Cold Water Swimming in Zurich
Bathing culture is deeply rooted in Zurich and can be experienced not only in the warmer summer months, but increasingly in the cold season too. Many people continue to go for a dip in Lake Zurich or the Limmat river throughout the winter, whether that means a quick plunge into the cold water, a longer swimming session, or a combination of an ice bath and a sauna session. A range of locations and supervised experiences are on offer within a small area – suitable for beginners and more experienced winter swimmers.
Please note that it is recommended for beginners to start with a guided experience that provides an introduction to ice swimming and covers all the basics. General health-related questions such as “How long should beginners stay in cold water for?” or “How often is recommended per week?” depend on individual circumstances and will be addressed by the professionals leading these courses. As a general rule, individuals should not try winter swimming on their own.
