:: fact 2 ::

Swimming - in the Rhine!

"The Rhine plays a key role in the history and development of Basel. It is both a vital waterway and a local place for recreation. The Rhine has always been the gateway to the sea and therefore an important trade route. But still more important is undoubtedly its contribution to the high quality of life that Basel can offer its guests and inhabitants, together with the pleasantly mild climate with many sunny days in which the city basks. The Rhine offers valuable space to relax, to engage in sports or quite simply to enjoy life. The people of Basel are very fond of their Rhine, and accordingly spend a great deal of time beside it and in it – strolling along its idyllic banks, swimming or simply relaxing. In August of each year, on the first Tuesday after the school summer holidays, the big Basel Rhine Swim takes place. The start is upstream of the Wettsteinbrücke on the Kleinbasel side. Thousands of Baslers plunge into the cool, refreshing waters of the river. Visitors to the city are also warmly invited to take part. And to be sure the city does not miss out on its fun, in the event of bad weather this big event is simply postponed by a week. For non-swimmers, just watching the spectacle is also an impressive experience."

I WILL swim it before I leave Basel.