In summer, the Kleinbasel banks of the Rhine are the place to be! You can put your clothes in a “Wickelfisch” swim bag and simply float down on the gentle current through the picturesque Old Town.
Swimming in the Rhine is Basel’s most popular sport in summer. Do as the locals do, and experience an extra-special leisure activity. The colourful Wickelfisch – a swim bag in the shape of a fish which was invented in Basel – will keep your clothes dry.
Safe swimming in the Rhine
Please check the current water conditions before swimming in the Rhine to make sure it’s safe. Only swim in the Rhine when:
- the water temperature is above 18 degrees Celsius.
- the water level is less than 650 cm.
- the water height is less than 246.5 metres.
Warnings
- Please note that the Rhine is a watercourse and is therefore only suitable for good swimmers. The coiled fish does not serve as a swimming aid.
- Swimming is only recommended from a water temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, a water level of less than 246.5 meters and a water level of less than 6.5 meters.
- Always swim in accompaniment.
- Please do not leave the recommended swimming area under any circumstances.
- Keep a safe distance from bridge piers, buoys, moored boats and ferries.
- Please do not tie bags, bathing bags and the like to your body.
- Jumping from bridges is strictly prohibited.
- Keep a safe distance from the shipping. They have right of way and cannot make evasive maneuvers.