Samichlaus-Schwimmen 2014 in Photos

Samichlaus-Schwimmen 2014 in Photos

While most sensible people were spending a relaxing Sunday at home, or maybe taking advantage of the shops being open in Zurich for a spot of Christmas Shopping, a large queue of brave (or mad?) people were taking to the Limmat to go for a swim!

With temperatures around 9 degrees in the city’s river, and the air reading only 5 degrees, this really was for the hardy! However, there was no shortage of volunteers and as they queued up along Limmatquai to take their turn, many bemused bystanders watched in awe.

This was the “Samichlausschwimmen” event and it takes place in Zurich every year. You need to register for the swim in advance and on the day you jump in the water at Pier 7 and swim across to the Frauenbadi on the other side.

All photos © NewInZurich

It’s a short stretch of water but as befits Zurich it was magnificently organised. From the orderly check in procedures, to the changing facilities, to the safety boats ferrying the swimmer’s clothes to the other side, to the divers on hand to check that nobody gets into trouble – nothing was left to chance.

Photos all © NewInZurich

The weather was cloudy and grey but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and a number of people took to dressing up not just in Santa hats or Santa costumes but everything from their favourite pyjamas to Hawaiian costumes. In fact Samichlaus himself was present too.

All Photos © NewInZurich

There were various techniques used to enter the Limmat – but once in the water nobody dawdled too long!

All photos © NewInZurich

If this has tempted you to have a dip next year you’ll need to register in advance via the website. For more information please see here.

Articles you may have missed:

– Finding the perfect Christmas Gift in Zurich

– Zurich Christmas Events

– Swiss and Zurich Christmas Markets

– German, French and Austrian Christmas Markets

– How to make the perfect hot chocolate

– Enter contest to win a copy of  the new Zurich Welcome Home city guide in English

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