Once a year, the canals of Amsterdam belong to swimmers instead of boats. During the Amsterdam City Swim on Sunday 6 September 2026, around 2,500 participants dive into the water for a 2 km swim through the historic city centre, raising money for research into ALS.

Swimming through the canals for a good cause

The Amsterdam City Swim started in 2012 and has since raised millions for the fight against ALS, the devastating nerve and muscle disease. For one morning, tour boats make way, the water quality is tested, and swimmers of all levels – from CEOs to celebrities to first-timers – take on the unique course through the canal district and the Amstel.

Watching the event

The City Swim is a spectacular sight from the quaysides: thousands of orange swim caps moving through the canals, cheered on by crowds on the bridges. The start and finish areas have the best atmosphere, with music and speaker commentary. Check the official website for this year’s exact route.

Taking part

• Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
• Distance: approximately 2 km through open water
• Entry: individual swimmers and business teams; every participant raises funds for ALS research
• Training: the organisation offers open-water training sessions in the months before

Not swimming? The canals reopen to boats in the afternoon – end the day with a canal cruise over the same water the swimmers just conquered.