rhine-Westphalia are not only places to cool off, but also to relax and have fun. Whether you want to swim with the family, go on a trip with friends or just enjoy the sun - there is something for every taste. It's best to find out about the current opening times and prices on the respective websites before visiting.