Oberer Letten River Bath Zurich
Zurich's vibrant urban river bath, offering free swimming, sun terraces, and a lively local atmosphere on the Limmat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Oberer Letten River Bath Zurich
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zurich's vibrant urban river bath, offering free swimming, sun terraces, and a lively local atmosphere on the Limmat.
"Where else can you float down a clean city river with locals, jump off diving boards, and sunbathe on wooden decks, all for free?"
Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet from the riverbed; it can be a bit sharp. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Your Own Lock
Lockers are available, but bring your own lock for larger storage. :key:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
River Floating
Limmat River
Float down the clean city river with locals, enjoying the refreshing current. Strong swimmers only!
Diving Platform
Oberer Letten Pool
Take a leap from the diving platform into the cool, clear waters of the Limmat.
Sun Terraces
Oberer Letten
Relax and soak up the sun on the wooden decks after your swim.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Secure Your Belongings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet from the riverbed; it can be a bit sharp. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Your Own Lock
Lockers are available, but bring your own lock for larger storage. :key:
Use a Dry Bag
Keep belongings dry and visible while swimming. Doubles as a float! :iphone:
Check River Conditions
Use apps like AareGuru for temperature and speed, especially if swimming further afield. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet from the riverbed; it can be a bit sharp. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Your Own Lock
Lockers are available, but bring your own lock for larger storage. :key:
Use a Dry Bag
Keep belongings dry and visible while swimming. Doubles as a float! :iphone:
Check River Conditions
Use apps like AareGuru for temperature and speed, especially if swimming further afield. :iphone:
Mind Closing Times
Be aware of closing times to avoid getting locked out of your belongings. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oberer Letten is hailed as Zurich's coolest summer hangout, offering a unique and free river swimming experience with a vibrant local atmosphere. Visitors love the clean water, diving platforms, and sun terraces, though it can get crowded, and caution is advised regarding the river current and potential for theft.
"Zürich’s coolest summer hangout!
Letten Pool is such a fun and unique place to swim — where else can you float down a clean city river with locals, jump off diving boards, and sunbathe on wooden decks, all for free?
The water is crystal clear and refreshing, with a nice current that carries you down the Limmat (strong swimmers only!). There’s a great vibe here — lots of locals, chilled-out music, and a few pop-up bars and snack spots nearby. It’s very clean, and there are lockers and change rooms available too.
Perfect for a hot summer day. Just grab a towel, a swim suit, and a 2-franc coin for the locker, and you’re good to go.
🌊 Tip: Wear water shoes — the riverbed can be a little sharp.
☀️ Tip: Come early or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
Easily one of the best public swimming spots I’ve ever been to. Don’t miss it if you’re in Zürich in the summer!"
Todd Rodgers
"I can barely afford anything in Swiss, but this outdoor swimming pool is FREE. They have a locker, changing room, shower, and toilet for FREE. All you need to do is to swim, read, sleep, drink, and repeat."
Semin Oh
"Very nice place to swim on a hot day. Can be very crowded in the evenings, especially Friday-Sunday.
Requieres 2 chf coin for small lockers or your own lock for bigger storage.
Be mindful of the closing times, otherwise your clothes will be locked for the night.
Possible to jump from the bridge into the river"
Inna Drouz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oberer Letten is easily accessible by public transport. You can take trams or buses to nearby stops. Many visitors also enjoy cycling to the location.
Parking in Zurich can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or cycle to Oberer Letten.
While Oberer Letten is a designated swimming spot, other areas like Unterer Letten and Dynamo also offer river access. Avoid jumping into the Limmat directly near the lake.
Public transport is highly recommended. Trams and buses are frequent and convenient.
Yes, it's a well-known and popular spot. Follow signs for 'Letten' or use your GPS.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Oberer Letten is a public swimming spot and is completely free to access.
No, there are no tickets required. It's a free public facility for everyone to enjoy.
Oberer Letten is generally open during the summer months when the weather is suitable for swimming. It's best to check local listings or weather forecasts for specific daily opening times.
While there are no strict age restrictions, it's advised that only experienced swimmers enter the river due to the current. Children should be supervised.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the sun terraces. There are also nearby snack spots and pop-up bars.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Oberer Letten offers changing rooms, toilets, showers, and lockers for your convenience.
The water in the Limmat at Oberer Letten is known for being crystal clear and clean, making it a refreshing place to swim.
The current can be strong, especially for inexperienced swimmers. It's recommended to be an experienced swimmer and to use a dry bag as a float. +1
Yes, it is possible to jump from the bridge into the river, but always assess the depth and ensure it's safe to do so.
It's a lively and popular spot, often described as a 'day rave' during summer. Expect a mix of locals, chilled music, and a fun atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several pop-up bars and snack spots located near Oberer Letten, offering refreshments and light meals.
You can purchase cold drinks from the nearby establishments.
While there isn't a formal restaurant, there are convenient snack bars and pop-up vendors offering food and drinks.
Typically, you'll find snacks, light meals, and beverages suitable for a riverside hangout.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a great way to enjoy the facilities and save money.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of people floating down the river, the diving platform action, and the vibrant sun terraces. The cityscape in the background adds a unique urban touch. +1
It's advisable to use a waterproof dry bag for your phone to prevent it from getting wet or lost while you're in the water.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful lighting. However, the lively atmosphere during peak hours also makes for dynamic shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and near public swimming spots. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Always be respectful of others' privacy. It's good practice to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings, to ensure a more relaxed atmosphere. While the main river float might be for older kids and adults, the general vibe of the place, with its open spaces and proximity to snacks, can still be enjoyable for families looking for a cool urban escape. Always supervise children closely near the water.
💰 Budget Travelers
The main costs to consider would be for a locker (a small coin or your own lock) and any food or drinks you might purchase from the nearby vendors. Bringing your own picnic and water bottle can significantly cut down on expenses, making it an ideal free activity in Zurich.
👫 Couples
Visiting in the late afternoon or early evening can provide a beautiful setting as the sun begins to set, creating a more intimate atmosphere. Grab a drink from a nearby pop-up bar and enjoy the lively yet relaxed ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Experience of River Swimming in Zurich
The concept of floating down the river with your belongings in a waterproof bag, known as a 'Wickelfisch' (or similar dry bags), is a testament to this unique integration of city life and natural elements. It's not just about swimming; it's about a relaxed, communal experience where people mingle, sunbathe, and enjoy the city from a different perspective.
Oberer Letten, specifically, has evolved into a popular hub for this activity. It offers more than just the river current, with amenities like diving platforms and sun terraces, transforming it into a full-fledged urban beach. This blend of natural recreation and city convenience makes it a must-visit for anyone experiencing Zurich in the summer.
Safety and Practicalities for River Swimmers
To ensure a smooth experience, practical tips abound. Bringing a waterproof dry bag is highly recommended not only to keep your phone, keys, and wallet dry but also to serve as a visible floatation aid. Some Redditors suggest bringing your own lock for the lockers, as they are not always provided. Water shoes are also a good idea to protect your feet from the riverbed.
It's also wise to be mindful of your surroundings and belongings, as theft can occur in crowded areas. While Zurich is generally safe, taking precautions like using lockers or keeping valuables secure is always a good practice. Finally, always check the river conditions, temperature, and speed, especially if you plan to swim in other parts of the Limmat or the Aare river.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit