SSE (Schwimm- und Sprunghalle im Europa-Sportpark)

Swimming at Competition Level: the SSE in Europa-Sportpark

For serious lap swimming in Berlin, there’s hardly any way around this address. Opened in 1999, the swimming and diving hall in Europa-Sportpark is an indoor pool for sports and competition purposes, located directly at the S-Bahn station Landsberger Allee in Prenzlauer Berg. With two 50-meter swimming pools, a junior pool, and an Olympic diving pool, the SSE boasts a water surface area of 3,391 square meters. Despite this, the level remains remarkably accessible. A 50-meter pool with ten lanes is available to the public, along with a non-swimmer pool with a slide, two paddling pools, and a therapy pool.

The hall was designed by French architect Dominique Perrault for Berlin’s bid for the 2000 Olympic Games. From a distance, it’s hard to guess what’s hidden here: nestled in grassy hills, the extensive building complex stretches from Paul-Heyse-Straße almost to Landsberger Allee. Inside, however, there are high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a competitive atmosphere, with stands accommodating 2,500 spectators.

Fitness in the Water, for Body and Endurance

Swimming is one of the most effective full-body workouts; it promotes endurance and is gentle on the joints. Whether it’s to shed a few pounds or simply for health: swimming trains all muscle groups, especially the heavily used back muscles, and burns many calories. A dedicated lane is available for fast swimming, where paddles and fins are also permitted. Additionally, the SSE offers a wide range of courses: baby swimming, aqua fitness, and swimming lessons are regularly offered.

Those who get up early or want to train in the evening benefit from the affordable happy hour rate between 6:30 and 8 AM, and between 8:30 and 10 PM. This way, fitness swimming in Prenzlauer Berg can be easily integrated into daily life. However, the hall remains closed in summer for its annual summer break and maintenance work.