Nature
The Aare River
Bern's turquoise jewel
The Aare experience
The turquoise Aare isn't just a feature on the map—it's the heart and soul of Bern. The river makes a great horseshoe loop around the Old Town, so the medieval centre sits on a peninsula with water on three sides, and that geography shapes everyday life. On warm days locals stream down to the banks to swim, float, picnic and cool off, turning the Aare into one of the most distinctive things about the Swiss capital.
Fed from the Alps and the lakes above the city, the water runs clean, cold and a remarkable glacial blue-green. It's fast, too—this is a proper Alpine river, not a still lake—which is why the swimming here is both a beloved ritual and something to treat with respect. Whether you get in or just walk beside it, the Aare is the single best way to understand how Bern lives.
Swimming & floating
"Aareschwimmen"—drifting downstream with the current—is the classic Bern summer activity, running roughly from June into September when the water warms to around 20°C (you can check the live temperature on aare.guru). Swimmers walk upstream, get in, and let the current carry them back down past the city.
The classic routes
Eichholz to Marzili: the standard float—enter upstream at the Eichholz lawns and drift down to the big Marzili lido below the Bundeshaus. It's the most popular run and is for confident, experienced swimmers only.
Through the city: shorter stretches carry you past the Old Town with spectacular views of the rooftops—fast, scenic, and over quickly.
The safety basics:
- • Experienced, confident swimmers only. The current is strong and routinely underestimated.
- • There are no lifeguards on the river—you are responsible for yourself.
- • Know your exit. Climb out at the marked red railings at Marzili before the weir at the Schwellenmätteli.
- • Don't swim at high water or after heavy rain, when the river runs faster and colder.
- • Never swim alone or after drinking.
For the full breakdown, read Aare swimming safety.
The Aare loops around the Old Town peninsula
Riverside without getting wet
Marzili lido
Marzili is Bern's much-loved open-air bath and riverside lawn, directly on the Aare below the Bundeshaus. Run by the city, it's free to enter, with grassy lawns for sunbathing and picnics, pools, and the classic exit points for river swimmers. It's the natural place to start or end a float—and a fine spot just to lie in the sun. The season runs roughly mid-May to mid-September; see our Marzilibad opening hours.
Walking & cycling paths
Scenic paths follow the Aare on both banks. You can walk or cycle from Marzili out to the green expanse of Elfenau, or downstream toward the Bear Park and the lower Old Town—peaceful riverside nature with the city just above you. The paths link swimming spots, neighbourhoods and viewpoints, and they're a lovely flat counterpoint to the Old Town's hills. Combine them with Elfenau Park for a calm half-day.
From the water's edge
You don't have to swim to enjoy the river. Riverside terraces—the Schwellenmätteli among them—let you sit right over the water, and the views back up to the cathedral and the arcaded streets are some of the best in the city. Even on a cool day, an hour by the Aare is one of Bern's great free pleasures.
Riverside paths and bridges connect Bern's neighborhoods
What to bring
- • A Wickelfisch—the local waterproof roll-bag for floating your clothes and valuables.
- • A towel and a warm layer for after (the chill once you're out is real).
- • Water shoes—entry and exit points can be rocky or slippery.
- • Sunscreen and drinking water.
- • A little cash for refreshments or lockers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Aare safe to swim in?
The water is clean and inviting, but the current is strong and there are no lifeguards. It's only for confident, experienced swimmers who know their exit point—read the safety guide first.
When can you float the Aare?
Roughly June to September, when the water reaches around 20°C. Check the live temperature and conditions on aare.guru before you go.
Does it cost anything?
No—swimming and the riverside paths are free, and the Marzili lido is free to enter too.
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