Equipment and food

If you watch experienced rafters or swimmers, you’ll notice that most of them have a colorful dry bag slung over their shoulder. The waterproof bag keeps clothes and valuables dry if they happen to land in the river. The “Marzilian” Aare bag – available in orange and lavender – is not only practical but also quite stylish. We especially like its extra compartment for valuables, as well as the printed map of the Aare Loop with all the points where you can access and exit the river. It’s available for 45 Francs in the Bern.com online shop or at the Tourist Information at Bern main station.

Grab the deal

Near the beginning of the route from Thun Schwäbis to Bern, the Zulg flows into the Aare on the right. The area has concrete dams that are the perfect place for bathing beauties to catch some rays. It’s a great place for younger rafters to get out and play for a while, and it’s a nice little setting for grilling. But be careful: If there was a storm the previous day, huge amounts of water flow from the Zulg into the Aare and it can be a dangerous area.

Just before you reach Parkbad Münsingen, there are two large grilling spots along the right side of the river. As an added convenience, kindling is already on-site – and if you’re lucky, the grill might already be fired up.

The pure charm of the Aare. About one kilometer after Parkbad Münsingen, a series of small islands and riverbank spots entices rafters to pull over and fire up the grill. In order to land your raft, you have to set your sights on the shore early enough and then paddle toward it vigorously. Once you’re properly grounded, the rest is up to you: find a grilling spot or set one up yourself, gather firewood, sharpen your roasting sticks, and get cooking! Our tip: Remember to pack a lighter and kindling. No kindling at home? The Blick am Abend newspaper (available for free at the newspaper stands at Bern main station) is said to be especially effective. Good to know: This location doesn’t have proper grills furnished with gridirons, just fire pits made with gathered stones. But with a bit of luck you’ll find one that has been well prepared by other rafters – or perhaps you’ll have a fellow rafter along who can show off his scouting skills. Tip for tourists: See a “smoke signal” somewhere? Then just ask the locals if you can share their fire pit. After all, the Bernese live by the motto “Sharing is caring!”

One of the most popular grilling sites is at the Eichholz campgrounds and river pool – which is also where most Aare rafting tours end. Situated in the southern part of the city of Bern, it’s a place where rafters encounter other sun- and nature-lovers, Aare swimmers and grill masters. Here you can grill sausages, play guitar around the fire, balance on a slackline and play beach volleyball – making it the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed BBQ. The site offers several grill spots with gridirons, and the snack bar can help supply anything that might be missing for your BBQ. Tip: Firewood is available for free at the Eichholz entrance (by the parking lot). Those interested in sitting around the campfire late into the night and then jumping right back into the Aare at the first light of dawn can reserve a campsite at the Eichholz campgrounds (starting at CHF 12 per adult).

Reserve a campsite now

Going on a spontaneous outing but no time to pack food? You can buy chips, salad and other snacks at Bern main station (Migros and Coop open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) or at Thun main station (Coop open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.). Be sure to stock up there, as it may be difficult to find a kiosk or grocery store afterwards.

But if you have forgotten something, you can take an emergency trip to the Volg, located five minutes’ walk away from Uttigen station (open Monday–Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. / Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / closed Sundays).

In the mood for ice cream with style? Our tip: Treat yourself to a scoop at Gelateria di Berna across from the Marzili open-air pool – “Switzerland’s best ice cream,” according to the Bernese SonntagsZeitung newspaper. The locals are at least as proud of “their” ice cream parlor as they are of the Parliament Building. Be patient, though: In order to choose from over 20 kinds of delicious creations such as Mare di Berna, Peanut Boost or Raspberry Ginger, you may need to stand in line for half an hour. You won’t regret it! Marzilistrasse 32, open Monday–Saturday from noon to 10:00 p.m., Sunday from noon to 8:00 p.m.

Choose your ice cream

Looking for something fast and simple but still of high quality? Go to Fürst Beck right at the entrance of the Marzili open-air pool, where you can choose from a large variety of fresh sandwiches and salads, fruity Bircher muesli and fine snacks. Perfect to get some food to enjoy in the popular Marzili meadow or on the terrace of the Parliament Building, which is just a five-minute walk away. And by the way, on Monday, they offer Aare bread! Marzilistrasse 27, open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Find out more

Are you looking for something with more of a caloric punch? For those who were already dreaming of juicy burgers on their rafting trip, we recommend the leisurely garden terrace of a restaurant called Dampfzentrale, just a three-minute walk up the river from the Marzili pool. On hot days, you can engage in a bit of people watching here as seemingly all of Bern flocks from Marzili in their bathing suits, making a pilgrimage to the Eichholz pool up the river so that they can float back down again on the current of the Aare. If you prefer crispy Italian-style pizza, reserve a table under the big chestnut trees on the garden terrace of the Marzilibrücke Restaurant across from the Marzili pool (perfect for large groups!).

Fancy something tasteful and relaxing? There are a number of restaurants where you can dine with a view of the turquoise waters of the Aare. Particularly deserving of a recommendation are the following restaurants: Casa Novo (Mediterranean specialties, just a few meters from the Aare and Nydeggbrücke (Nydegg bridge), where you can watch the river “surfers”), the Schwellenmätteli restaurants (directly over the Aare weir with a view of the UNESCO World Heritage city and baroque terrace gardens), the Altes Tramdepot (combined brewery and restaurant, directly next to the BearPark), and the Dampfzentrale (industrial chic meets river atmosphere). Reserving one week in advance is recommended.

Would you like to spend a relaxed evening on the banks of the Aare after your rafting tour? Do it like a local and heat up the grill at the Eichholz river pool. Here you can enjoy chatting with friends until late at night while the bratwurst is sizzling over the campfire.

Don’t feel like going home just quite yet? Housed in a shipping container, the pop-up Aarebar Bern is perfect for those who can’t get enough. Situated in Bern’s green oasis between Marzili and Eichholz, it’s the ideal place to wind down after an Aare rafting tour on a mild summer evening. From June to September, you can power up with a small but fine assortment of sustainable regional products: an appetizer plate accompanied by Lola Cola from the city’s Lorraine district, Bänz apple juice from the Breitenrain district or wine from the nearby Bienne lake region. The bar is run by a likable trio – Alex, David and Lukas – and is perfect for savoring Bern’s relaxed atmosphere on the Aare. There’s one thing we’re sure of: Aarebar Bern is our new favorite summertime spot!

Go to Pop-up Bars Inspiration

Party a bit too hard after your Aare rafting tour? Nurse your hangover with a hearty breakfast the next morning. Numerous small cafés in the Old Town offer weekend brunch. Our tip: Take bus 10 to the Rose Garden and enjoy a fine brunch combined with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city at Restaurant Rosengarten. If you need more inspiration, here is an overview of the best brunch spots in Bern. Bon appétit!

Brunch idea