Zurich’s Swimming Culture Thrives Amid Summer Heatwaves

As the UK faces a series of heatwaves this summer, Zurich, Switzerland, offers a refreshing alternative with its vibrant swimming culture. The city is home to numerous open-air public baths, known as “badis,” which operate from May to October. For those in the UK enduring the sweltering heat on crowded public transport, the sight of Swiss residents swimming to work is particularly enticing.

Exploring Zurich’s badis reveals a lifestyle that combines work and leisure, with locals taking dips before and after office hours. Lunchtime swim breaks and evening gatherings by the water are commonplace. The city’s efficient tram network makes it easy to hop between these popular swimming spots.

Unterer Letten is my first destination, located along the Limmat River. This free entry swimming channel features terraced banks equipped with sun loungers and parasols. A café, toilets, and showers provide additional comforts. The fast-flowing water offers a unique experience; bathers can simply float downstream, climbing out at designated ladders along the bank. On a scorching 33°C day, families and teenagers fill the banks, with laughter echoing as children leap from the springboard.

Zurich is buzzing with activity this summer. The Filmfluss festival is underway at Unterer Letten, showcasing films on a large screen until July 27. Additionally, Zurich is one of the host cities for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, with matches scheduled at Letzigrund Stadium and hotel occupancy rates anticipated to rise as fans flock to the city.

Just a ten-minute walk from Unterer Letten, I discover Oberer Letten, another free badi. The atmosphere here is lively, with music playing and a diverse crowd enjoying the water. Some commuters even bring tow floats filled with work clothes, taking a refreshing dip before heading home.

After swimming, I indulge in a meal at Restaurant Rosso, a short journey from Oberer Letten. The perfectly prepared steak, followed by a zesty lemon and lime sorbet, is a delightful way to refuel.

The next day, I venture to Lake Zurich, an expansive body of water more than five times the size of England’s Windermere. The lake serves as a source of drinking water, comprising 70 percent lake water. At Seebad Utoquai, Zurich’s oldest badi, the aquamarine waters beckon. For an entrance fee of CHF 8 (about £7.50), I gain access to changing rooms, showers, and a café. Established in 1890, this facility is well-regarded for its lifeguards and amenities.

Investing in a Zurich Card is advantageous for tourists, covering public transport and attractions, including an hour-long boat ride around Lake Zurich. Relaxing on deck, I admire the stunning shoreline properties and imagine life here.

My exploration continues with a stroll through the botanical garden, leading to my final badi, Seebad Enge. For approximately £7.50, visitors enjoy changing rooms, showers, and dining options. I take a refreshing dip before enjoying lunch in my swimwear, a common practice among locals. Many are seen working on laptops, headphones on, only to pause for a quick swim.

Zurich has mastered the art of coping with heatwaves, making it a prime destination for those seeking relief and relaxation. With its unique bathing culture, the city has already captured my heart, and I find myself planning a return visit to its inviting badis.

Travel to Zurich is accessible via Swiss Air, with flights starting from £76. Accommodations at the 25Hours West Hotel are available from CHF 267 (approximately £249) per night. For more information, visit zuerich.com/en. The Zurich Card costs CHF 56 (around £52) for 72 hours, offering an excellent value for exploring the city.