Aare River Interlaken
Experience the breathtaking turquoise Aare River and the dramatic Aare Gorge, offering unique aquatic adventures and stunning natural beauty near Inte...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for a refreshing swim
Aare River Interlaken
Best Time
Perfect for a refreshing swim
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the breathtaking turquoise Aare River and the dramatic Aare Gorge, offering unique aquatic adventures and stunning natural beauty near Interlaken.
"The Aare River is Bern’s crown jewel — a turquoise ribbon winding through the city and countryside."
Floating Safety First! :warning:
Always swim responsibly and be aware of currents. Locals offer great safety tips.
Aare Gorge Access :bus:
Take a train from Interlaken Ost to Aareschlucht West for easy access to the gorge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floating Down the Aare River
Bern (accessible from Interlaken)
Experience the thrill of floating on the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Aare, a truly unique urban river adventure.
Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht)
Meiringen (near Interlaken)
Walk through a dramatic natural canyon carved by glacial activity, featuring stunning cliffs and vibrant blue water.
Aare Dam Viewpoint
Interlaken
Enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise Aare River with charming buildings and the majestic Alps as a backdrop.
Kayaking and SUP on Lake Brienz/Aare
Interlaken
Paddle through the serene waters of Lake Brienz, transitioning into the Aare River for a refreshing aquatic journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Aare River Experience
Navigating the Aare Gorge
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Floating Safety First! :warning:
Always swim responsibly and be aware of currents. Locals offer great safety tips.
Aare Gorge Access :bus:
Take a train from Interlaken Ost to Aareschlucht West for easy access to the gorge.
Pack for the Gorge :umbrella:
The Aare Gorge can be wet year-round, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Stunning River Views :camera:
Capture the vibrant turquoise of the Aare River from various viewpoints in Interlaken.
Tips
from all over the internet
Floating Safety First! :warning:
Always swim responsibly and be aware of currents. Locals offer great safety tips.
Aare Gorge Access :bus:
Take a train from Interlaken Ost to Aareschlucht West for easy access to the gorge.
Pack for the Gorge :umbrella:
The Aare Gorge can be wet year-round, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Stunning River Views :camera:
Capture the vibrant turquoise of the Aare River from various viewpoints in Interlaken.
Book Aare Gorge Tickets Online :ticket:
Consider booking Aare Gorge tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Aare River's stunning turquoise color and the unique experience of swimming or floating in its waters, calling it a 'crown jewel' and a 'playground'. The Aare Gorge is praised for its dramatic natural beauty and impressive geological formations. While parking can be challenging, the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural splendor and refreshing activities.
"Fab place to stop for 1 or 2 hours. Enjoy a swim and relax after a long walk in a city. It is a family friendly place. Parking is crazy but park away 10min closer to Einstein Museum and avoid all the parking madness."
Eve Cseke
"Looks like floating in Aare will become a yearly tradition of ours! This is our second time visiting Switzerland and also floating in Aare.
Lots of information are available for visitors in Marzilibad in Bern, and plenty of signs along the river to guide you. There is also a website that tracks current and historic temperate and flow rates to help better plan your (potentially) limited vacation time!
A safety campaign titled 《Aare you safe?》 was launched by the city of Bern in 2013 to promote how to safely enjoy Aare. It’s very clear about swimming at your own risk. Please ask the nice and welcoming locals for tips on how to safely enjoy this amazing river.
You’ll be safe as long as you are responsible. Please also be respectful of the environment and people around you!"
Peter Zhu
"The Aare River is Bern’s crown jewel 🌊✨ — a turquoise ribbon winding through the city and countryside, famous for its crystal-clear water and breathtaking alpine views. In summer, it becomes a playground for locals who swim, float, or kayak along its gentle current, making it one of the most unique urban rivers in the world 💎🌿."
Dellawati Wijaya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While the Aare River flows through Interlaken, the most popular floating experience is often associated with Bern. To reach Bern from Interlaken, you can take a train, which is a scenic journey. For the Aare Gorge, take a train from Interlaken Ost to Aareschlucht West station.
Yes, it's quite straightforward. A short train ride from Interlaken Ost station to Meiringen, and then a further short train to Aareschlucht West station, will get you to the Aare Gorge.
The Aare Dam Viewpoint is a pleasant walk from Interlaken station, often described as a 2km hike.
Absolutely! Switzerland's public transport system is excellent. Trains and buses are readily available to access various points along the Aare River and to nearby attractions like the Aare Gorge.
While not always explicitly advertised for the river itself, many adventure companies in Interlaken offer guided kayaking or SUP tours that incorporate parts of the Aare River.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Accessing and swimming in the Aare River itself is generally free. However, specific entry points like Marzilibad in Bern might have associated fees for facilities.
Entry to the Aare Gorge typically costs around CHF 12, though this can vary. It's important to note that it's not usually included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
The Aare Gorge is generally open from April to November. During summer, hours might extend to 18:30, while other times it's open from 08:30 to 17:30. Always check the latest schedule before visiting.
No, the Aare Gorge entry fee is typically not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. You will need to purchase a separate ticket.
Information on specific discounts can vary. It's advisable to check the official Aare Gorge website or inquire locally for any available offers, especially for families or groups.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Many visitors enjoy floating down the river with a waterproof bag, swimming in designated areas, or simply relaxing by its banks. +1
The walk through the Aare Gorge typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, covering about 1.4 km of pathways and tunnels.
The pathways within the Aare Gorge are generally well-maintained and relatively flat, making it accessible for most fitness levels. However, there are some steps and uneven surfaces.
You'll see the stunning turquoise Aare River flowing through Interlaken, framed by charming Swiss architecture and the dramatic backdrop of the Alps.
While swimming is popular in Bern, Interlaken itself offers opportunities to enjoy the river, especially from viewpoints or during water sports activities like kayaking.
📸 📸 Photography
The Aare Dam Viewpoint offers fantastic perspectives. Also, look for spots along the riverbanks and bridges for capturing the vibrant turquoise water and surrounding mountains.
Mid-morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, but the gorge's dramatic shadows and unique rock formations are photogenic throughout the day.
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged within the Aare Gorge. The unique geological features and the river provide many stunning photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river views and mountain backdrops. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable if you plan on getting close to the water.
Drone regulations can be strict in Switzerland. It's essential to research and comply with local laws regarding drone usage in protected natural areas and near populated zones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider packing snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for exploring. adventurers
The Aare Gorge provides a sense of adventure as you navigate its narrow passages and marvel at the raw power of nature. Couples
+1 Imagine a leisurely paddle on Lake Brienz or the Aare River, followed by a scenic walk. The Aare Gorge, with its dramatic beauty, also provides a unique and memorable shared experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Aare River: Interlaken's Turquoise Lifeline
This natural phenomenon makes the river a breathtaking sight, especially when contrasted with the lush green surroundings and the imposing Swiss Alps. In the summer months, the Aare transforms into a popular recreational hub. Locals and tourists alike enjoy swimming, floating, and kayaking along its gentle currents.
The experience of drifting down the river, with the majestic Alps as your backdrop, is often described as magical and incredibly refreshing. While the most famous urban floating experience is in Bern, the river's presence in Interlaken offers its own unique charm and opportunities for aquatic enjoyment. For those seeking a more active engagement, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the Aare River and the adjacent Lake Brienz are popular activities.
These excursions offer a different perspective of the landscape, allowing you to paddle through serene waters and enjoy the tranquility of the alpine environment. Exploring the Dramatic Aare Gorge
Visitors can walk along a well-maintained path that winds through the gorge, featuring wooden walkways, tunnels, and bridges.
The sheer scale of the rock formations is awe-inspiring, and the vibrant blue of the river flowing through the gorge adds to its mystical allure. It's important to note that the Aare Gorge is a natural attraction that can be wet and cool, even on a sunny day, due to the enclosed nature of the canyon.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit