Complete 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 - pronounced "boatle" - 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 district 10 downstream to either Glanzenberg or Dietikon. The Limmat current does most of the work - you just sit back, relax, and let the river carry you through green landscapes, historic bridges, and some of the most scenic urban waterway in Switzerland.
The whole journey takes between 2.5 and 4 hours depending on the current and how many stops you make. It's suitable for all ages and requires no experience or special skills.
The float begins at Wipkingerpark, an easy 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.
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. It's a 50-150 metre walk along a clearly marked path with bright arrows - you cannot miss it if you're paying attention.
⚠️ Never attempt to float over or around the dam. Exit the water on the LEFT bank when you see the first signs - they appear from about 2 km before the dam.
After the crossing, you re-enter the river from a dedicated platform. This is actually one of the highlights - a little stretch break in the middle of the float, and the river gets deeper and smoother on the other side.
The official recommended exit is near Glanzenberg station, about 1.5-2.5 hours from Wipkingerpark. The exit is clearly marked on the LEFT bank. There's a large grassy area to deflate and dry off, a popular BBQ/Grillstelle, toilets, a small kiosk, and the S-Bahn station just a few minutes walk away.
If you want a longer float, you can continue past Glanzenberg to Dietikon - another 30-60 minutes downstream. Exit on the LEFT bank when you see the signs. There's minimal infrastructure at this exit - it's mainly a practical endpoint - but the Dietikon train station is a short walk away.
⚠️ There is an impassable dam immediately after the Dietikon exit. Do not miss the exit 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.
Alternatively, if you came by car, the drive back from Glanzenberg or Dietikon to Wipkingerpark takes 15-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Rent your ring, boat, or unicorn float from Smile Swim - Wipkingerweg 6, 2 minutes from the river.
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