Naturbad Riehen

Basel has long been a city of bathers, and the habit of swimming outdoors in rivers and lakes is part of the culture of the whole region. In nearby Riehen, a natural swimming pool offers a version of this tradition for people who prefer a protected pool with an architectural pedigree. The Naturbad is a project of the Basel firm Herzog and de Meuron, better known for large buildings such as the Tate Modern in London, the Beijing National Stadium and the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, so it is interesting to see their work at a much smaller scale. The pool is low and simple, built into its green surroundings, and it relies on landscape more than on structures.

The defining feature is that the water is not chlorinated. Cleaning is done by biological filtration, in which water passes through beds of plants and gravel and is purified by natural processes. Swimmers find that the water has a different feel from that of an ordinary public pool, softer and without the smell of chemicals, and people with sensitive skin or eyes often prefer it. The approach reflects a wider trend in Switzerland and Germany toward natural pools, which combine swimming with an element of ecological design, and it is a topic of interest to anyone concerned about sustainability.

The grounds include a main pool for swimmers, shallower areas for children, and spaces for play, along with a diving board and slides in the older parts of the facility. Around the water, lawns and trees offer room to lie down or picnic, and a small kiosk sells drinks and snacks. As in other Swiss public pools, there are changing rooms, showers and lockers. Shade is limited on the open lawns, which makes sun protection important on hot days, and the pool is much quieter on weekday mornings than on summer weekends.

The Naturbad belongs to the tradition of the Swiss Badi, the open-air public bathing place, which is a seasonal institution. The Badi is a meeting place for young and old and a part of summer life, and each town takes pride in its own. Riehen's has the added attraction of its design, so architecture fans have a reason to go beyond the swim. A visit also fits easily into a day in Riehen, which includes the Fondation Beyeler, the Wenkenhof park and the paths along the Wiese river, all of which are within a short ride.

As an outdoor facility, the pool opens only in the warm months, and its opening dates, hours and prices depend on the weather and the season. Check the municipality's website before you go, as conditions change. The pool suits families, swimmers and architecture enthusiasts. Allow two to four hours for a swim and a rest, or less if you want only to see the design, and bring a towel, swimwear, sun cream and a lock for lockers. The tram from Basel reaches Riehen in a short ride, and the walk to the pool takes a few minutes from the nearest stop.