Our favourite rafting routes on the River Aare
All roads lead to Rome – the same goes for the River Aare. Aare rafting is more about the journey than anything else, and our list of routes to take will make everybody happy. Here are our favourites routes for the social butterflies, the peace seekers, or the energetic bunch, and an insider tip away from the masses.
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Our favourite routes in a nutshell
- The go-to for social butterflies
From Thun/Steffisburg to Bern
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Length: approx. 25 kilometres - A route for peace seekers
From Bern Felsenau to Lake Wohlen
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Length: approx. 12 kilometres - An adventure for the energetic bunch
From Lake Wohlen to Aarberg
Duration: approx. 4 to 5 hours
Length: approx. 18 kilometres
At a total length of 290 kilometres, the Aare is the longest river that flows entirely through Switzerland. It’s no wonder there are so many rafting routes. The river originates in the Bernese Alps west of the Grimsel Pass and, together with the rivers Reuss and Limmat, flows into the Rhine at Koblenz.
Safety instructions
Treating the river with a healthy dose of respect and the necessary caution is important: Only experienced swimmers should go into the river and do so at their own risk. A new law regarding rafting on the Rive Aare has come into force in 2020: each person must carry either a life jacket, a lifebuoy or a buoyancy aid with a quick-release mechanism.
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We recommend booking a guided tour with an experienced professional if you’ve never rafted on the River Aare. There are several providers, but keep in mind: they tend to book out quickly in high season, so be sure to book at least a week in advance. You can usually also hire rafts from these companies, so buying your own is not necessary. The environment and your wallet will thank you.
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The floodplain landscapes along the River Aare are particularly sensitive ecosystems. That’s why most of the river landscape between Thun and Bern is protected. We ask everyone spending time on, in or near the river to take care of the surrounding nature, not leave any rubbish lying around, and not disturb the animals unnecessarily. Find more information here.
From Thun to Bern: the go-to for social butterflies
“Gömer ga Aareböötle?” (Wanna go Aare rafting?) When you hear that question, you know that they’re talking about the route from Thun to Bern. Most locals could do that one in their sleep. Along the way, rafters are treated to stunning views of nature and the Bernese Oberland Alps, plus plenty of barbecue spots for riverside grilling. On sunny days, the river comes to life with a whole flotilla of fellow rafters.
Getting there
We recommend using public transport to get to Thun. That way you can relax, don’t have to look for a parking space, or go back for the car after a long day. The quickest way to get there is taking the train from Bern to Thun, get on bus no. 3 (going to Steffisburg, Alte Bernstrasse or Heimberg, Dornhalde) and get off at the stop Steffisburg, Schwäbis. Then it’s only a short walk to the Bellevue restaurant or “Rossgagupintli”, and by that to the entry point to the river. And by the way: For a small fee, you can avoid inflating your raft by hand and get it done automatically. There are also toilets for Aare rafters. If there’s a line to get into the river, we recommend using the time to apply sun cream and pack your Aarebags.
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Around five kilometres down the river, you’ll get to the Uttiger Schwelle (Uttiger weir). But you can easily avoid that adventure. Instead of taking the train all the way to Thun, get off at Uttigen, and walk the five minutes to the entry point after the weir. By the way: there’s also a pump station here, run by the raft rental and tour company Aareschlauchboot.
Speaking of the Uttiger weir: This is the adrenaline peak of the route. The large rock in the middle of the river creates strong eddies, making sure you get your fill of thrill at this section. Here’s a few tips on how to pass this point worry-free:
You’ll be able to spot it starting at the long left-hand bend after the Uetendorf-Heimberg bridge. At this point, all crew members should be back in the boat, with all Aarebags safely stowed away.
Distribute the weight evenly in the raft and paddle past on the right side, keeping about four metres of distance from the riverbank. Don’t worry if some water splashes into the raft – there’s a calm stretch after the small rapid where you can bail it out.
Careful: Avoid passing just to the right of the centre of the river. There’s a submerged rock that could capsize the raft.
Drifting too close to the right bank may pull you into an eddy.
Caution: bridges ahead
The most action-packed stretch is behind you once you’ve passed the Uttiger weir. But stay alert – there are several bridges yet to come, and they can be tricky. Bridge-jumping is a popular pastime in summer. It’s a good idea for your crew to make some noise as you approach to avoid any unexpected landings in your boat instead of the water. Be mindful of the bridge piers as well – the safest route is usually through the middle, where there’s little risk of eddies. And one very important rule: Never tie rubber rafts together. It makes steering much harder, and ropes can get dangerously tangled around bridge piers.
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Barbecue spots along the way
Just like the gentle drifting on and the occasional refreshing dip in the River Aare, stopping off at one of the barbecue or picnic areas along the way can be a real highlight. Right at the start, you’ll spot the Zulgspitz on the right. This is where the Zulg flows into the River Aare. It’s a perfect little spot for a quick break. In Uttigen, you’ll reach one of the route’s most beautiful stretches: the Uttigenfluh. This natural paradise evokes the feel of a faraway jungle, with sandy and pebbly banks ideal for a scenic pause. After the bridge between Rubigen and Belp, you’ll find a real grilling haven. Small gravel islands invite you to sizzle up some Cervelat (a beloved Swiss sausage), courgettes, or halloumi, while this calmer stretch of the river is perfect for a relaxed swim. On the left-hand side just before the end of the route, you’ll come to Eichholz, another top spot for a break and a barbecue.
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Aare rafters look after the river and its surroundings: Please respect local nature reserves (they’re clearly signposted), take your rubbish with you (bin bags are on the packing checklist), and leave barbecue spots as you’d like to find them: clean and cared for.
Exit points
All good things must come to an end, even a day of Aare rafting from Thun or Steffisburg to Bern. There are several exit points along the way, including two in Bern, all clearly marked with signposts. One option is to hop out at Eichholz. The riverbed here is rocky, so you might want to put your shoes back on if you have sensitive feet. Otherwise, it’s a beginner-friendly exit, thanks to the river’s relatively gentle current. From here, it’s a short walk uphill to the Wabern Eichholz tram stop, which takes you straight back to Bern main station.
For those who want to enjoy every last moment on the water, continue to the Dalmazi bridge, just past Marzili lido. These final metres are well worth it. As the river winds towards the finish, you’ll be greeted by a stunning view: The Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) rising above the backdrop of Bern’s old town. Even seeing it for the hundredth time, it’s breathtaking. Important: The Dalmazi bridge is the final official exit point. You must leave the river here, as the dangerous Matte weir lies just downstream and is not navigable. Form here, it’s a short walk or ride to the Marzili funicular back to the train station.
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From Bern to Lake Wohlen: a route for peace seekers
If you prefer things a bit more relaxed, the best place to inflate your raft is in Bern Felsenau. From here begins a beautiful rafting tour through tranquil, natural landscapes. But don’t worry, this route is far from boring, and offers plenty of variety, both scenically and in terms of paddling.
Getting there
Getting to the entry point from Bern main station is easy. Simply hop on a bus and get off at Bern, Felsenau. From there, it’s just a short walk to the riverbank and the Wylergut entry point, where you can easily set off. By the way: If you’d like to extend the tour by around four kilometres, you can get in just after the Matte weir. Important: This version requires you to exit the river after the Lorraine bridge, because you’ll have to bypass the Engehalde weir on foot. After walking approximately one-and-a-half kilometres, you’ll re-enter the water at the Wylergut entry point.
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All along the way, countless scenic peninsulas and barbecue spots await Aare rafters. Top highlights include the idyllic Enge peninsula with the Zehendermätteli, around ten kilometres in, or the final destination: the beautiful Lake Wohlen.
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Exit points
As mentioned earlier, this laid-back tour flows gently into the picturesque Lake Wohlen. And from there, you can extend your trip as much as you like. Paddling across the lake takes a bit more effort than the river stretch, but it’s still a peaceful experience. A great place to come ashore is by the Wohlei bridge. Here, you can fire up a barbecue, sip a drink at the pop-up bar Bogen 17, or switch to a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and carry on exploring the lake. Bonus: The spot also makes a brilliant backdrop for memory-worthy photos.
If you’d rather not paddle all the way to the lake, there’s a safe and convenient exit point just after the Enge peninsula, on the left bank before the Felsenau bridge.
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From Lake Wohlen to Aarberg: an adventure for the energetic bunch
This lesser-known route is ideal if you have strong arms – unlike the usual Aare rafting, this one requires some powerful paddling. But it’s not just about the workout: this stretch also offers peace, natural beauty, and a true sense of escape.
Getting there
In general, you can launch into Lake Wohlen almost anywhere, but we recommend taking the bus to Hinterkappelen and getting off at Kappelenring West. From there, walk along the lake for about 500 metres until you reach the Wohlei bridge on the left. This is a perfect and easy place to launch your raft. Fancy a snack or cool drink before heading off? Stop by at the legendary lake pub Bogen 17, located right by the bridge. This local gem serves up regional treats from cheese and salads to fresh veg and beef, all sourced from farms around the lake.
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After crossing the lake, exit on the left shortly before the dam. A short walk along the river brings you to the next entry point. After around seven kilometres, at Niederried, you’ll need to exit again, this time on the right-hand bank of the River Aare.
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Make no mistake: this is not a route for the lazy. The River Aare drifts slowly here, so it’s paddle power that keeps you moving. A lake kayak is a real plus here. But it’s not all hard work. Even peace seekers will fall in love with this stretch. As you glide across the lake’s blue-green waters, you’ll be serenaded by birdsong and bathed in sunshine, surrounded by protected riverbanks teeming with life.
Fancy a break? Just before the Mühleberg power station, you’ll find an idyllic swimming spot on the right-hand side. Perfect for a refreshing pause.
Exit points
After Niederried, the route winds through a peaceful stretch of reeds, followed by a more active paddle past the Radelfingen sports ground. Speaking of: You’ll definitely get a workout here, so be sure to pack enough snacks and water. Soon after Radelfingen, you’ll reach your destination: Aarberg. There’s a convenient exit point here, and trains run hourly back to Bern. Alternatively, a bus to Lyss departs every half hour, where you can change to the train.
Insider tip: If you’re not in a rush, hop out just before Aarberg, at the final bend in the river. You’ll find a beautiful hidden swimming spot here.
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