Location
Switzerland
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
June to early September
About Werdinsel Island FKK
The Werdinsel is a long, wooded island in the Limmat in Zürich-Höngg, between the river's fast main channel and a calmer side canal used for swimming. Its upstream end holds the free Flussbad Au-Höngg, a city river bath with a children's paddling pool, playground and football lawn. The lower, downstream part of the island has long been Zurich's best-known nude bathing area: a large lawn with direct access to the Limmat, described in naturist guides as an official FKK spot. In summer 2025 Blick reported that the nude zone takes up roughly half the island and is busy on hot days. The swimming is the attraction: the Limmat flows fast past the lawn, while the canal side is calmer. The crowd is mixed, including couples and some families, but the area is also used by some men for cruising, and in July 2025 residents launched an anonymous petition to remove the nude zone after complaints about sexual acts near the canal, while naturists answered with a counter-petition to keep and enlarge it. Check the current situation before visiting.
Getting there
The Werdinsel is in Höngg in north-west Zurich. Public transport is the easiest option, with tram and bus stops in the area. Drivers can park under the Europabrücke and walk 5-10 minutes along the river. Paths onto the island are flat. There are no facilities in the nude area itself; the nearest toilets are at the free Flussbad Au-Höngg at the island's upstream end, open in the summer season.
What visitors say
Visitors value the Werdinsel as a free, central and spacious place to bathe nude, with excellent river swimming in the Limmat and lots of lawn. Opinions on the atmosphere are split: naturists describe a mixed, relaxed crowd, while families and some neighbours complain about men cruising and occasional sexual behaviour near the canal, especially on very hot days, and object to the nude area's closeness to the children's pool. Arrive early on hot weekends, and keep to the main lawn rather than the bushes.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Naturist guides describe the lower Werdinsel as an official FKK bathing place tolerated by the City of Zurich, but no current city page confirming it was found. In July 2025 an anonymous residents' petition asked for the nude zone to be removed and a counter-petition sought to expand it; no city decision had been reported (checked October 2026). Sexual acts are illegal in public regardless of nudity rules.
Naturism at Werdinsel Island FKK sits under Switzerland's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Switzerland public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
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Approx. 47.2775, 8.4836
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the nude area?
On the lower, downstream part of the Werdinsel in Höngg, beyond the Flussbad Au-Höngg at the upstream end of the island.
Is it free?
Yes. Both the nude lawn and the Flussbad Au-Höngg are free to enter.
Is it suitable for children?
The Flussbad at the other end of the island is family-oriented, but the nude area has reports of cruising and a 2025 petition complained about sexual behaviour, so many families avoid it.
Are there toilets?
Not in the nude area; use the facilities at the Flussbad Au-Höngg.
Is the nude zone being closed?
A 2025 petition called for its removal and a counter-petition defended it; no city decision had been reported as of October 2026.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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