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The River Aare
In the summertime, locals and visitors alike flock to the Aare to enjoy the cool waters, scenic surroundings and unbeatable atmosphere. Whether you go for a leisurely boat ride, urban swimming or stand-up paddling with a view of the Alps – fun and adventure are guaranteed.
Due to construction work for flood protection and the renovation of the Marzili pool, swimming and boating will be prohibited on the Aare between Eichholz and the Dalmazibrücke from 22 September 2025 to the end of May 2026. Those who don’t want to miss their winter Aare swim can head to the Altenberg/Lorraine section.
Planning and safety
Safety tips
The Aare is popular for all sorts of leisure activities. To be able to enjoy them carefree, it is important to be well prepared, take care of yourself and others, and know the local regulations. The “Aare You Safe?” campaign provides important safety tips, rules of behaviour and emergency information to make your Aare experience a safe one.
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Aareböötle: how to prepare for boating on the River Aare
Preparation is key. What’s true for many situations in life is also true for Aareböötle, one of the Bernese’s favourite summer pastimes. We’ve put together a list of helpful tips and important information for careful preparation and the right equipment.
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Aare map
The SRLG Aare map provides a practical overview of important information for boating and swimming.
SRLG Aare map
Download now
Swimming
Swimming in the Aare: our favourite routes
For many locals, the Aare is so much more than a river – it’s a way of life. As soon as temperatures start rising, the swim trunks and bathing suits come out and the locals go in. Be it for a quick, refreshing dip over lunch, a long after-work swim or a weekend workout, there’s a route for every occasion. Here are our three favourites.
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Bern’s most beautiful natural bathing spots
From quiet Aare bays in the city to idyllic lakes, rivers and brooks in the Bernese countryside: find the perfect bathing spot in Bern, whether it’s for relaxation, a family outing, an adventurous swim, or a day surrounded by nature.
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The perfect companions for a day by the water
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“Aareböötle” (Boating on the Aare)
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Boating on the Aare: our favourite routes
The different Aareböötle options offer the right route for everyone, whether you prefer peace and quiet, adventure or good company. Find out where you’ll get that Jungle Book feeling, where boats can be pumped and which route is best for Aareböötle beginners.
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Clean up after yourselves and conserve the Aare’s natural beauty! If you’re going boating on the Aare, respect the nature conservation areas (see signs on site), take your rubbish back with you (a waste bag goes on your Aareböötle packing list!) and leave barbecue areas as you would like to find them. Mother nature and the next visitors will thank you.
More refreshing tips and recommendations
Enjoying the River Aare without getting wet
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Aare that don’t involve actually getting in, whether it’s a relaxed barbecue in Eichholz or a “Fübi” (after-work beer) in one of the city’s many pop-ups along the river. Here’s a list of recommendations for an alternative Aare programme.
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Green Aare Walk
The peaceful, scenic Aare Walk is perfect for clearing your mind and discovering Bern’s beautiful urban oases surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of the river. It starts in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town and follows the Aare to the Bern AnimalPark and charming Elfenau park.
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There’s plenty of water in the city, too! Over 100 historic fountains can be found in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town. To learn more about the history and importance of water in the city of Bern, book a spot on the “Rund ums Wasser” guided city tour.
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