From “bathing establishment” to swimming scene.

11.08.2025

Are you sometimes tired of your boring local “bathing establishment” and would prefer to go swimming in unique locations? Would you like to know how swimming can be a way of life around the world? Then dive into the richly illustrated book “The Nature of Swimming” and discover a centuries-old tradition that continues to make waves today – the timeless pleasure of swimming in nature.

Cover of the book "The Nature of Swimming – Unique Bathing Locations and Swimming Experiences"
Source: Die Gestalten Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

Jumping into a clear mountain lake, diving into an ice-cold stream or taking your first strokes against the current of a river – humans have always been drawn to water and the unique swimming opportunities offered by nature.

 

Nestled in the rocks at the tip between Bongin Bongin Bay and Mona Vale Beach, these rock pools are an ideal place to enjoy the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
Source: Die Gestalten Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

The book “The Nature of Swimming – Unique Bathing Locations and Swimming Experiences” celebrates our connection with the wet element and presents over 70 outdoor bathing spots around the globe. Whether in a river, lake or the sea, whether created by nature itself or designed by humans in harmony with their surroundings, all the bathing spots in this book pay homage to the timeless connection between humans and water.

These pools are located on a dangerous cliff near Burning Palms Beach. Visitors are rewarded with spectacular bushland, wildlife and views of the Pacific Ocean.
Source: Die Gestalten Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

This fascinating coffee table book is published by gestalten, an international publishing house founded in Berlin in 1995. gestalten works with the biggest names and most exciting players in the creative world, discovering and capturing trends in contemporary visual culture, design, fashion, architecture and living, nature, mobility, travel, food and drink.

You can find out more about this wonderful book in the online magazine Bau-Netz. According to the magazine, water is one of the greatest attractions for the living beings on our planet. We humans seek not only refreshment in it, but also relaxation, warmth, community and sporting activity.

Although the ice-white and frost-blue water of these pools appears glacier-like, it is exactly the opposite. Saturnia is a 37.5-degree hot spring in the Tuscan countryside.
Source: Die Gestalten Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

The full-colour hardcover volume with 256 pages in 21 x 26 cm format in English can be ordered directly from gestalten-Verlag for €45.