Aare Riverside Bern
Bern's Aare River offers a vibrant summer playground for swimming, floating, and enjoying riverside life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Coolest water, fewer crowds
Aare Riverside Bern
Best Time
Coolest water, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bern's Aare River offers a vibrant summer playground for swimming, floating, and enjoying riverside life. 
"Floating down the turquoise Aare is a must-do Bernese summer tradition!
🛟 Bring a Dry Bag
Keep your valuables dry while floating down the Aare. Essential for a stress-free swim!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet from riverbed stones and ensure a comfortable riverside experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aare River Swim
Various access points along the river
Float downstream on the turquoise Aare, a quintessential Bern summer experience.
+1Terrasse Schwellenmätteli
Riverside restaurant and bar
Dine or relax by the Aare, enjoying delicious food and drinks with a view.
Aare Gorge
Near Meiringen, Canton Bern
Explore the dramatic, narrow gorge carved by the Aare River – a stunning natural wonder.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Aare Swim Tradition
+1Best Time for Riverside Bliss
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛟 Bring a Dry Bag
Keep your valuables dry while floating down the Aare. Essential for a stress-free swim!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet from riverbed stones and ensure a comfortable riverside experience.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be strong, especially when you're in the water. Pack sunscreen and a hat.
📍 Know Your Exit Point
Plan where you want to get out of the river beforehand to avoid drifting too far.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛟 Bring a Dry Bag
Keep your valuables dry while floating down the Aare. Essential for a stress-free swim!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet from riverbed stones and ensure a comfortable riverside experience.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be strong, especially when you're in the water. Pack sunscreen and a hat.
📍 Know Your Exit Point
Plan where you want to get out of the river beforehand to avoid drifting too far.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Useful for navigating the riverside paths and finding access points.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and refreshing experience of swimming and floating down the Aare River, calling it a quintessential Bern summer activity. The riverside cafes and natural beauty are also highly praised. Some find the construction sites near certain areas less appealing, and parking can be a challenge.
"We're driving past the construction site. I didn't even know there were apartments there. The blocks look chic, but I wouldn't want to live there. I don't like the location at all. It's a matter of taste, of course."
Corina Corbetti
"Great area with a cool company, Helion"
Martin “pokipsie” Rechsteiner
"Super friendly staff. You can tell they're having fun, definitely keep it up! The warm tents are very pleasantly furnished. Super delicious and quickly prepared fondue, and delicious drinks.
Highly recommended, I'd give you 6 stars if I could."
Philemon Linder
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aare River is easily accessible from Bern's city center. You can walk from most central locations. Public transport, including trams and buses, also stops nearby.
Parking in Bern can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or walk to the riverside areas.
The Aare Gorge is located near Meiringen, which is a scenic train ride from Bern (approximately 1.5-2 hours).
Walking along the riverside paths is a popular and enjoyable way to move between different spots.
Popular entry points include near the Marzili swimming area and the Eichholz campsite.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, swimming in the Aare River is free and open to the public. Access points are readily available.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for the Aare Gorge. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing.
Opening hours vary by season and establishment. It's best to check the specific restaurant's website for their current operating times.
Public parks along the Aare are generally free to access. Enjoy the green spaces and amenities without charge.
While not always readily available, some vendors near popular access points might offer tube rentals during peak season.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The Aare River's temperature typically ranges from 18-24°C (64-75°F) during the summer months, making it pleasantly refreshing.
The Aare is generally safe for swimming, especially in designated areas. Be aware of the current and follow local guidelines.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water shoes, a dry bag for valuables, and plenty of water.
Some public access points and nearby swimming areas (like Marzili) offer changing rooms and showers.
You might spot various bird species, ducks, and possibly fish in the river. The surrounding nature is also rich in flora.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Several riverside restaurants and cafes offer dining with scenic views, such as Terrasse Schwellenmätteli.
Yes, numerous grassy areas and parks along the riverbanks are perfect for picnics.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy picnics. Remember to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
Expect a range of options from casual snacks and drinks to more substantial meals like fondue and grilled items.
Options vary, but many establishments offer salads and vegetable dishes. It's best to inquire directly.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridges, the turquoise water, the Old Town skyline, and the surrounding greenery offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Drone regulations can be strict in urban areas. Check local Swiss drone laws and Bern-specific restrictions before flying.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful light. Midday offers vibrant turquoise water.
Yes, the Aare Gorge is incredibly photogenic with its dramatic rock formations and flowing water.
The bridges crossing the Aare and elevated paths offer excellent vantage points for city and river views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Choose calmer sections for younger children and always supervise them closely. Many riverside parks have playgrounds and open spaces for them to run around. For a more structured family outing, consider visiting the Aare Gorge. While it involves walking, the dramatic scenery can captivate older children's imaginations.
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone has sun protection. The combination of swimming and exploring nature makes for a memorable family adventure in Bern. ☀️ Summer Enthusiasts
+1 Join the locals in their beloved 'Aareböötle' tradition, floating leisurely downstream with the current. Pack your swimsuit, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your essentials. Many find the turquoise waters incredibly refreshing on hot days. Beyond swimming, the riverside is alive with activity. Enjoy a picnic on the grassy banks, grab a drink at a riverside cafe like Terrasse Schwellenmätteli, or simply relax and people-watch.
+1 The vibrant atmosphere is infectious, making it the perfect way to soak up the Bernese summer vibes. 🏞️ Nature Lovers
+1 Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside paths, observing the local flora and fauna. +1For a more dramatic natural encounter, a trip to the Aare Gorge is highly recommended.
This powerful display of nature's artistry, with its towering rock walls and rushing water, is truly awe-inspiring. It's a chance to witness the raw, untamed beauty of the Aare River system. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Aare Swim: A Bernese Summer Ritual
+1 The water, a striking turquoise, is refreshingly cool, making it the perfect escape from the summer heat. Popular entry points are scattered along the river, and the gentle current carries you through scenic parts of the city and its outskirts. It's a truly unique way to experience Bern from a different perspective. +1Safety is paramount when enjoying the Aare. While the current is generally manageable, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, know your exit points, and consider using a dry bag for your belongings.
Many people opt for inflatable rings or rafts, which can be rented or purchased. The experience is often described as both exhilarating and incredibly relaxing, a chance to disconnect and soak in the natural beauty. +1Beyond the swim, the riverside itself is a popular spot for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Cafes and restaurants line the banks, offering refreshments and meals with a view.
+1Exploring the Aare Gorge
Accessible via a well-maintained path, the gorge offers a breathtaking walk through towering rock walls, with the turquoise river flowing powerfully below. The sheer scale and geological formations are awe-inspiring. The gorge is typically open from spring to autumn, and it's an ideal destination for a day trip from Bern. The journey itself, by train through the Bernese Highlands, is part of the adventure.
Once there, the well-constructed walkways and bridges allow visitors to safely explore the depths of the gorge, marveling at the forces of nature. It's a stark contrast to the leisurely riverside activities in Bern, showcasing the river's wilder side. Visitors often describe the Aare Gorge as a place of immense natural beauty and a testament to the erosive power of water. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography, with dramatic light and shadow playing across the rock faces.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a walk that can be both invigorating and humbling.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit