Rhine Swimming & Kleinbasel Riverbank
Rheinschwimmen / Oberer Rheinweg
In summer, Basel residents put their clothes into 'fish bags' and float downriver on the Rhine. The steps along the Lesser Basel riverbank are a place for sunbathing and picnics.
Rhine swimming is the most iconic urban summer experience in Basel. Enter the water near the Tinguely Museum, place clothes and phones into waterproof bags shaped like fish called Wickelfische, and drift with the current under several bridges. You get out just before the Johanniter Bridge, and the whole trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes. On the Lesser Basel side, the Oberer Rheinweg has steps, changing facilities and seasonal bars, and it fills up in the evening. Be mindful of ship channels and bridge piers. If you're not a strong swimmer, it's better to float close to the shore or simply enjoy the riverbank.
Opening hours
Summer only (depends on water temperature and level)
Nearby sights
- Rhine Ferries
- Basel Minster
- Museum der Kulturen Basel
- Natural History Museum Basel
- Art Basel & Messeplatz
- Middle Bridge
- Kunstmuseum Basel
- Antikenmuseum Basel