Zürcher Samichlausschwimmen
Participants plunge into the cold waters of the Limmat river to swim a course of 111 or 125 meters. Spectators can cheer from the sidelines and access the bathhouse area. Swimmers cross the finish line to receive warm drinks, traditional barley soup, and a finisher diploma.
What to Expect
Brave the winter waters crossing the Limmat to Frauenbad Stadthausquai.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Zürileu Schwimmveranstaltungen
Food & Drink
Swimmers receive hot tea and traditional barley soup at the finish; spectator tickets include a punch.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Adventurous swimmers and their cheering supporters
Vibe
Bracing and spirited
Energy Level
High
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
Tips & Advice
- Be ready when advance sales open on November 30, because places are limited to 180 charity tickets and 220 standard tickets.
- Bring your own bag for your clothes, because the organizers carry it across to the other bank while you swim.
- Leave the car at home, because swimmer and spectator tickets both include public transport across all ZVV zones on the day.
- If tickets are gone, you can buy a standby ticket at the start, but you'll only swim if others don't show and finish-line food isn't guaranteed.
- Choose a charity ticket to start in an earlier group, with the extra over the standard ticket going to the charity partner.
Special Events & Promotions
- This is the 25th Zürcher Samichlausschwimmen.
- Charity tickets (180 places) support the 2026 charity partner and start in the early groups.
- Auction tickets go up once regular tickets sell out, and they start in the very first group.
- Standby tickets are sold only at the start. These swimmers go last if others don't show up, and food at the finish is not guaranteed.
- The spectator ticket for the bath area includes ZVV travel and a punch.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How far do you swim?
Swimmers cross the Limmat from Restaurant Pier 7 at Schifflände to the Frauenbad Stadthausquai. The course is either 111 or 125 meters.
How cold is the water?
The water is between 6 and 10 °C, depending on the weather.
What does a swimmer's ticket include?
It includes 2nd-class travel in all ZVV zones on the day and transport of your clothes to the other bank. At the finish you get hot tea and Beat's barley soup. You also get a gift from the Zurich sports office and a finisher diploma.
Can friends come and watch?
Yes, spectators are welcome. You don't need a ticket, but there is an optional spectator ticket for the bath area. It includes ZVV travel and a punch, but no swim.
Can I help out?
Yes. The organizers are looking for volunteers and have a sign-up page.
More Christmas Events Near Zurich
More Christmas Events near Zurich
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