In July 2025, several public swimming pools in Baden-Württemberg introduced new rules on swimwear, including the Parkschwimmbad Lörrach and the Freibad Müllheim. These effectively ban burkinis. This is not the case in the district of Tübingen and in Reutlingen.
New bathing rules for women and men
The swimming pool rules in Lörrach stipulate that swimwear must comply with certain rules in order to improve water quality and ensure greater hygiene in the pools. Women must wear close-fitting swimwear that does not extend beyond the elbows and knees. Men may only wear tight-fitting swimming trunks that extend to the knees at most. Underwear and everyday clothing are also prohibited in the swimming pool.
Controversial reactions
This new regulation has sparked a controversial public debate. While supporters cite hygienic and technical reasons, many criticize the measure as indirect discrimination against Muslim women. For them, the burkini is a religious garment. The district association of the Green Party in Markgräflerland expressed clear criticism: “The few centimeters of fabric from the elbow to the hand and from the knee to the ankle are supposed to endanger the quality of the bathing water. It would be laughable if it weren’t so sad.”
Voices of Muslim women
In a survey by tuenews INTERNATIONAL, several Muslim women (names changed) described their views on the ban:
Hiba (18): “I was very surprised by this ban. It is an attack on my freedom in a country that should respect human rights.”
Salam (21): “I don’t wear a headscarf, but I wear a burkini because I want to protect my skin from the sun. Have those responsible also thought about people with sensitive skin?”
Lama (42): “This decision affects not only women who wear burkinis, but also their children. Many Muslim men feel uncomfortable in tight swimwear and would not go swimming under these conditions either. But who will look after the children in the water if neither their mother nor their father is allowed in the pool?”
Rahaf (30): “I’ve been trying for years to find the courage to go swimming again. But even if I’m allowed to swim in a burkini, this rule shows me that part of society doesn’t really accept me. That hurts.”
Salma (35): “I hope this isn’t the beginning of a series of restrictions for women who wear headscarves.”
Many swimming pools do not ban burkinis
The swimming pools in Tübingen, Mössingen, Rottenburg, and Reutlingen only stipulate general bathing attire in their swimming regulations. Burkinis are not an issue there. The Stuttgart administration emphasizes that there are no plans to ban burkinis. Wearing a burkini is still permitted, provided that it is made of suitable swimwear fabric and does not cause any hygiene or safety issues.
For more information:
Lörrach | Park swimming pool
Tübingen public utilities | House and bathing rules (PDF)
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