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Cool off like a local with a badi break in Switzerland
Growing demand for cooler holidays could see clients diving into Zurich’s outdoor pools this summer, writes Yousif Nour
The Swiss love their badis – outdoor pools – where city dwellers not only swim, but also socialise, have a drink or a bite to eat, or simply relax by the water.
The UK represents the fourth-largest market for Swiss tourism and, despite visiting the country regularly, I had never had the chance to take the plunge into a badi myself. But as the temperature in Switzerland’s largest city nudged 30C, I decided to investigate how the locals like to cool off.
My first visit was to Unterer Letten, which was built in 1909, making it the oldest badi in the city. Formed from a section of the River Limmat, the badi is free to visit and easily accessible from the centre of Zurich.
I watched as local teenagers jumped from platforms to drift in the gentle current until they reached the other end of the 400-metre pool.
They then climbed out, walked to the top of the pool and started all over again.
Unterer Letten is also a hugely popular place for locals to hang out, with cultural events taking place regularly on summer evenings.
Image credit: Cemil Erkoc/Zürich Tourismus
The next day, I went to the more relaxed Seebad Enge at the northern tip of Lake Zurich, which offers a swimming pool for women and a mixed-gender pool, as well as a sauna to warm up in on cooler days.
With an entry fee of about £7.50, Seebad Enge was far less crowded than Unterer Letten; advise clients to get here in the early afternoon, while the locals are at work.
After a brief but refreshing swim, I enjoyed a peppermint tea with stunning views of the lake.
For a change of pace, I headed to District One for a stroll around Zurich’s historic old town, which is home to the city’s most famous shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse.
Few cities can match Zurich’s blend of Alpine charm and urban culture; if clients are lucky, they may even spot herons or red kites.
The great thing about badis is that they’re emblematic of the Swiss way of life, providing a place to step back from urban life to chill out, cool down and keep fit.
What’s not to love?
Book it
Osprey Holidays offers a two-night trip to Zurich from £599 per person, based on two adults sharing. The price includes B&B accommodation at the four-star Boutique Hotel Helmhaus Zurich, 15kg luggage allowance and flights from Gatwick on June 16.
ospreyholidays.com
Lead image credit: Shutterstock/Mikhail Grachikov
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