Bei schönem Wetter ist der Kiosk ab sofort geöffnet, einfach ohne feste Öffnungszeiten. geht vorbei und geniesst bei unserem neuen Pächter Davide einen feinen italienischen Espresso, ein selbstgebackenes Stück Kuchen oder eine feine Pinsa. La terrazza sul Reno dove assaporare una cucina semplice ottimi aperitivi o gustarsi un buon calice di vino in buona compagnia.
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Rheinbad St. Johann

4.6
·97 reviews·Basel, Switzerland

A classic Basel river bath with wooden sun decks, offering safe swimming in the Rhine and a relaxed summer vibe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
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Bei schönem Wetter ist der Kiosk ab sofort geöffnet, einfach ohne feste Öffnungszeiten. geht vorbei und geniesst bei unserem neuen Pächter Davide einen feinen italienischen Espresso, ein selbstgebackenes Stück Kuchen oder eine feine Pinsa. La terrazza sul Reno dove assaporare una cucina semplice ottimi aperitivi o gustarsi un buon calice di vino in buona compagnia.

Rheinbad St. Johann

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A classic Basel river bath with wooden sun decks, offering safe swimming in the Rhine and a relaxed summer vibe.

4.6
(97 reviews)

"Lovely lido with amazing facilities including a protected river pool, stairs to jump into the river!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Water Shoes

Protect your feet from the riverbed and debris. Essential for a comfortable swim!

☀️ Seek Shade Early

Prime shaded spots on the upper deck fill up fast. Arrive early on hot days!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Protected River Pool

Protected River Pool

Rhine River

Safely swim and play in the Rhine with dedicated areas and easy river access.

Wooden Sun Decks

Wooden Sun Decks

Upper and Lower Levels

Relax on classic wooden decks with umbrellas, tables, and chairs for sunbathing.

Kiosk & Snack Bar

Kiosk & Snack Bar

Upper Level

Enjoy coffee, gelato, and snacks with a view of the flowing Rhine.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Prime River Spots

Arrive early, especially on hot summer days, to snag a shaded spot on the wooden decks. Weekends and afternoons get busy, making it tough to find a good seat. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed vibe.

River Safety & Footwear

While the Rheinbad offers a protected river pool, be mindful of the current if venturing further. Wearing water shoes is highly recommended to protect your feet from the riverbed and any debris.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for cooling off
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏊‍♀️Se baigner dans le Rhin c'est trop cool et c'est possible à Bâle, à côté de l'Alsace 😍 #basel #lovebasel #visitbasel #rhin #rhein #rheinschwimmen #wickelfisch #Summer #summerday #urbanswimming #swimming #tiktoktravel #travel #schweiz #switzerland #suisse #rhylax #beautifulview 👋@baselswitzerland @switzerlandtourism
@escapadeur
38.3K likes • 463.9K views

👟 Wear Water Shoes

Protect your feet from the riverbed and debris. Essential for a comfortable swim! Reddit

☀️ Seek Shade Early

Prime shaded spots on the upper deck fill up fast. Arrive early on hot days! TikTok

Und natürlich Lektüre dabei #fehlfunktion #josiavlog #basel • Beach in Basel, Rhein Swimming Basel, FKK Beach Basel is just down the roche towers at the rhein bord.
@josiadiary
7.5K likes • 175.8K views
Wie fühlt sich der Verkehr mit einer Hornhautverkrümmung an? Wie ist das für euch?👀✅ #sehkraft #sehschwäche #fehlsichtigkeit #rheinbasel #rhein #kurzsichtig #kurzsichtigkeit #hornhautverkrümmung #weitsichtig #brille #linsen #seesharply #betterview #augenlaser #augen #brillenträger #augenheilkunde #augenarzt #bessersehen #sehstärkeverbessern #sehstärke #augenlaserkorrektur #augenlasern #augenlaser ...
@betterview_
5K likes • 3.3M views

💰 Affordable Fun

Enjoy a fantastic riverside experience without breaking the bank. Great value! Instagram

🛗 Two Levels of Chill

Upper deck has amenities, lower deck offers ample shaded lounging space. Reddit

How we launched a call for artists with @🐟 WICKELFISCH Schweiz 🇨🇭 last year and now get to swim down the Rhine with artist Koshika Yadava’s “Rheinpferd” design 🐠 #wickelfisch #drybag #basel #rhine #thisisbasel #rhineswimming #artweek
@artmuseumsoftheworld
3.4K likes • 82.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Water Shoes

Protect your feet from the riverbed and debris. Essential for a comfortable swim! Reddit

☀️ Seek Shade Early

Prime shaded spots on the upper deck fill up fast. Arrive early on hot days! TikTok

💰 Affordable Fun

Enjoy a fantastic riverside experience without breaking the bank. Great value! Instagram

🛗 Two Levels of Chill

Upper deck has amenities, lower deck offers ample shaded lounging space. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(97 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Rheinbad St. Johann is a beloved summer spot in Basel, praised for its affordable access to the Rhine river and classic wooden sun decks. Visitors enjoy the protected swimming area, convenient amenities like a snack bar, and the relaxed atmosphere. Some find it challenging to secure shaded spots during peak times.

"Lovely spot for swimming in the Rhein and chilling in summer. The lido consists of two floors. Top floor has umbrellas, tables and deck chairs as well as a kiosk with good coffee. However, during busy times, it’ll be hard to find a place in the shade upstairs. Bottom floor has a lot of space in the shade to hang out though (but bring something to rest your head on if you plan on chilling here longer)."

Naomi Brot

"What a place this is! This would be my number 1 suggestion for a tourist on a summer day! Lovely lido with amazing facilities including a protected river pool, stairs to jump into the river, showers, toilets, lockers, food, and drinks! You can also take sunbeds, umbrellas and lie down and enjoy the sun and the sound of the river!"

Peter

"Cool dock style hangout with snacks bar cafe and gelato They have tables and chairs umbrellas A fun hangout on the rhine in Basel"

Kate Stetler

What People Like

Affordable river swimming
Classic wooden decks
Relaxed atmosphere

What People Dislike

Shaded spots fill up

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Rheinbad St. Johann is easily accessible by public transport in Basel. Tram lines 1, 2, 8, and 14 stop nearby at the 'Badischer Bahnhof' station, a short walk away. You can also reach it by bus. Many visitors also cycle, as is common in Basel. TikTok

Parking directly at Rheinbad St. Johann is limited. It's best to use public transport or cycle. If driving, look for parking garages near the Badischer Bahnhof. Instagram

While the Rhine is swimmable, Rheinbad St. Johann offers a safe and amenity-rich environment. Swimming training in the open river requires caution due to currents. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Rheinbad St. Johann typically opens daily during the summer season, usually from May to September. Hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or local listings for the most current information. TikTok

Admission to Rheinbad St. Johann is very affordable, making it a great value for a full day of relaxation and swimming. Prices are generally low, especially compared to indoor pools. Instagram

Generally, advance booking is not required for Rheinbad St. Johann. You can purchase tickets at the entrance. However, on extremely hot days or peak weekends, it's wise to check if any special entry policies are in place. Reddit

Yes, lockers are available for visitors to store their belongings securely while they swim and relax. It's advisable to bring your own lock or inquire about rental options. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

Rheinbad St. Johann offers a protected river pool, direct access to the Rhine, showers, toilets, lockers, a children's swimming area, and ample wooden sun decks with seating. Instagram

Yes, there are stairs and platforms designed for safe entry into the Rhine river from Rheinbad St. Johann. Always assess the water conditions before jumping. TikTok

Absolutely! Rheinbad St. Johann has a dedicated children's swimming area, making it a great spot for families. The protected river pool also offers a safer environment for younger swimmers. Instagram

You'll find a mix of seating options, including tables, chairs, and loungers, particularly on the upper wooden deck. The lower deck offers more open space for lounging. Reddit

While there's a kiosk and snack bar, bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally permitted. However, always check specific rules regarding glass bottles or alcohol. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's a kiosk and snack bar on the upper level offering coffee, gelato, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient spot to grab refreshments while enjoying the riverside atmosphere. Instagram

The food offerings at the snack bar are typically standard fare like ice cream and simple snacks. It's best to inquire directly about specific dietary options upon arrival. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the classic wooden architecture against the Rhine. The river itself, with boats passing by, also makes for great photos. Try different angles from the decks. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Avoid taking close-up photos of individuals without their consent. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Rheinbad St. Johann is a fantastic choice for families. It features a dedicated children's swimming area, ensuring little ones have a safe and fun space to splash around. The protected river pool also offers a more controlled environment than the open river. Parents can relax on the sun decks while keeping an eye on their children. Instagram

Remember to bring water shoes for the kids to protect their feet. The snack bar offers kid-friendly treats like gelato, and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming to families. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure a spot with easy access to the children's area. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Rheinbad St. Johann is a gem. The admission price is very affordable, offering excellent value for a full day of enjoyment. You can pack your own snacks and drinks to save on food costs, though the on-site kiosk provides convenient options. Instagram

It's a perfect way to experience a local Basel summer activity without spending a lot. The experience of swimming in the Rhine itself is a unique and memorable one that doesn't require expensive excursions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rhine River Experience

Rheinbad St. Johann offers a unique opportunity to swim directly in the Rhine river. Unlike a typical swimming pool, this lido provides a protected section of the river, allowing visitors to experience the flow and coolness of the water safely. The presence of stairs and platforms makes it easy to enter and exit the river. It's a refreshing change from chlorinated pools and offers a true taste of Basel's relationship with its iconic river. TikTokInstagram

For those interested in swimming training, the Reddit community suggests caution regarding the river's flow. While Rheinbad St. Johann provides a controlled environment, venturing into the main current requires awareness and potentially swimming experience. Always prioritize safety and be aware of local conditions and any posted warnings. Reddit

Architecture and Ambiance

The classic wooden architecture of Rheinbad St. Johann is a significant part of its charm. The tiered wooden sun decks, reminiscent of traditional river baths, create a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere. These decks are equipped with umbrellas, tables, and chairs, providing comfortable spaces for sunbathing, reading, or simply enjoying the riverside views. Instagram

Visitors often praise the relaxed and laid-back vibe of the place. It's described as a 'cool dock-style hangout' and a 'beautiful classic river bath.' Whether you're looking for a lively spot to socialize or a tranquil place to unwind, the dual-level design offers options. The lower deck provides more open, shaded lounging areas, perfect for extended relaxation. Reddit

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