“Samichlaus-Schwimmen” is a somewhat unusual Zurich tradition. Every December, hardened swimmers dressed in Santa Claus costumes brave the freezing temperatures and swim across the icy-cold River Limmat.
What began in 2000 with 65 participants, has over the years developed into the second-largest winter swimming event in Switzerland, outnumbered only by the “Coupe de Noël” in Geneva.
The event in 2013 broke all records, with a total of 330 swimmers taking part. The number of participants is limited to 350.
Since 2011, part of the income from the entry fees is donated to a charity that supports people in need.