Aare river

Sometimes green, sometimes turquoise and sometimes dark blue, the Aare winds its way through the city of Bern. In summer, when the days get warmer, there is no stopping the city’s inhabitants. By the thousands, they gather at the Aare and enjoy its cooling water. The audacious ones head to the popular Marzili pool and the Lorraine Bad to jump from the bridges into the river.

Those more in favour of relaxation take an inflatable boat. Boating down the Aare, or “Aareböötle” as it is called by the locals, is the favourite pastime of Bern’s inhabitants. Depending on the length of the boat trip, people can launch their boats at different places between Thun and Bern. Once the boat is launched, there is only one thing to do: to drift along the river. The longest route, from Thun to the Lake Wohlen takes around 4 hours. Those who prefer to drift past the landscape in a more active way either swim or use a stand-up paddle board. However, be aware that this is only suitable for experienced swimmers!