Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen, an outdoor public pool on the shore of Lake Zürich, Switzerland

© Amazing Aerial Agency/Offset by Shutterstoc

Swim city

Switzerland might be landlocked but with about 6% of Europe’s fresh water flowing through its many rivers and lakes, there are plenty of outdoor swimming spots in which to cool down in the summer heat. Today, we’re dipping our toes in the pristine waters of Lake Zürich in Switzerland’s largest city, which has developed its own urban lido culture. Dotted across Zürich, you'll find lots of lidos (public open-air swimming pools) that make the most of the city’s lakes. At this time of year, it’s common to see city workers swap smart suits for swimming costumes to enjoy a quick dip on their lunch break.

The lakeside lido in our image is called Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen. There’s no sand here, but it does feature a circular boardwalk built over the water that surrounds a shallow pool. Nearby, there’s a 200ft (61m) water slide into the lake, diving platforms and a sprawling lawn for sunbathing, yoga, volleyball and table tennis. And of course, as we’re in Switzerland, you’re never far from the mountains - the snow-clad Alps are visible from here on a clear day. Swiss bliss.