The Best Swimming Spots in Switzerland

Switzerland might not be the first place that springs to mind for a summer holiday. There’s no coastline, no palm-fringed beaches (or so you think…) – and most people associate it more with skis than swimsuits. But surprisingly, even though it’s not by the sea, it’s still one of the best places in Europe to take a dip when the sun comes out.

The water quality in Swiss rivers and lakes is incredibly high and there’s a deep-rooted culture of swimming outdoors, especially in the warmer months. Cities open up their riverside Badis, mountain lakes melt into glassy pools and entire days are structured around a morning hike and an afternoon swim.

Whichever corner of Switzerland you’re exploring, you’ll certainly be able to find the perfect place to cool off... here are some of the highlights.

Lake Geneva – Long afternoons by the lake

With sweeping views, warm(ish) water and countless swimming spots, Switzerland’s largest lake was bound to appear on this list.

• Bains des Pâquis: A true classic in Geneva. Simple, affordable, and packed with character. You’ll find diving boards, a sauna, hammam, and food served on the jetty – plus a perfect view of the Jet d’Eau.
• Le Jonction: Where the Rhône and Arve rivers meet. Whilst it’s not officially designated for swimming, it’s very popular with the locals in Geneva. The two rivers are very different colours – one glacial, one milky grey – creating a fairly unique scene.
• Eaux-Vives Beach: A slice of holiday atmosphere in the heart of Geneva, this sandy beach stretches 400 m along the lake. Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing and taking in views of the Jet d’Eau.
• Bellerive Piscine: A vast public facility in Lausanne which includes Olympic-sized pools, slides, volleyball courts and direct access to the lake itself.
• Hidden Gems in Montreux: Further along the shore, the lakeside path opens up to peaceful swim spots, hidden coves and long sun-drenched benches.

Zürich – Lidos, lakes, and a few choice stretches of river

Zürich takes its swimming seriously. There are official Badis (bathing areas) dotted all over the city, and when the temperature rises, locals head straight to the water – before work, on their lunch breaks, and well into the evening.

• Lake Zürich Badis: Seebad Enge (pictured above) and Strandbad Mythenquai are two of the most popular lakeside bathing spots. Mythenquai has a long stretch of sandy beach and shallow water, perfect for families. Enge has a slightly more grown-up feel, with wooden decking, saunas, and a floating platform.
• Limmat River Badis: Only a few controlled sections of the Limmat are open for swimming, but they’re some of the best. Unterer Letten and Oberer Letten are both free to enter, with clean facilities and strong currents for a short river float. More relaxed is Frauenbad Stadthausquai, a historic women-only badi that becomes a floating cocktail bar in the evening.
• Good to know: You can’t swim the entire Limmat – much of it is closed off or too fast-moving. Stick to the official Badis where the water is clean, lifeguards are present and there are ladders to help you back out.

Ticino – Sun-soaked swims in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking south

As Switzerland’s only Italian-speaking canton - and its warmest - Ticino often feels a world apart. Stunning lakes and sun-soaked lidos ensure you’re well-equipped to fully enjoy the country’s Mediterranean side.

• Lido di Lugano: A picturesque lakefront spot with pools of all sizes, slides, a large beach, a beach bar and beach volleyball. As you can see in the picture above, the sandy beach offers direct access to the relatively warm waters of Lake Lugano and stunning scenery whilst you sunbathe. You’d be quite forgiven for thinking you were on the Amalfi Coast.
• Lido Locarno: This one blends the natural with the man-made perfectly. Swim in the lake, then warm up in the thermal pools or launch yourself down the water slides (these slides are closer to what you’d find in a water park than a public pool). There’s something for everyone.
• Lido Ascona: One of the longest stretches of natural beach in Switzerland. Palm trees, paddleboard rentals and easy lake access – it’s relaxed and well-kept, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
• Ponte dei Salti, Verzasca Valley: If you’re after a wilder kind of swim, head into the mountains. The Verzasca River runs through polished rock pools, with crystal-clear turquoise water and the famous double-arched stone bridge above. It’s cold, fast, and incredibly scenic – go early or late to avoid the crowds.

Bern – True urban swimming

The Aare is cold, clear, and surprisingly strong - and floating along it is one of Bern’s great summer traditions. In fact, CNN recently ran a feature on this quirky feature of life in the likes of Bern and Basel which sees locals floating down the river as part of their commute to work.

• Start at Eichholz: This green riverside park is the best launch point. From here, people float with the current for a few kilometres, drifting past the old town and cathedral spire.
• End at Marzili: There’s a free outdoor pool complex right where most people climb out, with showers, changing rooms, and big grassy lawns for drying off.
• Important: Always check the river conditions before getting in. Even in summer, the Aare is powerful and not suitable for weaker swimmers.

Luzern – Lakeside lounging in the heart of Switzerland

Luzern’s position as the gateway to central Switzerland makes it a popular base for day trips and mountain excursions, but the city itself is well worth exploring. And if the sun’s shining, scenic lakeside spots and charming urban Badis offer plenty of opportunity to cool off.

• Ufschötti: About 10 minutes’ walk from the main station, this is a laid-back, free public park with a 200-metre-long sandy beach, a wide view across the lake and plenty of space for BBQs or lounging. Popular with the locals, and for good reason.
• Seebad Luzern: A beautiful wooden structure on stilts just off the lakeside promenade, with changing rooms, sun decks, and direct lake access. There’s also a café and bar, and it stays open into the evening – a more refined way to swim in the middle of the city.
• Lorelei Islands: On the far end of Lake Luzern is Flüelen, home to the sandy beaches of the Lorelei bathing islands (pictured above) which were created from rock excavated during the construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. These stunning islands are a hidden gem, easily reached by a scenic boat ride from Luzern.

Off the beaten track – Alpine swims worth the detour

If you’re after something a bit more remote, or at least a bit more mountainous, Switzerland naturally delivers in style.

• Caumasee, Flims: Known locally as the ‘Lago di Siesta’ and one of the warmest mountain lakes in Switzerland, Caumasee is a stunningly blue lake tucked into a forest clearing above Flims. It’s spring-fed, sheltered from the wind and has a Mediterranean feel – complete with a floating raft and small island in the centre. The ‘jewel in the crown of Flims’ is reachable
• via a short hike or a small funicular.
• Oeschinensee, Kandersteg: One of Switzerland’s most dramatic alpine lakes, set in a bowl of cliffs and waterfalls. The water is very cold but definitely swimmable for the brave, and there are rowing boats for those who’d rather stay dry. It’s a short gondola ride from Kandersteg and also boasts some stunning hikes and an alpine coaster.
• Untersee Lido, Arosa: At 1,800 m above sea level, Arosa’s Untersee (pictured above) offers the novelty of a sandy beach in the middle of the Alps. Once divided by gender (with women relegated to the colder Obersee until 1920), today everyone can enjoy its panoramic setting. The lido comes with diving platforms, a children’s pool, beach volleyball and a lakeside restaurant – all just a 10-minute walk from the station.

Anywhere… really, anywhere

One of the joys of a Swiss summer is that you’re never far from the water. Whether it’s a glacial-blue lake or a perfectly kept public pool, there’s always somewhere to cool off. Lidos are a particular Swiss speciality – often complete with lawns, cafés, diving boards and lake access – and they’re done exceptionally well here.

So, next time you’re planning a summer holiday, don’t be fooled by the fact that Switzerland is landlocked. You might come for the mountains, but you’ll leave with memories of swims in some of the clearest, most inviting waters in Europe.

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