Kompletter Guide
Every summer, thousands of people drift down the Limmat River through Zurich on inflatable rings, boats, and unicorn floats. It's called the Böötle — and it's one of Switzerland's most joyful warm-weather traditions. Here's everything you need to know to do it properly.
The Böötle is a 7 km float from Wipkingerpark in Zurich downstream to either Glanzenberg or Dietikon. The Limmat current does most of the work — you just sit back and let the river carry you through green landscapes and the most scenic urban waterway in Switzerland. The journey takes 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the current and how many stops you make. No experience or special skills required.
The float begins at Wipkingerpark, a 2-minute walk from the Smile Swim pickup point at Wipkingerweg 6. There's a gentle entry into the water and once you're in, the current picks up quickly and carries you downstream. The first few hundred metres pass under bridges and past the Höngg riverbanks — already beautiful.
About 20 minutes into the float you'll reach the Höngger Wehr dam. You must exit the water here and carry your equipment around the dam on foot — about 50-150 metres along a clearly marked path. Signs appear well before the dam. After the crossing you re-enter the river from a dedicated platform.
⚠️ Never attempt to float over the dam. Exit the water on the LEFT bank when you see the first warning signs.
The recommended exit is near Glanzenberg station, about 1.5-2.5 hours from Wipkingerpark. Exit on the LEFT bank when marked. There's a large grassy area to deflate and dry off, a popular BBQ/Grillstelle, toilets, and the S-Bahn station a few minutes walk away. This is where most people end their float.
If you want a longer float, continue to Dietikon — another 30-60 minutes downstream. Exit on the LEFT bank at the marked signs. Dietikon train station is a short walk away.
⚠️ There is an impassable dam immediately after the Dietikon exit. Do not miss the signs.
From Glanzenberg or Dietikon, take the S-Bahn (S3 or S12) toward Zurich and alight at Wipkingerpark/Rossgarten. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around CHF 4-6. Return your equipment to Smile Swim at Wipkingerweg 6 — same place you collected it. By car the drive takes 15-30 minutes.
Smile Swim rents all the equipment you need for the Böötle — inflatable rings (1 and 2 person), inflatable boats (up to 3 people), unicorn floats, and SUP boards. Everything is inflated and ready to go at pickup. Life jackets and dry bags available as add-ons.
Ring, Boot oder Einhorn bei Smile Swim mieten — Wipkingerweg 6, 2 Min. vom Fluss.
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