Packliste
The Limmat Böötle is one of Zurich's most joyful summer rituals - a 7 km drift from Wipkingerpark to Dietikon or Glanzenberg on an inflatable ring, boat, or unicorn float. The current does the work. Your job is to relax.
But the difference between a perfect day and a slightly miserable one often comes down to what you bring. Here's our tried-and-tested packing list.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. You're on the water for 2.5-4 hours with the sun reflecting off the surface - you'll burn faster than you expect. Bring a waterproof SPF 30 or higher and reapply halfway through.
A dry bag (available from us for CHF 7/day) keeps your phone, keys, wallet, and any valuables completely watertight. Don't trust a ziplock bag for this - a proper dry bag is worth it.
Water and snacks. The float takes longer than most people expect. Bring a refillable bottle, some fruit, sandwiches, or whatever you like. The Ring 2-person even has a built-in cooler between the seats for drinks.
Old shoes or water sandals for the dam crossing - you'll be walking about 50-150 metres on a paved path, so bare feet aren't ideal.
A towel and a change of dry clothes for the train ride home from Glanzenberg or Dietikon.
Cash for the S-Bahn ticket back to Wipkingerpark (around CHF 4-6) and anything you want to buy on the way.
A waterproof phone case lets you take photos from the water without worrying about dropping your phone into the Limmat. There are plenty of great photo spots along the route.
A Bluetooth speaker in a waterproof case adds a great atmosphere. Keep the volume reasonable though - you're sharing the river with others.
Rope or a carabiner if you're floating with friends on separate equipment - you can tie the rings or boats together and float as a group.
BBQ supplies if you're planning to stop at the Grillstelle near Glanzenberg. It's one of the best ways to end a float - deflate your equipment, fire up the grill, and make an afternoon of it.
💡 Pro tip: Pack everything in a bag with a shoulder strap rather than a backpack. At the dam crossing and the exit point, you'll be carrying your equipment and belongings at the same time - a single bag is much easier to manage.
Alcohol before or during the float is strongly discouraged. The Limmat has currents and requires your attention, especially at the dam crossing. Save the drinks for the BBQ at Glanzenberg.
Pool toys and cheap inflatables. The Limmat is a real river with a real current. Flimsy pool floats are not suitable and will not survive. Our equipment is specifically rated for river use.
Heavy bags. You'll be carrying your equipment from the Smile Swim pickup point to the river entry (2 minutes), and from the exit point to the train station. Keep it light.
⚠️ Life jacket reminder: If you have children with you, a life jacket is strongly recommended. We rent them for CHF 15/day. Adults floating more than 300m from the riverbank are also required by Swiss law to wear one - though on the Limmat route this is rarely an issue.
Light rain? Go for it. The Limmat water temperature is pleasant throughout summer, and getting wet is part of the experience anyway. What you really want to avoid is thunderstorms or very high river flow - check the Limmat level on the day (ideal is below 100 m³/s). We'll always advise you if conditions are not suitable.
Ausrüstung bei Smile Swim mieten - Abholung an der Wipkingerweg 6, nur 2 Minuten vom Fluss.
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