Swimming in the Saale River: Observe the prohibitions at weirs

The City of Jena advises that entering the flood control structures along the Saale River is strictly prohibited. These areas pose an immediate danger to life—both due to the technical structures and the current conditions. This applies in particular directly above and below dam walls, as well as at fish ladders and turbine facilities. Signs and fences mark the restricted areas.

Swimming is also prohibited at weir structures

Where entry is not permitted, swimming is also prohibited. Currents there can be unexpectedly strong and put people in dangerous situations. Even areas that appear calm can become hazardous due to the technical structures and fluctuating water levels.

Away from the weir structures, swimming in the Saale is generally permitted. However, the Saale is not an official swimming water body and is therefore not regularly tested for bathing water quality. In addition, wastewater can enter the Saale via stormwater overflows after heavy rainfall.

The Jena Lower Water Authority tests the water quality once a year. Results to date have been unremarkable. However, these tests are only snapshots and cannot guarantee consistently good bathing water quality.

Swimming at Your Own Risk

Even outside the weir structures, turbulence and strong currents can occur. Anyone swimming in the Saale River therefore does so at their own risk. Neither the city of Jena, the state of Thuringia, nor the operators of the facilities assume any liability for swimming accidents.

The following locations within the city limits are considered relatively safe for swimming: the Saale bend in Jena-Göschwitz near the Göschwitz industrial park, the Wenigenjenaer Ufer in Jena-Ost, and the Steinbach estuary in Jena-Löbstedt. The same rule applies there: The Saale is not an official swimming area, and swimming is at your own risk.

A Call to Parents: Educate Children About the Dangers

The City of Jena specifically asks parents to educate their children about the dangers of swimming in the Saale River and to supervise them accordingly.

The city is also concerned to observe that trees along the banks of the Saale are increasingly being used as diving platforms or have rope swings attached to them. Willows and other riverside trees, in particular, can snap suddenly even without visible damage. Climbing and jumping from such trees therefore poses a significant risk of injury.