SESH

Badeschiff is one of Berlin’s most iconic and unique nightlife venues, blending elements of leisure, urban recreation, and club culture. Located along the River Spree in the vibrant district of Treptow, the Badeschiff—German for "bathing ship"—was inaugurated in 2004 as a public art project conceived by artist Susanne Lorenz in cooperation with AMP Architectos and local art collective Stadtkunstprojekte Berlin. The central feature of the venue is a converted cargo vessel that has been transformed into a floating swimming pool, allowing Berliners and visitors alike to take a dip in clean water while enjoying panoramic views of the river and the city skyline.

Over the years, Badeschiff has expanded its offerings well beyond its initial concept as a summertime swim spot, evolving into a popular open-air club, event space, and cultural hub. Its distinctive character and innovative design quickly garnered international attention, making it a symbol of Berlin’s inventive spirit and its post-reunification embrace of unconventional public spaces. Badeschiff’s cultural significance is rooted in its dual identity as both a tranquil urban retreat by day and a dynamic party hotspot by night.

The venue regularly hosts electronic music events, live concerts, yoga sessions, film screenings, and other community activities, effectively bridging the gap between wellness and nightlife. Its architectural ingenuity has inspired similar projects in other cities, while in Berlin it remains a testament to the city’s transformation of post-industrial landscapes into centers of creativity and social life. Despite its long-standing location moored between the districts of Kreuzberg and Treptow, the Badeschiff has seen periodic updates to its infrastructure, including the addition of a beach bar, sand areas, wooden decks, winter enclosures, and improved facilities to accommodate both summer and winter visitors.

These changes have ensured that Badeschiff remains relevant and accessible year-round, further cementing its place in Berlin’s nightlife and cultural scene. Notable artists who have performed at Badeschiff include international acts such as DJ Koze, Dixon, and Apparat, as well as prominent local DJs like Ellen Allien and Modeselektor. The venue has also hosted special appearances by artists including Âme, Monolake, and Henrik Schwarz, alongside a vibrant lineup of rising talents from Berlin’s rich electronic music community.