The Rhine Turns a City River Into a One-Way Route
In Basel, the Rhine’s current does part of the commuting work. A swimmer enters the river upstream of the destination and lets the flow carry them downstream through the city. Unlike a conventional commute, the route is shaped by the river’s direction: getting to the water and leaving it at the right place matter as much as the swim itself.
The current reduces the effort needed to cover distance, but it does not make the trip entirely effortless. Swimmers still have to steer, stay aware of conditions and choose a safe place to enter and exit. Once ashore, they continue on foot to wherever they are going.
A Floating Bag Solves the Luggage Problem
The Wickelfisch is a waterproof bag designed for this river journey. A swimmer puts clothes and other belongings inside, seals the bag by rolling its opening, and takes it along in the water. Its shape and trapped air let it float behind the swimmer, so ordinary items can make the trip without getting soaked.
That simple arrangement changes the river from a recreational detour into a practical link between parts of the city. Instead of needing a locker at the starting point and a separate way to retrieve belongings, commuters can carry their dry clothes with them. The Rhine provides the moving route; the Wickelfisch brings the rest of the commute along.
