Illustration of two knitted figures in red hats skating hand in hand on a rink with a snowman, small trees and a glowing hut (Zürcher Samichlausschwimmen)

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.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

samichlausschwimmen.ch

When

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Swimmers receive hot tea and traditional barley soup at the finish; spectator tickets include a punch.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Frauenbad Stadthausquai · Limmatquai 7, Zurich, ZH Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ (2/5)

Best For

Adventurous swimmers and their cheering supporters

Vibe

Bracing and spirited

Energy Level

High

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

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.

Links & Contact

Run by Zürileu Schwimmveranstaltungen

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

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.

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