Restrooms
AvailableYes - showers and lockers
Food & Drinks
AvailableYes - kiosk and grills
Parking
AvailableYes - parking nearby
Nudity Policy
OPTIONALNudity optional
The Good
- Local hidden badi: Katzensee feels like a neighborhood secret just outside Zürich. It is mostly used by locals, giving it a relaxed and authentic atmosphere rather than a tourist-heavy one.
- Full lakeside facilities: The badi includes showers, lockers, a food kiosk, benches, and even multiple public grills. It is well set up for spending an entire day by the water.
- Dedicated FKK section: There is a clearly partitioned naturist area, allowing for nudity without confusion while keeping it separate from the main family zones.
- Forest-surrounded setting: The lake sits within a wooded area, offering a green and calming environment. It feels more natural and enclosed compared to open urban swimming spots.
- Great for groups and families: With playgrounds, picnic areas, and grilling spots, it works well for social gatherings as well as quieter visits.
- Year-round swimming culture: Some locals even swim here into colder months, showing how much it is valued as a regular swimming spot.
The Bad
- Can get very crowded: On warm weekends, the area fills up quickly and can feel packed, especially in peak season.
- Parking challenges: Finding a spot nearby can be difficult, often requiring a longer walk through the forest.
- Water depth limitations: The lake is relatively shallow, which may not appeal to stronger swimmers looking for deeper water.
- Cleanliness varies: Facilities are functional but may not be as clean or polished as other Swiss bathing spots.
- Slightly out of the way: It takes some effort to reach from central Zürich, especially compared to more convenient city badis.
- Nearby road noise: Parts of the walking trail run alongside a busy road, which can break the otherwise natural feel.
The Naked Truth
Katzensee is a relaxed local swimming spot on the edge of Zürich, with grassy areas, forest around the lake and a dedicated naturist section.
This is much more of a community hangout than a secluded nude beach in Zurich. On warm days you’ll see families, groups of friends, people swimming and picnicking, with naturists using their own part of the lakeside alongside everyone else.
The naturist area feels established and casual, so you’re not hunting around for somewhere discreet to strip off. It’s a good option if you want somewhere easygoing, social and close to the city rather than a remote beach experience.
The lake is calm and good for swimming, and there’s enough grass to spend a few hours here comfortably.
There aren’t a huge number of naturist beaches in Switzerland, but Katzensee is a solid option if you’re staying around Zürich.
Insider Tip
Take public transport if you can, as parking fills up fast on sunny days. Bring food for the grills or grab something simple from the kiosk, and arrive early to secure a good spot. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday or later in the afternoon when the crowds start to thin.
Who's Here
Mostly Zürich locals, families, friend groups with grills, and a smaller number of naturists using the designated section.
Beach Surface
Grassy sunbathing areas with natural lake edges rather than a defined sandy shoreline.
Access Difficulty
Easy to moderate, with good public transport access but a short forest walk required from the final stop.
Photos
Our Visit
Discover the beauty and freedom of Katzensee Lake, a stunning nude beach destination.
Discover the beauty and freedom of Katzensee Lake, a stunning nude beach destination.
Map
Getting There
Katzensee is located near Zürich-Affoltern in Zürich, Switzerland, within a forested area just outside the city.
By car or on foot: Drive toward the western edge of the Katzensee forest area and use the designated parking, though spaces can be limited. From there, walk through forest paths for about 10 minutes to reach the lake and badi.
By public transport: Take the S-Bahn S6 from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to Affoltern, then transfer to Bus 61 and ride to the final stop Muhlacker. From there, walk back slightly, follow the Katzensee signs along the paved path, cross over the autobahn, and continue through the forest until you reach the lake.
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