Swim like fish

Natural swimming

When the days get really warm again in late summer, there’s nothing like a spontaneous cool-down – preferably in natural waters. Discover the most beautiful swimming spots at Swiss rivers, lakes – and fountains. Because you don’t even have to travel to the sea for that little vacation feeling.

Lake Neuchâtel instead of Nice

Lawns, trees, lakeside – and right in the center of Neuchâtel. “Parc des Jeunes-Rives” connects the old town and the lake, where locals and holidaymakers can rest and enjoy a refreshing swim. South of the Alps, at Lido di Ascona, you will also find an oasis of relaxation: Stroll along the family-friendly beach, take advantage of the water sports and visit the “Seven Senses Beach Club & Restaurant". From “Bellerive-Plage” in Lausanne you climb into Lake Geneva – with a magnificent view of the French Alpine foothills at all times. The facility behind it also has several pools – for children, for diving platform enthusiasts, for splashing around, and for swimming. If you want to dive into a lake as well as into nature, you will feel like a fish in water at Türlersee lake. And for those who want to linger a bit longer on its shores: The campsite is located next to the open-air pool.

Aare instead of Adriatic

Swimming with “Wickelfisch” – what sounds like a rare animal species, is a waterproof swimming bag which you can take your clothes and valuables for a swim in. This accessory is particularly handy when you’re floating down a river. That’s why you can buy the “Wickelfisch” bags at “Rheinbad Breite” swimming pool in Basel. In addition to the swimming platforms, showers, toilets and changing rooms, the swimming spot on the river offers excellent seasonal cuisine in its restaurant: light at lunch, upscale in the evening. An equally popular and central meeting place is the “Marzili in Bern”: Below the Parliament Building, you can jump directly into the Aare and sunbathe on the lawn – and it’s free. Nearby is the “Flussstrand Eichholz”, whose name (Oakwood River Beach) says it all. Relax on the beach, surrounded by water and shady oaks.

Fountains instead of floating

Not only the Rhine but also Basel’s historic fountains are ideal for an uncomplicated cool-down in the middle of the city. Bathing in fountains has a long tradition in the “basilisk city” and is a great way to combine your beer after work with a cool-down. When the summer heat returns again for a few days, people also get into the city fountains in Winterthur. The ice cream parlors all around them are highly recommended here. Some fountains in Zurich also provide bathing fun: The fountain on Sechseläutenplatz is great for children. Parents can relax in the shade of the leafy trees next to it. And the “Europuddle” on Europaallee also offers a cool-down for the young and the young at heart.