Werdinsel

Nudist bathing spot · Zurich Höngg

The Werdinsel in the Limmat is Zurich’s bathing island and also the city’s official nudist area: for decades the lower part of the island has been a meeting place for nude bathers and is especially popular with gay men, while the upper part is home to the Au-Höngg river baths with lawns and barbecue spots.

• ★ 4.7 on Google (333)
• Official nudist area
• Free entry

Address

Werdinsel 2 (Flussbad Au-Höngg)
8049 Zürich

Season

bathing season roughly May to mid-September; the island itself is accessible all year

Admission

free

Nudism

lower part of the island, downstream of the suspension bridge: a nudist-only zone and a mixed zone where swimwear is optional

Getting there

tram 17 to Tüffenwies, then approx. 300 m across the weir; or tram 13 to Frankental, about 15 minutes on foot

What makes the Werdinsel special

The island lies between the Limmat and a canal in the Höngg district. The canal suits experienced swimmers, and people sunbathe on the large lawn. According to scene guides, the larger nude area is mainly used by gay men, while the smaller one beyond a shallow channel is more mixed. The city developed signs about respectful behaviour together with the queer organisation HAZ.

Good to know

Nudity is allowed, sexual activity outdoors is not welcome, and the police do patrol. The river baths have changing rooms, toilets, a paddling pool, playground, barbecue areas and a kiosk, and the garden restaurant Werdinsel has a terrace in season. It gets very busy on hot summer days; out of season the island is good for walks and bike rides.

Contact

Researched by our editors, as of October 2026. Sources: Google reviews (4.7 stars, 333 reviews), Zürich Tourism, badi-info.ch, Travel Gay, Spotted by Locals, misterb&b, SRF, The Local. Season times and rules may change, please check with the City of Zurich before you go.