August 18, 2026, 3:48 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Especially on warm summer days, much in Bern seems to revolve around the Aare. The river winds in a tight loop around the old town and attracts thousands of people into the water. For many Bern residents, the so-called Aare swimming has long been a part of everyday life: After work, during lunch breaks, or on weekends, they jump into the refreshing water and let the current carry them along. For visitors, this initially seems unusual, but it’s one of the most beautiful ways to get to know the city.

Letting Yourself Drift While Aare Swimming in Bern

Unlike many other places, the Aare in Bern is not just for beautifying the landscape. All along the glittering river, there are popular entry points where swimmers can let themselves drift for several hundred meters. Thanks to the strong current, you glide almost effortlessly downstream.

The Aare actually originates high up in the Bernese Alps at the Unteraar Glacier. Before reaching Bern, it flows through Lake Thun, where the icy glacier water warms up a bit. This ensures a pleasantly refreshing swimming temperature even on hot summer days.

Bern then shows itself from its best side. High above the water rises the UNESCO World Heritage old town with its sandstone facades and church towers. Just before the Nydegg Bridge lies the famous Bear Park, where the city’s emblematic animals live. With a bit of luck, swimmers can even spot the bears directly from the river. A few meters further, the Bern Minster towers into the sky, while historic houses cling to the banks. In between, swimmers pass old, high stone bridges, green river promenades, and idyllic gravel banks. The best view of the old town and the distinctive Aare loop is from the Rose Garden.

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The Most Important Companions on the River

The free outdoor pools, or “Badis,” as they are called in Switzerland, are ideal for entry and exit. Here you can shower off after the tour, swim a few more laps, or relax on the well-kept lawns. Of course, the obligatory poolside fries are also part of the experience. For a different kind of old town tour, the route from the Marzili pool to the Lorraine pool is recommended. If you just let yourself drift, it takes about an hour.

An essential item is a swim bag. After all, you exit the water at a different place than where you entered. Towels, clothes, and valuables can be stored dry and safe inside. The “Wickelfisch,” ubiquitous in Bern, keeps the contents dry and has another advantage: It provides buoyancy, making drifting without swimming movements much more relaxing.

From Thun to Bern While Aareböötle

If you have a bit more time and want to explore the Bernese Mittelland from the water, pack an inflatable boat and enough provisions and take the train towards Thun. There begins the popular Aareböötle.

For several hours, you let yourself drift on the Aare from there, past forests, meadows, and idyllic river sections. Along the way, you catch glimpses of the Alps and the typical Swiss mountain panorama. The relaxed ride feels like a mix of nature excursion, picnic, and small adventure.

If the midday sun gets too strong, just jump into the water for a moment and then climb back into the boat. Along the way, numerous gravel banks and river spots invite you to take a break. Small grill stops directly by the river are particularly popular before continuing the journey on the water.

Many start their tour not directly in Thun but in the surrounding towns along the Aare, such as in Uttigen. There, visitors can rent inflatable boats from various providers and conveniently return them in Bern after the trip. This makes Aareböötle easy for tourists who don’t have their own boat with them.