Catholic Church in Basel promotes Spiritual Swim. An even bigger displacement activity than Synod.
Information about the Spiritual Swim
Programme Spiritual Swim
Meeting point: Oberer Rheinweg 91, Basel
We start at 5 pm with an impulse. We will then walk together to the starting point and swim in two groups in the Rhine. Afterwards there will be a small aperitif for everyone and a social get-together.
The impulse and the aperitif will take place whatever the weather.
The usual SLRG instructions apply to the "Rhyschwumm". SLRG swimmers accompany every spritual swim - no liability is accepted.
Practical tips for the Spiritual Swim
Bring suitable swimwear including bathing shoes
Changing facilities and clean toilets are available
Valuables can be stored safely
Further information
Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 5 p.m. | Wednesday, 23 July 2025, 5 p.m. | Thursday, 7 August 2025, 5 p.m. | Monday, 18 August 2025, 5 p.m. | Friday, 29 August 2025, 5 p.m.
Background
Spirituality in the Rhine: Church invites people to swim
The Roman Catholic Church in Basel-Stadt has launched a new project: "Spiritual Swim." It's about more than just swimming. "It connects people with each other, with the river, and perhaps also with something greater," says Anouk Kramer.
The sun is shining, and the good weather invites people to swim in Switzerland's numerous rivers – including the Rhine in Basel. Some team members of the Roman Catholic Church in Basel-Stadt were delighted by this. And a new project was born: "Spiritual Swim."
The "Spiritual Swim" is about swimming together in the Rhine with a "church-related profile," as Anouk Kramer from the "Spiritual Swim" team explains when asked. "It connects people with each other, with the river, and perhaps also with something greater."
Inspiration and Aperitif
With the project, the team wants to show participants that "Spiritual Swim" is more than just going for a swim. "It's about remembering. About what sustains us. About what remains when you let go. About who you really are," says Kramer.
Before entering the water, there's a spiritual inspiration. Afterwards, all participants are invited to an aperitif. "The subsequent gathering encourages stimulating conversations and brings joyful exchanges about swimming in the Rhine or the spiritual inspiration from the beginning." The project thus aims to strengthen the diaconal spirit.
Spiritual Swim in Basel
So far, the swim project has taken place twice – each time in collaboration with the Swiss Lifesaving Society (SLRG), as we want people to feel safe. It is deliberately offered without registration, "because it was our wish that people could decide spontaneously whether to participate or not," says Kramer. And even if the weather isn't ideal for swimming, the "Spiritual Swim" still takes place – the inspiration and the aperitif are always there.
For the team, swimming and spirituality go well together. After all, water is the place from which life originated and is created. "Water is a recurring theme in biblical texts. The Rhine, located nearby, is a constant reminder of the river of life. It flows patiently, incessantly, and powerfully, inviting us to let ourselves be carried along for a while," says Kramer.
The feedback has been positive, says Kramer. An elderly lady said that, despite having lived in Basel for a long time, she had never swum in the Rhine. "Now, in my old age, I'll do it!" she said, letting herself be carried along by the river.
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