ARCHIV - 08.10.2002, Brandenburg, Bad Saarow: Badegäste genießen im Thermalbad im Landkreis Oder-Spree das warme Wasser der Therme. (zu dpa: «Clinch um kinderfreie Tage in Therme des Kurorts Bad Saarow») Foto: Patrick Pleul/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa +++ dpa-Bildfunk +++

The introduction of two child-free days in the thermal baths in the spa town of Bad Saarow leads to a dispute. Mayor Axel Hylla (left) considers the decision to be wrong based on his previous assessment and said he could understand the indignant reactions. The chairman of the supervisory board of Bad Saarow Kur GmbH, Bernd Gestewitz, told the dpa that nothing would be taken back. The thermal bath is a health facility and not a fun pool.

From September onwards, only visitors over the age of 16 will have access to the thermal baths in the Oder-Spree district on Fridays and Saturdays. This is also announced on their own website. Several media previously reported about it. Hotels that advertise “adults only” have existed in Germany for a long time.

Chairman of the Supervisory Board Gestewitz said he was behind the decision. The thermal baths are not aimed at children. He also referred to a swimming pool in Fürstenwalde not far away, which is better suited as a fun pool with a slide for children.

The thermal baths in the spa town of Bad Saarow – also known as a place of relaxation beyond Brandenburg – advertises on the Internet with its thermal brine water and a feel-good and health experience.

A written statement from the company said, among other things: “Peace and relaxation are paramount, a goal that is not always compatible with the interests of families with children. Especially at the weekends, the thermal baths are more and more reminiscent of a fun pool.” There have also been complaints from visitors about noise and unrest.

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The company described the child-free days as a “compromise solution”. Baby swimming and seahorse courses will also continue to be offered on other days.