Mili, Bregenz

Mili is the oldest surviving bathing place on Lake Constance. It was built in 1825 to teach swimming to military recruits. Later, it opened to the public and became a popular spot for locals. In 1961, it passed from French military control to the town authorities. After fires in the 1970s and 1980s, the wooden structure was rebuilt, and it continues to be used as an open-air swimming area.

The building stands on wooden piles over the water and is made entirely of wood. Its U-shaped design creates a protected swimming area inside. You reach it by walking along a narrow wooden bridge from the lakeside promenade known as the “Pipeline.” Even after reconstruction, the bathhouse has kept its traditional look and simple style.

Mili faces west, so swimmers enjoy open lake views and long evening sunlight. From the main level, a staircase leads directly into the water, and this level also includes ticket and changing areas. On the upper decks, sunbathing spaces have names like “Sonnendeck,” “Drachenfels,” and “Afrika.” There is also a diving board, a table tennis table, and enough space inside the U-shaped area for water polo games.