Sports and leisure activities Basel

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!

From late October to early March, enjoy the 6,000 m² ice oasis near the French nursery school in Basel. With family or friends, come and skate with or without rental. Do pirouettes and somersaults to the lively music. During the week, private lessons and field hockey matches are offered. Toddlers also have their own area. After skating, enjoy a delicious fondue at Sääli, the Parterre Basel restaurant. On December 3, it's free from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The ice sports clubs will make your day.

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.

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.