
Marzili Baths
Bern's iconic free outdoor pool complex on the Aare river, offering swimming, sunbathing, and stunning Federal Palace views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

Marzili Baths
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bern's iconic free outdoor pool complex on the Aare river, offering swimming, sunbathing, and stunning Federal Palace views.
"A real gem for anyone looking to cool off in the summer, with a view of the Federal Palace."

🎯 Arrive Early!
Popular spot, especially on hot days. Get there early for a good lawn spot! ☀️
🌊 Aare River Safety
Only for experienced swimmers. Check currents and entry/exit points. ⚠️

Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 3,144 reviews
Type
Swimming Pool
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aare River Swim
Aare River access points
Experience Bern's iconic river swim, floating from Eichholz to Marzili. A true adventure!

Federal Palace Views
Poolside lawns
Relax on the sun-drenched lawns with stunning views of Bern's historic Federal Palace.

Kid-Friendly Pools
Designated pool areas
Enjoy child-friendly pools and a playground, perfect for families with younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Aare River
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early!
Popular spot, especially on hot days. Get there early for a good lawn spot! ☀️
🌊 Aare River Safety
Only for experienced swimmers. Check currents and entry/exit points. ⚠️
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Spacious lawns are perfect for picnics. Bring snacks and drinks! :sandwich:
💰 Free Entry!
Enjoy this gem without an admission fee. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early!
Popular spot, especially on hot days. Get there early for a good lawn spot! ☀️
🌊 Aare River Safety
Only for experienced swimmers. Check currents and entry/exit points. ⚠️
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Spacious lawns are perfect for picnics. Bring snacks and drinks! :sandwich:
💰 Free Entry!
Enjoy this gem without an admission fee. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Marzili Baths is a beloved free outdoor swimming complex in Bern, praised for its stunning location by the Aare river with views of the Federal Palace. Visitors love the spacious lawns, kid-friendly pools, and the unique experience of swimming in the river. However, it can get extremely crowded on hot days, so arriving early is essential.
"Fantastic facilities, great for sunbathing and swimming and right next to the Aare. Now with the benefit of the ‘lazy river’ entrance so you can float down the river and straight in. And the most unbelievable bit is it’s all free!!"
Andrew Getter
"The Marzili outdoor pool in Bern is a real gem for anyone looking to cool off in the summer 🌞. Its location right on the Aare, with a view of the Federal Palace, makes this outdoor pool unique. Entry is free, making the Marzili a popular meeting place for young and old.
The spacious lawns offer enough space to relax or enjoy a picnic 🧺🍫🍪. For the more active, there are swimming pools, but the highlight is definitely swimming in the Aare 🚣♂️ - a real adventure!
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, there are food stalls with snacks 🍟and drinks 🍹 , and the sanitary facilities are clean and well maintained. The only downside: on hot days it can get quite crowded, but that's part of it.
Overall, the Marzili is a perfect place to enjoy summer days in Bern 🌅."
Markus Bacher
"Great access to the Aare as well as child friendly pools, great shaded grassy places to sit. surrounded by great views of the Federal Building. Is busy though so get there early"
John Daniels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Marzili Baths is easily accessible by public transport in Bern. Tram lines 6, 7, 8, and 9 stop nearby at the 'Zytglogge' or 'Bern' station, followed by a short walk. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center along the Aare river.
Parking directly at Marzili Baths is limited. It's recommended to use public transport or park in one of the city's central parking garages and walk or take a tram.
Yes, it's a beautiful and easy walk from Bern's old town to Marzili Baths, taking about 15-20 minutes along the Aare river. It's a scenic route and a great way to start your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best part? Entry to Marzili Baths is completely free! This makes it a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially during the summer months.
Marzili Baths typically opens in May and stays open until September, weather permitting. Hours can vary, but it's generally open from morning until early evening. It's best to check the official Bern city website for the most up-to-date hours.
No, advance booking is not required as Marzili Baths is free to enter. However, due to its popularity, especially on hot days, arriving early is highly recommended to secure a good spot.
While there are designated entry and exit points for the Aare river swim, it's integrated with the Marzili Baths complex. You can access the river from various points within the grounds, including the 'lazy river' entrance mentioned by visitors.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Marzili Baths offers several swimming pools, spacious grassy lawns for sunbathing and picnicking, changing rooms, and clean sanitary facilities. There are also food stalls for snacks and drinks.
Absolutely! Marzili Baths has child-friendly pools and a playground, making it a great destination for families. The grassy areas are also perfect for kids to play on.
Yes, swimming in the Aare river is a highlight for many visitors. However, it's crucial to note that the Aare is a powerful river and is only recommended for experienced swimmers. Always be aware of the currents and designated entry/exit points.
The 'lazy river' entrance refers to a specific point where you can easily enter the Aare river and float downstream, often directly into the Marzili Baths area. It's a convenient way to experience the river.
Yes, there are food stalls offering snacks and drinks. Many visitors also choose to bring their own picnics to enjoy on the lawns, which is a popular and cost-effective option.
📸 📸 Photography
The views of the Federal Palace from the lawns are iconic. Capturing people enjoying the Aare river or the bustling atmosphere on a sunny day also makes for great shots. The contrast between the city architecture and the natural river is striking.
Yes, the Federal Palace provides a stunning backdrop to Marzili Baths. You can get excellent shots of the palace from the grassy areas, especially during golden hour.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit