Outdoor Swimming Pools in Basel
- Meaghan Renner Ofori
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Now that the temperature is spiking the best way to cool off is in one of Basel's many outdoor swimming pools. The season lasts from June to September and is by far one of the best ways in the city to beat the heat (apart from the Rhine of course!). This guide lists all the best spots in town so you can be sure to get your swim on! Tickets are available for all pools at each pool kiosk, or if you want to beat the line, online.
Basel's Biggest
Belforterstrasse 135, 4055 Basel
Opened in 1962, this is Basel's largest swimming complex with a total area of 51,431m2. It has lane swimming, diving boards, a big slide for the kids as well as 'Star Swimming' where on select evenings you can go for a late night swim from 21:00 to 23:00.
Features:
50 m swimming pool with 8 swimming lanes; illuminated
Jumping pit 3.5m deep, with 1 and 3 m diving system
Non-swimming pool with flow channel, water fountains
Surface slide, chrome steel
Teaching pool
Children's paddling pool
6 meter high climbing wall
Beach volleyball court, volleyball courts on grass
Children's playground
Food available on site
Best for Kids
St. Jakob-Strasse 400, 4052 Basel
For those of you with kids, you can't go wrong with St. Jacob, also lovingly known as 'Joggeli'. In addition to several pools, St. Jacob has some impressive stainless steel slides, diving boards and and a volleyball court. It's not just for kids though and you can certainly find some quiet spots to relax away from the fray.
Features:
50 m competition pool, heated and with lighting
50 m teaching pool, heated
2-turret diving system (up to 10 meters) with jump bay
Jumping bay with 1 m jumper
Family pool
94 m Gatter slides 10m height
32 m garrout slide
19 m freefall slide 10m high, slope max. 60%, 60 km/h
16 m turbo slide for smaller children
Children's paddling pool with tent roof
2 beach volleyball courts
Food available on site
For Women Only
Egliseestrasse 85, 4058 Basel
If you feel like indulging in a little girl time then Eglisee is the place to be. There are two large pools, one that is open to everyone and one that is only open for women and small children (crawling age or younger). Topless swimming is allowed in the women's pool but you must wear bikini bottoms and long hair must be tied back.
Features:
50 m swimming pool
Non-swimming pool
Diving pool with 1-, 2- and 3-meter diving platforms
Children's pool
50 m Women Only swimming pool
Playground with climbing and swinging games
Beach volleyball court
Food available on site
For Nature Lovers
Weilstrasse 69, 4125 Riehen
The Naturbad in Riehen has the distinction of being Basel's only chemical free swimming pool (and my personal favourite). This pool has historical roots (originally built in 1898) but was given a modern revamp by Herzog & de Meuron in 2010. It is completely chemical free and uses grasses to clean the water with state-of-the-art technology which ensures consistently high water quality, and a visibility of at least two meters.
Features:
25-meter pool with 4 lanes
Diving tower with separate diving pool
Non-swimmer pool with beach area
Toddler paddling pool with water games
Slide
Water and play attractions
Playground with sand-water zone
Beach volleyball court
Table tennis tables
Sunbathing lawn
Food available on site
When You're Feeling Fancy
St. Alban-Rheinweg 195, 4052 Basel
Since 1898 Rheinbad Breite has been providing a unique bathing experience directly on the Rhein with two bathing platforms and sunbathing areas. A swimming instructor is on duty but swimming in the Rhine is only for strong swimmers and is done at your own risk (this swimming pool is not suitable for small children). Le Rhin Bleu, a truly fabulous restaurant, adjoins the complex and serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine and chic cocktails.
Features:
2 platforms on high-legged, historic steel scaffolding construction over the Rhine.
Le Rhin Bleu - chic Mediterranean restaurant on the Rhine
For a Retro Feel
St. Johanns-Rheinweg 50, 4056 Basel Switzerland
Built in 1886. the historic 'Rhybeli' is reminiscent of a ship's hull. It has two 24-meter-long pools, each with space for 45 swimmers and approximately 90 bathers, directly in the Rhine. The pool is unsupervised, and swimming in the Rhine is only permitted for strong swimmers and is done at your own risk (not suitable for small children)
Features:
A small historic bathing complex on the banks of the Rhine in Basel with swimming pools in the river
Food available on site
I hope this post inspires you to get out for a dip!
Happy swimming! Frohes Schwimmen!
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