Lounging by the lake
The “Strandbad Otto-Maigler-See“ in Hürth is still one of the best and most popular lakes for bathing in the Cologne-Bonn region. The water is really clean (it's tested every two weeks), there's a holiday atmosphere, a huge range of activities, plus club nights, parties and events - something for everyone, families, kids and singles.

As well as swimming, you can also enjoy beach parties, concerts, entertainment for children, special events like cinema nights, or sports such as surfing, sailing and rowing. If you need a break from the activities, the café serves “currywurst“, salads, fruit, cake, ice cream and lots more. There's even a cocktail bar where you can sip something delicious while watching the sun go down. The new beach club is a must for bikini clad beauties, get down to some funky beats and dance in the sand, just add a straw cowboy hat and you could be in Ibiza (almost).

Beach bars
They've been all the rage ever since Monkey's Island started up in Düsseldorf in 2002. Unfortunately the city authorities were not forestighted enough to allow it continue so sadly the ultimate city beach bar has gone. Following in it's footsteps Cologne's Shark Island in the Deutz-Mülheim harbour, offers drinks and food in a holiday beach environment. As well as outdoor concerts and club nights you can also enjoy beach sports such as volleyball, badminton and boccia.

Another beach bar in Cologne is the "Club KM689". Located on the Rhine and on level with “Stromkilometer” (river current speed) 689, the beach bar sits infront on the Tanzbrunnen. 1,100 tons of sand were brought here to create a special Mediterranean-style beach in the middle of the city. You can recline on beach chairs or hammocks and pick-up your drinks or ice cream at specially designed beach stands. You can even book it for special occasions and parties.

If you're not too fussed about the river then why not just opt for the view and visit the Skybeach - above the Aral petrol station car park (behind Schildergasse/Peek & Cloppenburg). Sun, sand and cold drinks are guaranteed plus a spectacular view across the city. A recent new addition is a paddling pool so you can dip your toes when the temperatures soar. There are also party nights such a Full Moon party (15 August) and after-work parties throughout the week.

Outdoor Pools
If you're after something a little more family friendly then check out one of the many outdoor swimming pools and lido's around the area:

The Terrassenfreibad in Frechen, about half an hours drive from Cologne, has something to offer for the whole family: three different pools – one for swimmers, one for non-swimmers and a paddling pool for the little ones; a large lawn area for sunbathing and a restaurant with outdoor terrace for lunch and snacks. You can also play a game of mini-golf, or try your hand at some beach volleyball.

The Freibad Rüngsdorf is situated in the exclusive residential area of Bad Godesberg. Directly next to the Rhine, across from the Siebengebirge,it is one of the most beautiful open air pools in the region. Water canons and fountains, whirlpools and massage beds, provide fun for all ages.

Between Düsseldorf, Erkrath and Hilden the Unterbacher See has two lidos and a nudist beach. A great place for the whole family to swim, sail, camp, or go fishing. You can hire a boat in the harbour and take a trip across the lake. There's a playground for the kids, plus the obligatory mini-golf course.

Free and easy
If you like your outdoor fun to be a little less organised (and free), just drive along the Rhine and you're sure to find a beach to suit your requirements. Rodenkirchen can be a gorgeous place to have a grill party, if you can find a clean spot. Along the Düsseldorf-Oberkassel Rhine bank is also a good choice. Langel (above the Ford plant) offers clean and sandy beaches, but the currents are strong and there's very little shade.

If you can sacrifice the river view then why not opt for Volksgarten Colonge: plenty of company, plenty of lovely grilling smells, and there's even someone to take away your empty bottles. Better still - just go to the beer garden!

Terrassenfreibad Frechen
www.terrassenfreibad.de

Otto-Maigler-See
www.otto-maigler-see.de

Unterbacher See
www.unterbachersee.de

Shark Island
www.shark-island-koeln.de

KM689
www.km689.rhein-terrassen.de

Sky Beach
www.skybeach.de