The perfect months

June, July and August. But depending on the temperature, it’s even possible to raft as late as September or as early as May.

The perfect air temperature

Once the temperature in Bern hits around 20°C, it’s time to bring out the rafts! This is usually around the end of May or early June.

The perfect water temperature

We recommend waiting until the water temperature has reached around 16°C (around the end of May) before rafting on the Aare. It’s even more comfortable once the water reaches 20°C, since there’s always a chance of falling into the water. So it’s better to be safe than sorry! If the water temperature is still a bit too cold but you simply can’t resist getting out for a rafting tour, you’re better off wearing a wetsuit for protection.

The perfect weather

Bright sunshine or partly cloudy skies. But keep in mind that appearances can be deceiving! Even on the sunniest days in Switzerland, summer storms can frequently materialize in the afternoon or evening. Our tip: Be sure to check the weather on bern.com/en/weather before heading out to raft.

It’s also not wise to raft on a day following a storm. The river – whose waters are usually crystal-clear turquoise and clean – is muddy brown after a storm and carries a lot of driftwood in the current. This makes it dangerous to swim in the Aare or to go on a rafting tour.

The perfect water level

Before heading out for a rafting tour, it’s important to check not only the weather but also the river’s water level. In the early summer in particular, glacial ice from the Bernese Alps melts and flows directly into the Aare. This raises the water mark, causing the current to become very swift and making it much more difficult to maneuver a raft. And when the water level is too low, like after a longer period without rain, rafts are at risk of running aground along the riverbanks.

The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment regularly measures the water level. We recommend using the Aare Guru app or going to www.aare.guru (German only) to check the water level before any Aare rafting tour, and cancelling the planned tour if the water levels are higher than 230–250m3/s or lower than 100m3/s.

The perfect day of the week

If you want to enjoy a more peaceful day on the Aare, it’s better to go rafting during the week. But the typical Bernese river-rafting atmosphere is best experienced on the weekend. At Bern main station and on the train to Thun, you’ll run across countless Aare rafters who are happy to introduce newbies to the Aare and offer useful tips for their tour.

And the atmosphere at the launch points and out on the river itself can be quite festive. It’s a great meeting place, and it’s not at all unusual to find yourself chatting with complete strangers on other rafts along the tour. Tip: On holidays, such as the Swiss national holiday on August 1, spirits are especially high out on the river.

The perfect time of day

It’s ideal to avoid the strong midday sun by starting your rafting tour in the morning or early afternoon. Most Bernese head to Thun by train between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon – and their flip-flops, swimsuits, brightly colored boats and relaxed mood leave no doubt about where they’re headed. If you’re a first-time rafter, the train ride is the perfect opportunity to chat with experienced rafters and to meet someone who is kind enough to direct you to the launch point and show you the pump stations.

Of course, it’s also possible to wait and start your tour in the afternoon. But keep in mind that a tour takes two to three hours (without breaks). If you add in stops for resting, sunbathing and grilling, it can easily become a trip of four to five hours. For newbies, we recommend starting down the river by 2:00 p.m. at the latest.

This gives you sufficient time for some relaxing breaks along the still unfamiliar route, ensuring that you can make it to the end safely before the sun disappears behind the mountains.

“Did we remember everything?” This is a typical question asked before starting any rafting tour on the Aare. To ensure that the whole crew can confidently answer “YES!”, we have put together a checklist for your Aare rafting tour. This way you’re sure to remember everything!

One month in advance (for those who don’t live in Bern)

Organize your crew

Rafting on the Aare is more fun with a group! Typical raft sizes vary from two- to six-person boats, and some of Bern’s raft rental companies even have boats that can accommodate up to ten people.

So whether you’re planning a romantic rafting tour just for two or an excursion with a large group in multiple rafts, anything is possible. Just make sure not to go alone; rafts should always have at least two people.

Set the date

You have already read the tips in the previous chapter for the perfect rafting conditions. How about a WhatsApp or Doodle group for your whole Aare rafting crew?

Arrange for a raft

Should you rent, buy or borrow? See our recommendations here.

Book accommodations

From the campsite right next to the river pool at Eichholz to the Zollhaus pop-up hotel in an old customs house – Bern offers various accommodations right by the river, inviting visitors to spend some wonderful days experiencing the Aare. An overview of accommodations is available here.

Book a guide and/or package

Would you rather not explore the Aare on your own but have an experienced guide along? Or are you interested in a comprehensive package including a guide, BBQ, equipment and all the essentials? Such tours are often available to book at relatively short notice. However, we recommend booking around two weeks in advance just to be safe. An overview of Bern’s four rafting tour companies is available here.

One week in advance

Check the weather forecast

Is sunshine in the forecast? No bad weather or storm clouds on the horizon? You’ll find reliable forecasts on bern.com/en/weather.

Decide on a route

Besides the route from Thun (or Uttigen) to Bern – which Switzerland Tourism refers to as the “king of Swiss rafting routes” – there are other wonderful routes to discover around Bern. From slower-paced to more adventurous routes, you’ll find our favorite picks here (including specific times needed, maps, etc.).

Make restaurant reservations

Would you like to end your rafting tour with a relaxed dinner and a view of the turquoise waters of the Aare?

There are a number of different restaurants where you can dine right along the river, including Casa Novo (tasteful atmosphere and a wonderful terrace), the Schwellenmätteli’s restaurants (a special experience, right over the Aare weir!), the Altes Tramdepot (a brewery and restaurant combined) and the Dampfzentrale (industrial chic with an Aare vibe). We recommend reserving a table one week in advance. A detailed description of the restaurants is available here.

One day in advance

• Print out the route (see chapter 4, Rafting routes)
• Read the safety regulations (see chapter 5, Aare you safe?)
• Pack your gear (see the packing list)
• Buy your food (see chapter 3, Equipment and food)
• Download the Aare Guru app (for iPhones, Android and Windows Phone)
• Check the weather and water level with the Aare Guru app (alternatively in English: bern.com/en/weather)
• Check the train and bus schedule (to plan your journey and to see how you’ll be getting home in the evening)
• Check your raft for any possible damage. The two most important points: Are all paddles in place? And are there any holes that need repairing?
• Inform your crew (meeting point, packing list, train/bus itinerary, etc.)

The morning of the tour

If you read this guide carefully and pay special attention to the various checklists, you’ll be perfectly prepared and more than ready for your big rafting adventure on the Aare. On the morning of the tour, be sure to briefly check the following points one last time. 

It would be better to stay home or plan a different activity for the day if any of the following apply:

👎 If there was a storm the day before or if one is forecast for sometime in the evening

👎 If the water level is higher than 230–250m3/s or lower than 100m3/s (check www.aare.guru)

👎 If you’re not feeling well or physically fit

👎 If your blood alcohol level is still above 0.05% from last night’s party

👎 If your raft has a hole and you don’t have a repair kit along

But if none of these applies to you, then just put on your flip-flops and sunscreen (yes, that’s important) – and let the fun begin!

Is your rafting crew complete? Then all you still need is a raft. Here are some tips on buying, renting or borrowing a raft.

Renting a raft

If this rafting trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, we recommend simply renting a raft. There are various companies in Bern that rent out rafts in different sizes (for two to ten people). Rental prices per raft (including the equipment) range from CHF 60 to CHF 700. The rental procedure and options are similar from company to company.

Here’s how it works

Rafts can be reserved in advance, either online (at any time) or by phone (during the company’s business hours during the week). Reservations can usually be made up to one day before the trip. But to be sure of securing a rental raft during the peak summer season, we recommend making your reservations one week in advance.

On the day of the tour, you can pick up your raft at the launch point (Thun Schwäbis or Uttigen) and – if you’d like – receive comprehensive information on raft handling, safety aspects and the route itself.

The package usually includes equipment such as paddles, an air pump, life jackets, a dry bag and the route map.

After that, you can paddle away and enjoy your tour! You can then return the raft when you exit the river at Eichholz or Marzili (depending on the rental company you use). Just be sure to return the raft on time (usually by around 6:00 p.m.).

If you’d like, the raft rental company can transport your dry clothes and valuables directly to the destination point by car. But most rental companies provide dry bags, allowing you to take your personal items along on the raft and keep them safe and dry.

Besides just renting the raft, would you like to raft down the river with an experienced guide? Or are you interested in a comprehensive package including a guide, BBQ, equipment and all the essentials? Most raft rental companies offer these kinds of packages.

Comparison of raft rental companies

The following chart compares three raft rental companies and provides an overview of the most important points (swipe left if viewing on a mobile phone).

Buying a raft

Have you finally been bitten by the Aare rafting bug? Rental prices per raft (including the equipment) range from CHF 60 to CHF 110. If you plan to raft the Aare several times each summer, it’s worth buying your own rubber raft (prices range from CHF 80 to CHF 700). It allows you to be more flexible and to save money – plus you get to be the proud owner of a raft.

How about blue and yellow, red, or perhaps olive green? Of course, bright colors are the most fun on the turquoise waters of the Aare. But there are more important things to consider when buying a raft than just the appearance. After all, not all rafts are the same. In order for your raft to smoothly navigate around some of the riskier patches of water, and to make sure your trip isn’t ruined by an unexpected puncture or a broken paddle, it’s important to invest in professional gear. Here are some tips to consider.

What do I need to consider when buying a raft?

Think big

It’s better to have a raft that is too big than too small. Rafts that are made for two people often don’t have room for backpacks or picnic bags, and they tend to be a rather snug fit even for couples. So, you’re better off choosing a raft that is slightly larger – for instance, a three-person raft for two people, or a four-person raft for three people. Also, pay attention to the raft’s maximum weight allowance (safety first!).

Air chambers

A good rubber raft should have at least three air chambers so the whole raft doesn’t deflate if one of the chambers is damaged. The more air chambers, the better.

Good paddles

Make sure the paddles are made of sturdy material; you’re looking for a solid stick, not a matchstick. This makes it much easier to navigate the river current. Tip: Take along an extra paddle, just in case. This will help you keep a cool head if one of your paddles breaks or permanently goes for a swim.

Package contents

Paddles and an air pump are often included in the raft package. But make sure this is the case when you buy your raft, and check that the materials are free of defects. Better to check before your purchase than to be sorry later!

Repair kit

Most rafts are made of PVC, which is easiest to repair. Clever rafters go ahead and buy a repair kit when buying their raft. Many rafts already have a repair kit included; but if not, you can ask about one in the shop.

Comparison of popular rafts

Rafts are available to buy at Coop Bau + Hobby, Intersport, Athleticum, Manor, Galaxus, Siroop and many other sporting goods stores. The following four rafts are ideal for the Aare (swipe left if viewing on a mobile phone):

Challenger, Hydroforce Raft or Splash&Play? The Swiss radio and TV program Kassensturz tested various different rafts. See how they performed here (in German only).

Borrowing a raft

Looking for an inexpensive option for your rafting tour? Sharing is caring! Many Bernese have a raft in their basement and are happy to loan it out on occasion. So if you have connections in Bern, try asking your friends or workmates.

Are you just visiting Bern? If you’re spending several days in the capital, use the first days to chat with the locals – like at the Turnhalle Café and Bar – and ask them about tips for rafting the Aare. With a little luck and charm, you might be offered a raft to borrow or get invited to join a rafting tour.