Known as the most important economic center of Switzerland, Zurich is also famous for having the highest cost of living in the world. According to the Economist's ranking, this city and Singapore are the two most expensive cities in the world.
In the summer, after work, people in this city also bring their swimsuits to bathe in the Limmat River, follow the current home or simply cool off, enjoying the bright afternoon sunlight reflecting on the river.
Some people choose to lock their bikes on either side of the river and find empty spaces to relax, listen to music, or read books. Others store their clothes and belongings in a special waterproof bag called a "wicklefisch", shaped like a fish.
Some people in Zurich even swim to work (or, depending on the direction, home from their shift). Visitors can easily spot swimmers commuting or returning along the river, most clearly identified by their wicklefisch bags.
Locals can jump from the bridge or climb the ladder into the cool water and float down the river. They swim and chat with their friends next to them. The city government has arranged resting places along both sides of the river as well as some showers and toilets along the route.
Mr. Ibrahim R. Al. Kurdi, a resident of Switzerland, shared with Lao Dong: "You can see people here swimming very gently, smoothly following the water flow. However, they have all been familiar with this water flow since childhood, so they can easily control their bodies."
Not only in Zurich, people in many other cities such as the capital Bern, Basel... also take advantage of the flow of the Aare and Rhine rivers to get home. In addition to cooling off in the water at about 15-22 degrees Celsius in the summer, they want to avoid participating in rush hour traffic.
According to Desiree Skalle, a Norwegian travel blogger, locals have a number of techniques and tips for navigating the river to get to the right location.
When jumping into the river, they must know where they want to exit the river and calculate the time to get to the other side.
In addition, Skalle said tourists who want to experience swimming in the river should go to the right side, because boats and ferries use the left side. Tourists are advised to ensure their health before swimming, and absolutely do not go into the water when drunk.
Skalle also recommends that people swim with someone else, just in case something happens.
In addition to swimming, young people in Switzerland also participate in many other activities along the river banks such as surfing, volleyball, cycling, sunbathing...
