Freibad Wilhelmshöhe

Kassel's beloved but dilapidated Freibad public pool made headlines when it was slated for closure - but then passionate locals decided to take action and over several years their very vocal association managed to find sponsors, raise cash and create enough political will to have the complex from 1935 completely renovated. The Freibad was recently reopened; besides a 18 x 50 metre outdoor pool (heated to 24°C), there's a shallow pool for kids, landscaped gardens and a meadow for sunbathing, ping pong tables and a restored ornamental fountain. The main building houses a temporary café and bar, Baya Eden, for the duration of the documenta festival. Easily reached on bus 3 or 24.