Rhine
The Rhine is Basel’s lifeline. Activities in and around the river are very popular among the locals. Swimming in the Rhine is something of a local pastime in Basel. Find out more here.
Swimming in the Rhine
Rules for swimmers
Only strong swimmers should go swimming in the Rhine.
Find out about the water quality of Basel’s rivers.
Swimming in the Rhine is not recommended in the following cases:
- Low water quality
- Discharge volume above 1,500 m3 / water level 6.50 m
- Water temperature below 18 degrees Celsius
- Bad weather and/or cold weather
- Thunderstorms
- Driftwood due to high waters
Supervised swimming in the Rhine
Every Tuesday from July to mid-September, you can join others for a swim that is supervised by qualified staff. Meet at 5.45 p.m. at the blue flag below the Tinguely Museum. You will be swimming as far as the Wettstein Bridge.
Please register for supervised swimming in the Rhine.
Official Basel Rhine Swim
Once a year, up to 5,000 swimmers enjoy the opportunity to float through Basel during the traditional Rhine Swim. The event is supervised by lifeguards. Whether you’re young or old, an experienced or an occasional swimmer, this is an event that appeals to everyone.
Stand Up Paddling
If you navigate the Rhine on a Stand Up Paddle board, we recommend that you keep to the designated swimming areas. For your safety, do not enter the port area. Please observe the shipping signs and signals.
Stand Up Paddles are a sub-category of rowing boats, which means that you are required to bring a life jacket or buoyancy aid and attach your address to your board.
All about the River Rhine
BachApp - all the information you need in and around the water
The app shows water temperatures and water levels of the Rhine, Birs and Wiese rivers and provides tips for swimming. On top of this, it offers information about events and building sites.
«heRheinspaziert»: introducing a varied range of sports
Swimming, rowing, diving, paddling, sailing ... Once a year, Basel’s water sports clubs invite you to see what the different water sports are all about.
On Saturday, 24 May 2025, this year’s «heRheinspaziert» event is taking place on the Rhine Terrace at the Kleinbasler Kopf of Mittlere Brücke from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Boat trips on the Rhine
Find information about boat trips on the Rhine here.