Water sports and leisure activities German-Speaking Switzerland

In summer, in the middle of the city, if you pass over one of the bridges over the Rhine, you will certainly see swimmers drifting slowly in the direction of the current, a small, colourful and floating bag hanging on their arms. The little bag is called Wickelfisch and every self-respecting Basel resident has at least one. You can store your clothes in a dry place and it also serves as a float. At lunchtime or after work, we usually throw ourselves into the Rhine to refresh ourselves, chat quietly with colleagues or friends, letting ourselves be carried away by the waves. Every year, on the ^2nd Tuesday in August (in case of bad weather, the ^3rd), the not-to-be-missed Rheinschwimmen takes place, the big gathering for a collective bath in the Rhine, the whole of Basel throws itself into the water! The start is from the Jardin de la Solitude, near the Tinguely Museum, and you can swim to the Kaserne, at the other end of the city. Thousands of people find their way there. On leaving, everyone receives as a gift their diploma of the year, a drink and a bratwurst (sausage) offered by Migros!

A sandy beach on the edge of the Alps! The Lido beach is located on Lake Lucerne, with a breathtaking Alpine panorama. Lucerne enjoys mild weather in summer, so what better way to cool off than by taking a dip in the pristine waters of the lake? If the water's too cold, head for the heated swimming pool. You'll also find sports facilities (paddle, beach volleyball) as well as children's play equipment and a lake view restaurant serving pizzas and ice creams. All you need for a relaxing day out!

Since 1934, the Rialto public swimming pool, the only one of its kind in Basel, has been offering relaxation and well-being. Evolving into an aquatic sanctuary combining tradition and innovation, it offers two pools, a diving board, a wellness area and even a restaurant. The sauna is reserved exclusively for women on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open all week, the pool is very popular at weekends, so it's best to opt for the evening sessions. Please note: not suitable for children who cannot swim. Please note: scheduled to reopen in September 2024 after major renovation.

Founded in 1941, the St. Moritz Sailing Club is one of Europe's best-known sailing venues. The reason? The legendary Maloja wind makes for marvellous sailing, windsurfing, dinghy and catamaran regattas, with speeds ranging from 3 to 6 on the Beaufort scale. The club has organized numerous championships. The school offers courses for beginners and advanced sailors. You can also rent sailing boats, rowing boats and paddleboats.

The Lerchenfeld open-air swimming pool is perhaps the most comprehensive pool complex in St. Gallen. There is an Olympic-sized pool, a children's pool, a paddling pool for the little ones and a diving area. Outside the water, you can also play beach volleyball, street soccer, basketball or try your hand at slacklining. In short, everything is there to spend a good family and sporting day.

The Freibad Rotmonten in St. Gallen is an aquatic complex that is only open in summer. It has an Olympic-sized pool (50 metres long), a children's pool, a paddling pool for the little ones, a playground as well as beach soccer fields and table tennis tables. With all this, there is no reason to spend a bad day with family or friends!

This natural pond will delight children and parents alike with its many slides. The original swimming infrastructure dates back to 1896. Since then, it has been modernized, but is still very popular. Several pools are available, as well as a children's playground, solar-heated showers and table tennis. A restaurant, a kiosk and a swimwear store complete the offer of this family pool.

The historic Volksbad is home to Switzerland's oldest surviving indoor swimming pool, built in 1906 in the Art Nouveau style. At the time, only 18% of the population had an apartment with their own bathroom. On Wednesday afternoons, the pool is reserved for children, who enjoy a wide range of activities and games in the water. On Thursdays, the water is heated to over 30°C for all to enjoy.

Explore the Naturbad, a family oasis nestled in a landscape of hills, vineyards and bordered by a stream. The natural pool, surrounded by reeds, offers an immersion in nature. Suitable for the whole family, with a covered paddling pool, easy access to the main pool and various activities: diving boards, paddling pool, non-swimmers' pool. Enjoy 1,000 m² of water and 5,000 m² of relaxation areas. Accessible to all, with ice creams, drinks and snacks available. Bicycle parking, barbecue area, beach volleyball and table tennis available.

Dive into the magical world of Aquabasilea! This wellness sanctuary would seduce even mermaids and dolphins. Thrilling waterslides, wave pools, grotto and whirlpools offer everything for thrill-seekers. For cocooning, spa, sauna and hammam await you. Leave your swimsuit and your worries behind, and emerge revitalized. Take advantage of the Ladies Night and Thousand and One Nights evenings for unique experiences. Admission may seem expensive, but no one leaves Aquabasilea disappointed. Smart tip: picnics are permitted.

From April to September, Sandoase is a seaside oasis. Palm trees and fine sand transform the terrace into an exotic beach, offering a unique atmosphere on the banks of the Rhine. Like Paris plage, Basel's Sandoase evokes the charm of seaside resorts. Deckchairs, games, refreshment bar: everything you need to relax. The beach bar awaits you from 11.30 a.m. for refreshing cocktails. The menu is packed with summer delights: hamburgers, fresh salads and succulent seafood. Direct access by boat or 15-minute walk from Kleinhüningen.