10 Great Beaches in Zürich

Zürich is definitely not famous as a beach destination. Rather it’s one of the most important banking capital of the world. Visitors enjoy local architecture and sightseeing when they visit the town. However, did you know that there are also great beaches in Zürich?

Although Zürich is not a seaside town it does have a big lake right next to it. Additionally to this lake, there are also plenty of rivers running through the city. These all provide great opportunities for swimming.

Whenever you visit Zürich we bet that going to the beach is not on the top of your list. Visit during the summer and you might find yourself with sunny days and a longing for some time on the beach.

You are in luck. There are many beaches in Zürich to discover. What’s best is that they are mostly hidden from tourism. The Zürich beaches are great places to meet the locals.

1. Strandbad Mythenquai

One of the most famous beaches in Zürich is the Strandbad Mythenquai. It’s actually the oldest beach in the city.

Mythenquai is located on Lake Zürich and it’s loved by locals and tourists alike. During summertime, many people come here to enjoy the sun and swim in the cooling water of the lake.

The beach has nice amenities which even include a restaurant. There are also diving boards available if you like jumping into the water.

There is an admission fee of 8 CHF. The beach is only open during the summer season.

You can either walk or take public transport to reach this beach.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4fzw2xoCkTDpYu146

2. Seebad Enge

Seebad Enge is a really cool outdoor bar and swimming pool on Lake Zürich. It’s a hip place where many of the local young adults come to wind off after work during the summer.

This place is also one of our favorite beaches in Zürich when it comes to watching the sunset. You can order some drinks, sit on the deck and enjoy the setting sun. It creates a rather unique atmosphere.

Oh and yes we did say sitting on the deck. This beach is not a sandy beach. It’s a deck over the water. There is a square-shaped hole in the middle that doubles as a swimming pool.

Do note that it can get busy and the available space is limited. If the beach is full you won’t be able to enter until some people leave.

On Mondays, only women can enter Seebad Enge while other days are mixed. Usually, bathing is only available in summer.

Your best bet is walking to the place.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pnQgWC5nKsTgNf4c9

3. Strandbad Wollishofen

Strandbad Wollishofen is further down the lakeshore from Mythenquai. It’s a chill area with nice grass and plenty of opportunities to get into the water. If you want to do some water sports, here it’s possible as well.

This place is especially good for families. The water is not as deep as most of the other beaches so people with smaller children can enjoy this beach in Zürich more easily.

We advise visiting by bus.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fp3N8n5ww42dRZ7o8

4. Frauenbad Stadthausquai

The vintage Art Nouveau pool on Stadthausquai is still exclusive for ladies throughout the day.

The water flowing into the Limmat from Lake Zurich is exceedingly pure. Two swimming pools over 30 meters long provide refreshments for both swimmers and non-swimmers, and a small library provides reading material for a pleasant day on the water.

There are three nights during the week when men are allowed to enter the establishment as well. Other than that it’s women only.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/PeCuz6dZgQ95UWFr8

5. Seebad Utoquai

Do you want a historic place for your beach day in Zürich? Then Seebad Utoquai might just be for you. It is a 19th-century bath house on Lake Zürich.

The bathhouse has a rich history and it’s one of those places where you feel the atmosphere around you.

There are multiple bathhouses to choose from and they are actually divided into sections. One bathhouse for Males and one for Females. Then you have a mixed option and even a nudist one.

It is close to Zürich’s center so it’s not hard to visit by walking or public transport.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6T8NPLEHyra7V6jz8

6. Schanzengraben Zürich

The Schanzengraben is one of the most interesting swimming places in Zürich. It’s open air and it’s located on a smaller river.

This beach is actually run by men and can only be visited by men. There is a bar adjacent to the beach which accepts visitors from all genders.

If you are male and you want a unique place for swimming then you need to come to the Schanzengraben.

This beach is located right in the heart of the city so there will be no problem visiting.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RwUTLybsCrUggsrY7

7. Flussbad Oberer Letten

Schwimmbad Oberer Letten is one of our favorite beaches in Zürich. It’s in a very central location making it a favorite for both tourists and locals.

There is plenty of space here to catch the sun and swim in the river. We always find it a great experience to swim in the middle of big European cities as it’s such a rarity nowadays. When you visit this beach you can do exactly that and come home with great memories.

Most of the beach is mixed but you can find spaces designated for women only if you want to be separated.

As mentioned, it’s in a central location. You’ll have no issue visiting.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WNUbAj1kJYARov7D6

8. Unterer Letten Swimming & Recreational Area

Located a bit further up on the river is Unterer Letten Swimming & Recreational Area. It’s a river pool featuring a swimming channel, a place for non-swimmers, a diving board, as well as a snack bar.

It’s another great place to visit especially if you find other beaches full. It has the same atmosphere as many other options on the list so we will happily recommend this beach.

Once again it’s totally artificial decks over the river. Don’t expect a sandy shore but you have a big deck that can house many people.

Another central place, we recommend walking and public transport if you plan to visit.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/F5uWR6sv1SxXNb1e6

9. Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen

Another beach on Lake Zürich. This one is special as it even has a small waterslide. It’s one of the more fun beaches around.

Apart from the waterslide, the other main attraction is a circular deck that extends into the water. Locals love to sunbathe in this circular deck. Of course, the middle is hollow, so a small artificial pool is created by this deck.

We recommend public transport options when visiting this beach.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fg26GqvuT9FjbCLTA

10. Seebad Kilchberg

Finally, our last pick is not actually in Zürich. We wanted to include Seebad Kilchberg as it’s a really awesome beach near Zürich.

It has everything you should wish for when you are looking for a nice beach day. In fact, this one is the closest to a normal beach that you would expect near the seaside.

There is a nice restaurant. The shore is pebbly but at least it’s a real beachlike shoreline. Children can enjoy a waterslide. Those who don’t fancy the cool water of Lake Zürich can jump into the pool as well.

Also, the Lindt Chocolate Museum is just across the street from this beach. The best place to go after you finish swimming for the day.

Visiting is no issue. You can hop on a train or even a bus to quickly get into Kilchberg.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Nd4da1CEkcAAR9TH7

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Beaches in Zürich – FAQ