Urban Swimming: A New Age for New York

Name: Flussbad Oberer Letten

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Launch Year: 1952

Flussbad Oberer Letten, Zurich, Switzerland

With more than 40 river and lakeside lidos, Zurich’s swimming culture thrives in summer. On hot summer days, water lovers can cool off by taking a dip in the River Limmat in the very heart of Zurich. The Oberer Letten riverside bathing facility is a popular meeting place, and features a 400 meter (1,312 ft) long swimming channel and a 2 meter (6.5 ft) high diving platform. The concrete construction of the Flussbad Oberer Letten was built by architect Elsa Burckhardt-Blum in the style of hygienic modernism. There are also two beach volleyball courts and an area for playing boule on the opposite side of the river. 

At night, Zurich’s lidos and bathing facilities are lively social spaces with bars, music and dining.  ​​At Oberer Letten, the Pier West bar takes over, entertaining a twenty-something crowd with relaxed dance music and dining from the neighboring restaurant, Primitivo.

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