Best Badis / Sommerbäder in Zürich (2023 Edition)
You can’t come to Zürich in the summertime without going to at least 2 or 3 Badis - Badis are outdoor swimming areas and Zürich is not only full of them but also very famous for them (it was named #2 best city to bathe in worldwide by CNN if you don’t believe me!)
The Badis in Zürich are quite unique and they range from upper scale historical swimming houses to laid back chill out spots by the river, some you have to pay for while others are free (the usual price per day for an adult is CHF 8 but you can get the summer card for CHF 110 and go as much as you want from the beginning of May until September.
You might be surprised but some bathhouses (Badis) are very traditional and are either divided so you have the men only/ women only areas and then the mixed area or are fully just for women (Frauenbadi) or men (Rimini) - don’t worry you’ll be able to enter these in the evening as they become bars!
Almost all paid Badis have a little bar where you can buy food/snacks and drinks and most of the free ones have food options close by.
Seebad Utoquai
Utoquai is my all time favourite Badi in Zürich. This Badi was built in 1860 and if you look at some pictures from the 1900’s not much has changed. It’s charming, fun and absolutely beautiful. You can also just come for a sunset drink at the bar (it’s definitely worth it).
How it’s structured: There is an only women section, an only men section and a mixed section
Favourite Thing Here: Going early for a swim, then grabbing breakfast and reading a book
Utoquai 50, 8008 Zürich
Frauenbad Stadthausquai
The Frauenbadi as it’s called by locals is my second favourite swimming and tanning spot in Zürich. It’s right in the center of Zürich and you somehow feel like you are both in 2022 and in the 1970’s. In the evenings the Frauenbadi becomes the Barfussbar - a great place for drinks with friends.
How it’s structured: Only women during the day - in the evenings it’s open for everyone
Favourite Thing Here: They make really good drinks and have nice healthy snacks (hummus, chickpea salads etc) - come for a refreshing lunch break!
Stadthausquai 12, 8001 Zürich
Seebad Enge
Seebad Enge is the place to be on warm summer days. It’s full of young and fun people who want to have a good time in the sun. It’s not super big so it does tend to get quite crowded. You can also rent SUP’s here and there are swimming lanes in the lake!
How it’s structured: There is an only women section and a mixed section
Favourite Thing Here: Going early in the morning and getting a Birchermüsli or going on Saturday evening for a pre dinner drink
Mythenquai 9, 8002 Zürich
Strandbad Mythenquai
Strandbad Mythenquai is mostly grass and is a bit bigger than the other Badis. Along with Tiefenbrunnen it’s the most family friendly Badi in the Zürich area. They also have Hiltl food which is a great breakfast or lunch option.
How it’s structured: Everything is mixed
Favourite Thing Here: It’s very calm in the mornings and you can lay on the grass and read in peace.
Mythenquai 95, 8002 Zürich
Flussbad Oberer Letten
Oberer Letten is an institution in Zürich - it’s the top part of the Letten river and you’ll find places to lay down and tan, bars/restaurants to sit down eat or drink, a skateboard park, beach volley fields and much more. A great place to spend a day in the sun with friends.
How it’s structured: Free and Mixed
Favourite Thing Here: The beach volley fields, the music, the atmosphere
Lettensteg 10, 8037 Zürich
Männerbad Schanzengraben (Rimini)
Rimini Badi is the equivalent of the Frauenbadi but for men - only men are allowed during the day and everyone is allowed in during the evenings when the place converts into a Restaurant/Bar. Rimini is in the middle of the city but it’s absolutely secluded and peaceful - a little oasis.
How it’s structured: Only Men
Favourite Thing Here: In the summer evenings when it becomes a bar you feel like you are somewhere in South America with the lush vegetation and the fun vibes.
Badweg 10, 8001 Zürich
Flussbad Unterer Letten
Unterer Letten is just below Oberer Letten so it’s the lower part of the Letten River. You’ll have to pay to enter this Badi but it’s historical and fun. Lots of people jumping from the bridges into the water and enjoying themselves.
How it’s structured: Mixed
Favourite Thing Here: Listening to the river flowing right below you while you are tanning/ reading and relaxing
Wasserwerkstrasse 141, 8037 Zürich
Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen
Tiefenbrunnen is the second friendlies family Badi in the Zürich area. Similar to Mythenquai it’s pretty much all grass and the access to the water is quite easy. You’ll also find this circle platform which is quite famous and cool to lay on.
How it’s structured: Mixed
Favourite Thing Here: Early morning on the platform
Bellerivestrasse 200, 8008 Zürich
Freibad Dolder
The Freibad Dolder is part of the Dolder Sports and is a great place if you’re looking for a swimming pool setting. Here you’ll find places to lay down, food and good vibes - also very family friendly.
How it’s structured: Mixed
Favourite Thing Here: The Freibad Dolder also becomes a cinema in the summertime!
Adlisbergstrasse 36, 8044 Zürich