Bern Aare Run

Just a few jogging minutes away from Bern’s city centre you’ll find the beautiful Aare river. Whether you just want to go for a quick run or you’re looking for a longer route: the banks of the river are a runner’s paradise.

So close to Bern’s Old Town, yet completely surrounded by nature: the banks of the Aare river are perfect for a run. Enjoy a piece of urban nature and experience for yourself why Bern is among the top 10 of the world’s greenest cities. If you choose a route through Marzili toward the city centre, you’ll get a spectacular view of the Old Town and the Parliament Building.

  • Tipp

    In the summer, all of Bern gathers along the Aare river, so we recommend going for your jog early in the morning or avoiding the crowded path between Marzili and Eichholz.

  • General information for all Aare routes
    Start/finish Youth Hostel
    Weihergasse 4
    3005 Bern
    How to get there From Bern main station, bus platform A, take bus no. 30 in the direction of Bern, Bahnhof.
    Get off at “Bern, Dalmazibrücke”

    Good to know
    The start is 5-10 minutes walking distance from the train station.
    Opening Hours Year-round

    Please note: In the summer months, Marzili is passable in accordance with the opening hours of the Marzili public pool. When it’s closed, the route leads around it.

    In the winter months, it is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Depending on the weather or the onset of dusk, the facility may close earlier.


    Je nach Witterung oder Einbruch der Dämmerung kann die Anlage früher geschlossen werden.*

    *Current opening hours

Short Aare Run – 5.41 km

The short circuit takes you through Bern Animal Park, Dählhölzli’s short stretch of forest to Schwellenmätteli and then to Bern AnimalPark, BearPark. On the way back, there’s a short, but pretty detour to the Matte neighbourhood. Did you know that they have their own language called “Mattenenglisch”?

  • Route information
    Distance 5.41 km
    Altitude difference 53 m
    Route Youth hostel-Marzili public pool- Marzili outdoor fitness park-Schönausteg-Schwellenmätteli-Bern AnimalPark, BearPark-Altes Tramdepot-Untertor bridge-Matte neighbourhood-youth hostel

  • Aare-Run – 5.41 km

Aare-Run – 7.98 km

From Marzili, Bern’s famous public pool, to Bern Animal Park, Dählhölzli and through the green Elfenau neighbourhood: The beautiful views of the Aare river and the Gurten, Bern’s local mountain, combined with the fresh smells of the forest, are a feast for the senses.

  • Route information
    Distance 7.98 km
    Altitude difference 97 m
    Route Youth hostel-Marzili public pool- Marzili outdoor fitness park-Schönausteg-Bern AnimalPark, Dählhölzli-Elfenau neighbourhood-Bern AnimalPark, Dählhölzli-Dählhölzli forest-youth hostel

  • Aare-Run – 7.98 km

Aare-Run – 10.96 km

Past Marzili and along the Aare river to Bern Animal Park, Dählhölzli, then downstream to Bern AnimalPark, BearPark, the Lorraine public pool and all the way to Engehalde (the straight stretch here is perfect for some quick interval training!). The way back takes you through the Matte neighbourhood. This 10-kilometre circuit gives you a good feeling for the city: Old City, bears, nature and the Aare river – all must-sees when in Bern.

  • Route information
    Distance 10.96 km
    Altitude difference 73 m
    Route Youth hostel-Marzili public pool- Marzili outdoor fitness park-Schönausteg-Schwellenmätteli-Bern AnimalPark, BearPark-Altes Tramdepot-Lorraine public pool-Engelhalde weir-Matte neighbourhood-youth hostel

  • Aare-Run – 10.96 km

Aare-Run – 15.91 km

This is a route for nature lovers: From Eichholz to the Auguet bridge, you’re surrounded by nature, with nothing but the fresh, green smell of the trees and the calm lapping of the Aare river around you. This 16-kilometre-long route starts in the city and goes upstream from there. On your way back, you’ll pass the Bern AnimalPark, BearPark, cross the Untertor bridge and return to the Old City through the charming Matte neighbourhood.

  • Route information
    Distance 15.91 km
    Altitude difference 118 m
    Route Youth hostel-Marzili public pool- Marzili outdoor fitness park-Eichholz-Auguet bridge-Muribad-Fähribeizli bistro-Bern Animal Park, Dählhölzli-Schwellenmätteli-Bern AnimalPark, BearPark-Altes Tramdepot-Untertor bridge-Matte neighbourhood-youth hostel

  • Aare-Run – 15.91 km

Blissful moments and breathtaking views

Cycling Tours Bern

To our ten highlight routes