Aare River
Aare River
4.5
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4.5
342 reviews
Excellent
264
Very good
69
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
1
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Mila
London, UK77 contributions
Aug 2021
We were floating down the Aare river and had so much fun! That was an incredible experience strongly recommend it to everyone! However, there are some hints you need to know in advance:
1. Bring your car to Bern, leave it there and return to Thun for your floating experience. My fiancee brought me first to Thun with our boat and then returned himself by train. In this case, upon your arrival in Bern, you already have a car waiting for you, and there is no need to run around and looking how to depart.
At least for us, that was very helpful.
2. You can rent a boat or kayak in Thun. In case you don't have your boat, it might be a solution. Depending on the type of boat, be ready to pay about CHF 80-120 for two people.
3. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach Bern. Take some cookies with you!
4. Be sure you know where to get off. The closer to Bern, the more "alarm" signs you see. The reason for it is the industrial waterfall located right in the city center, and it might be hazardous if you turn to the wrong side. Just check before your final destination ( well, actually, you need to get off on the left side right before the bridge, but again, be sure of rechecking this to stay on the safe side).
Will do it again!
1. Bring your car to Bern, leave it there and return to Thun for your floating experience. My fiancee brought me first to Thun with our boat and then returned himself by train. In this case, upon your arrival in Bern, you already have a car waiting for you, and there is no need to run around and looking how to depart.
At least for us, that was very helpful.
2. You can rent a boat or kayak in Thun. In case you don't have your boat, it might be a solution. Depending on the type of boat, be ready to pay about CHF 80-120 for two people.
3. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach Bern. Take some cookies with you!
4. Be sure you know where to get off. The closer to Bern, the more "alarm" signs you see. The reason for it is the industrial waterfall located right in the city center, and it might be hazardous if you turn to the wrong side. Just check before your final destination ( well, actually, you need to get off on the left side right before the bridge, but again, be sure of rechecking this to stay on the safe side).
Will do it again!
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Famiglia Passaguai
Torino831 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The Aare river that surrounds the historic center of Bern is very beautiful and certainly deserves more than one photo. Beautiful views can be captured on the various bridges of the old city. The water is very clear.

Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madeleine C
The Netherlands13,600 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
The Aare is the longest river in Switzerland (295 km) Origin at the Aargletschers that you can see at the Grimsel Pass. It goes via the Haslital to Lake Brienz and enters Lake Thun via Interlaken. At Thun the Aare continues via a few old locks in the direction of Bern. At Bern, the river makes the famous "Aarelus" around the inner city of Bern. There used to be a small harbour here near the Matte district. A threshold for regulating the water level in the Matte commercial area was also created. You can take a canoe from Thun to Bern. That is about 26 km and takes 3 to 4 hours. In Bern there is also swimming in the Aare. There are several places and routes where you can. From the old town and bridges you have a nice view of the Aare.
Automatically translated
Written 1 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sugapapa
Nasushiobara, Japan8,118 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
I visited this place while walking around the old town of Bern. Apparently there was a lot of water that year, and the water level rose right up to the riverbank, creating a torrent of water. The sparkling blue surface of the river matches beautifully with the red tiled old town. Looking from the Rose Garden or Nydegg Bridge on the eastern edge of the old town, you can clearly see the Aare River curving in a horseshoe shape.

Written 2 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland67,095 contributions
Oct 2022
Around the Old Town one is never far from this scenic river. It was lovely strolling by its banks.
One delightful excursion we had was to BärenPark Zoo which entailed a delightful early morning walk by the water, for well over a kilometre.
Scenic throughout it was perfectly tranquil and uplifting. Beginnings of autumn colours enhanced the experience.
One delightful excursion we had was to BärenPark Zoo which entailed a delightful early morning walk by the water, for well over a kilometre.
Scenic throughout it was perfectly tranquil and uplifting. Beginnings of autumn colours enhanced the experience.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
Melbourne, Australia2,667 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Wonderfull river that bends around the city, with city built high you get many fantastic views of the Aare river from many points throughout Bern.
It also has several beautiful bridges that span across the river.
You can’t miss it while in Bern and you shouldn’t.
It also has several beautiful bridges that span across the river.
You can’t miss it while in Bern and you shouldn’t.
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gene P
San Fernando, Philippines618 contributions
Jul 2022
The bridge is the main gateway to the city. Before the bridge there is a mini park at the riverside where we saw a live bear among a fenced bush park. The bridge itself present a great view of the clean river and gives a glimpse of the old city and clock. A very good photo op for tourist.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rajesh_in
Mumbai, India1,265 contributions
Jun 2022
The Aare is the longest wholly Swiss river. It originates from the Oberaar glacier in the eastern Bernese Alps, flows through lakes Brienz and Thun, passes by the federal capital of Bern. In Bern, the river forms the renowned “Aare loop” around the Bernese old town.
The Aare Swim is famous and we saw a few people enjoying the swim in Aare. But we heard many stories of dangerous spots in the river where one can drown. Though, Its a very beautiful sight watching the flowing Aare river.
The Aare Swim is famous and we saw a few people enjoying the swim in Aare. But we heard many stories of dangerous spots in the river where one can drown. Though, Its a very beautiful sight watching the flowing Aare river.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pavel K
Redmond, WA340 contributions
Aug 2019
In august, we could see people swimming in it, and even standing on a high bridge, we could see through it to the very bottom of the river. It's greenish clear waters together with the scenery around it gives you this calm and peaceful feeling. Very relaxing.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lena
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Went swimming in the Aare today in the 'safe zone', entering at Eichholz (pictured) and could have drowned.
I got caught in what seemed like a mini vortex or whirlpool which kept me from being able to float. I shouted for help but of course there are no lifeguards around (and it's not like my boyfriend could swim up the immense force of the stream to get to me). My lips were barely able to stay above the surface of the water, no matter how much I thrashed or pushed. By the time I (somehow) managed to swim out of this downward pull, I could barely breathe and was exhausted and in shock.
When attempting to get out of the river at the red
exit-bars on the left, there are no clear warnings that there are massive rocks under the water. My boyfriend fractured his toe on this same trip trying to get out of the river.
Sorry, but this is only a good swim if you get lucky or have knowledgeable locals show you the ropes.
Please, please use a flotation device. I didn't know they were necessary, but I now believe that they are. They could have saved me a traumatic experience. And please go with experienced locals.
Make sure to walk to the swimming pools first (the place you must exit the river) to check exactly what the LAST available river exit looks like. If you miss it... then you will be carried into a dangerous waterfall.
I am a confident 'swimming-pool' swimmer. It wasn't made clear that this river is only for experienced 'wild swimmers'.
Gave 2 stars because at least the water was nice and blue (albeit absolutely freezing). The swimming pool area was very pleasant too, but that's probably for a different review.
I got caught in what seemed like a mini vortex or whirlpool which kept me from being able to float. I shouted for help but of course there are no lifeguards around (and it's not like my boyfriend could swim up the immense force of the stream to get to me). My lips were barely able to stay above the surface of the water, no matter how much I thrashed or pushed. By the time I (somehow) managed to swim out of this downward pull, I could barely breathe and was exhausted and in shock.
When attempting to get out of the river at the red
exit-bars on the left, there are no clear warnings that there are massive rocks under the water. My boyfriend fractured his toe on this same trip trying to get out of the river.
Sorry, but this is only a good swim if you get lucky or have knowledgeable locals show you the ropes.
Please, please use a flotation device. I didn't know they were necessary, but I now believe that they are. They could have saved me a traumatic experience. And please go with experienced locals.
Make sure to walk to the swimming pools first (the place you must exit the river) to check exactly what the LAST available river exit looks like. If you miss it... then you will be carried into a dangerous waterfall.
I am a confident 'swimming-pool' swimmer. It wasn't made clear that this river is only for experienced 'wild swimmers'.
Gave 2 stars because at least the water was nice and blue (albeit absolutely freezing). The swimming pool area was very pleasant too, but that's probably for a different review.
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is a good place to start a swim in the Aare?
Written 29 April 2018
We followed the footpath on the right side of the river (opposite the Tier Park) up to a large grassy area with a restaurant/bathroom/possible camping area. Ideal place to launch
If you travel up to Thun, you’ll need to bus/train and bring a boat/tube to head back into Bern.
It’s about a 45 minute (or more) float in some pretty refreshing water (cold).
Written 30 April 2018
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