Location
Switzerland
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
Mid-May to mid-September
About Katzensee Lake
The Katzensee is a pair of small lakes, joined by an artificial canal, on the northern edge of Zurich between Affoltern and Regensdorf, set in a nature reserve with protected moorland of national importance. The City of Zurich's sports office runs a free lake bath, Seebad Katzensee, on the lower lake, with about 80 metres of sandy natural shoreline, big lawns, a children's water-play area and playground, a kiosk, changing rooms and barbecue fireplaces at the forest edge. The site was renovated in winter 2023/24. Within the bath is a small FKK meadow and nude bathing beach with its own lake access, separated from the rest of the bath by a privacy screen; nude bathing is allowed only there. The shallow lake warms early in the season and suits longer swims, though some visitors find the water murky and the entry over small stones awkward. The nude area is the main sore point: regulars say it is too small for the numbers on sunny days, often damp and muddy along the access path, and partly shaded. Couples, families and solo visitors of all ages use it. Inflatables and SUPs are not allowed, and dogs and bikes are banned from the grounds.
Getting there
Take bus 37 or 61 from Zurich to Mühlacker, then walk about five minutes. By car, follow Wehntalerstrasse toward Regensdorf past Zürich-Affoltern and under the motorway; the official car park is paid and often full, and is about five minutes on foot through the forest. A signposted cycle route runs from Oerlikon, but bikes must be left outside the grounds. Entry is free; staff, toilets and changing rooms operate in the summer season.
What visitors say
Visitors like the free entry, natural setting and the 2023/24 renovation, and praise the friendly staff and clean grounds, while complaining about crowding, noise and scarce parking on sunny weekends and kiosk queues. Naturist comments repeatedly ask for a bigger, sunnier and drier FKK area, describing the current meadow as cramped and muddy, with some wanting a footbridge or shower there. Several note that before the screen was installed the meadow was visible from the footpath.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Zurich Tourism states that nude bathing is permitted in the separated FKK area of Seebad Katzensee, which is run by the City of Zurich. Nudity is not allowed elsewhere in the bath; a privacy screen separates the area.
Naturism at Katzensee Lake sits under Switzerland's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Switzerland public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 47.4311, 8.4931
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Switzerland
Frequently asked questions
Is there a nude area at Katzensee?
Yes. Seebad Katzensee has a small FKK meadow and beach behind a privacy screen, with its own lake access. Nudity is allowed only there.
Does it cost anything?
No, entry to the Seebad is free; loungers and sunshades can be rented.
How do I get there?
Bus 37 or 61 to Mühlacker, then about five minutes on foot. The paid car park fills quickly in summer.
When is it open?
Staff and facilities operate from about mid-May to mid-September; the bathing spot itself is accessible at all times.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…