Aare River, Bern

Who needs the sea? When the weather warms up, Bern locals love to splash around in the open-air swimming pools or spend the summer swimming, rafting and surfing in the Aare river.

Aare you safe?

Fact

It’s important to have a healthy amount of respect for the Aare and inform yourself about the possible risks beforehand. Swimming in the Aare is recommended for experienced swimmers only. The Swiss Lifesaving Society SLRG and the City of Bern provide (vitally) important tips for everyone who spends time in and on the Aare.

No Aare bag yet?

If you watch experienced rafters or swimmers, you’ll notice that most of them have a colorful dry bag slung over their shoulder. The waterproof bag keeps clothes and valuables dry if they happen to land in the river. The “Bernadette” Aare bag – available in dark red and blue – is not only practical but also quite stylish. We especially like its extra compartment for valuables, as well as the printed map of the Aare Loop with all the points where you can access and exit the river. It’s available for CHF 35 in the Bern.com online shop or at the Tourist Information at Bern main station (open 365 days a year, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.).

Grab the deal

Bern’s outdoor swimming pools

In summer, Bern locals practically grow fins and gills. And for good reason. Not only the glittering Aare river, but also a wide selection of municipal riverside swimming facilities beckon with cool water, secluded sunbathing areas and delicious snacks like chips and gelato. With riverside pools like the lively Wyler neighbourhood hotspot, the alternative-inspired Lorraine, and the iconic Marzili, swimming fun is high on the Bern summer to-do list – and it's free!

Jump in!

Tipp

We Bernese are experts when it comes to celebrating that special summer feeling – and the fact that our outdoor swimming pools don't even charge admission definitely helps.

The people of Bern and the Aare river have a very special love affair. How about a quick dip in the cool water with your colleagues in your lunch break? Or a walk through the Old Town in your bikini with your raft in tow? These are part of everyday life for Bern’s residents. It is even rumored that you used to be able to spot bikinis and swim shorts hung out to dry on the Federal Councilors’ balconies. A dip in the Aare is also a true Bernese experience for visitors to the city!

Mistakes to Avoid when Swimming in a River

During the summer, Bern is a paradise for anyone who loves the water. However, what looks simple on the surface can also be quite dangerous, so swimming in a river is only recommended for very good swimmers. The following myths and mistakes should be avoided at all costs.

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The Ultimate Aare Rafting Guide

Summer in Bern is when locals indulge in their favorite pastime: rafting down the Aare. The Ultimate Aare Rafting Guide provides helpful information and fun facts that will be of use to newbies and experienced rafters alike. Read on for more about how to enjoy all the Aare has to offer this summer!

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Stories of the Aare

From a popular double bassist who balances out the hectic life of a musician by also working as a ferryman to a young school teacher who makes his own surfboards for the Aare. In a series of enthralling video portraits, five Bernese locals share their personal story of the Aare.

Discover

Not a fan of the water? No problem! There is something to whet everyone’s appetite all along the Aare. This is where the leisurely Bernese atmosphere is celebrated, whether you are sitting around an open fire in Eichholz, sunbathing in the famous Marzili pool or feasting on ice cream from Gelateria di Berna.

Sunbathing with a View Over the Parliament Building

Most Aare swimmers splash about in the Marzili pool which lies directly beneath the Parliament Building. The people of Bern have been indulging in a swim in the Aare at the “academic swimming baths” since the 18th century, which at that time were still strictly separated into pools for each gender. Nowadays, a colorful mix of students, families, retirees and tourists can be found on the sunbathing lawn.

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Camping and Relaxing

Want to hop into the Aare as soon as you wake up? Eichholz – a camp site and river pool in one – turns this wish into a reality! Here you can grill sausages, play guitar around the fire, balance on a slackline, and play beach volleyball. Pure Bernese leisure! It’s the perfect place to end a day spent rafting down the Aare – and an ideal starting point for floating downstream to the Marzili pool.

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Legendary Ice Cream Indulgence

Marzipan and poppyseed, raspberry and ginger, or mare di Nutella? Those with a sweet tooth can find the most creative and delicious ice cream in Bern at Gelateria di Berna. The owners learned their trade in Italy – and the proof is in the eating! A trip to the parlor directly next to the Marzili pool is the perfect way to round off a day by the Aare.

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Aare Map

SLRG-Aare Map for Swimming and Rafting in the Aare
Safety Note

It’s important to have a healthy amount of respect for the Aare and inform yourself about the possible risks beforehand. Swimming in the Aare is recommended for experienced swimmers only. The Swiss Lifesaving Society SLRG and the city of Bern provide (vitally) important tips for everyone who spends time in and on the Aare.

Bern locals are happy to assist with uncertainties and questions about entry and exit points as well as tips for an unforgettable float down the Aare.
Conservation

The floodplains along the Aare river are particularly sensitive ecosystems. As a result, almost the entire river landscape between Thun and Bern is protected. We ask all those who stay around or on the Aare river to respect nature, not to leave any rubbish or disturb the animals unnecessarily.