Linth Canal Swim 2026
Are you ready for the ultimate swimming adventure? On August 16, 2026, we’ll swim from Lake Walen to Lake Obersee. We’ll tackle the roughly 18-kilometer route through the Linth Canal as a group, led by experienced swim coaches. If you’re capable of swimming about 4 kilometers nonstop (crawl) in calm water, you’re ready for this challenge. Some sections can also be covered on foot.
Procedure
Included: We’ll swim together from Weesen to Schmerikon. The distance is about 18 kilometers (17 kilometers in the canal and 1 kilometer in the lake). In still water, this is equivalent to about 6 to 8 kilometers (depending on the current). The Linth Canal is navigable throughout. The rapids near Ziegelbrücke are a special experience. There, and elsewhere, you can always get out and cover sections on foot or on a SUP*. A total of four group stops are planned, including a snack stop. You should be able to swim about 3 kilometers in still water (crawl). The water temperature is significantly cooler than in Lake Zurich. Wearing a wetsuit is therefore mandatory, and bringing a swim buoy is recommended. Wetsuits can be rented from Tempo Sport upon advance reservation and for a fee.
Preliminary schedule
- 8:45 a.m. Meet in Weesen across from Hotel Schwert
- 8:50 a.m.: Change clothes and stow luggage in the support bus
- 9:00 a.m.: Briefing
- 9:15 a.m.: Start in Weesen
- Approx. 1:15 p.m.: Arrival in Schmerikon (depending on the current, +/- 1 hour)
- From Schmerikon, return home on your own.
Information and Registration
- You can swim 3 kilometers straight (front crawl).
- We swim in wetsuits in (almost) any weather (except during storms and thunderstorms).
- The number of participants is limited. Please register by email:events@tempo-sport.ch
- Participation is at your own risk.
Costs
The participation fee isCHF 45.
Included: Transport of swimwear from Weesen to Schmerikon, refreshments halfway through the course, and guidance from local swim coaches.
Please register by emailing events@tempo-sport.ch and simultaneously transfer the fee to the Tempo-Sport AG account at Bank Zimmerberg, 8810 Horgen (IBAN CH26 0682 4347 9242 8455 0), noting “Linthkanal” in the payment reference.
*You must bring your own SUPs; ideally, there should be at least two people per board. We’re happy to provide more detailed information on this and on bringing running shoes on an individual basis. After registration, everyone will receive detailed information on arrival and departure as well as the schedule.
Highlights from the Linth Canal Swim over the past few years:
Video: Swimming Through the Rapids at Ziegelbrücke:
Highlights from start to finish:
