Aareböötle: how to prepare for boating on the River Aare
Want to join the locals in one of their favourite pastimes this summer? Aareböötle, going down the Aare in an inflatable boat, requires some preparation. Here’s everything you need to know, from checklists to useful information to safety tips. Read carefully and get planning!
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Ideal conditions
- Best months
June, July and August. Depending on the temperatures, it’s also possible as late as September or as early as May.
- Ideal water temperature
We recommend going when the water is at least 16 degrees Celsius. It’s nicest when the water is 18 degrees or over – especially because you’re usually bound to fall in at some point!
- Ideal weather
Blue skies or slightly cloudy. But beware, the sunshine can be deceiving – in Switzerland, there are often summer thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening even on sunny days. Our tip: make sure to check the weather forecast in advance.
- Best day of the week
For some idyllic peace and quiet, it’s best to go during the week. To experience the real Bernese Aareböötle atmosphere, you should go at the weekend or on a public holiday.
- Ideal water level
The ideal flow rate is 100 to 180 m3/s. From 180 m3/s and higher, the current gets stronger and reaction times are shorter – only professionals should be on the river at this point. From 230 m3/s the flood limit is exceeded. Time to pack up your boat and come back another day.
- Best time of day
Ideally, you’ll avoid the midday heat by setting off in the early morning or early afternoon. If you don’t get out onto the water until the afternoon, make sure you allow enough time, or you’ll get cold after the sun sets.
Planning
As in many things, preparation is key when going Aareböötle! We’ve put together the ultimate checklist and timeline for your Aare adventure.
One month out
Get a rubber boat
There are different ways to go about getting an inflatable rubber boat. If you’re only going Aareböötle this one time, we recommend renting or borrowing one. There are several providers around Bern who offer boats for hire. If you’re planning on going regularly, it’s easiest if you have your own boat. Important: when you leave the river, you have to take your boat back with you – this will not only save you money but also protect the environment.
And: The boat must be labelled with the name, address and telephone number of the owner. This helps the water police rule out an accident if they find an empty boat drifting along.
Contact a guide
If you’re feeling unsure about navigating the Aare on your own, you have the option of hiring an experienced guide. Maybe you’ll even go for the full package complete with guide, BBQ, equipment, the lot. These tours can often be booked on a relatively short notice, but we recommend doing it two weeks in advance just to be on the safe side.
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One week out
Read our safety tips
Aareböötle is a unique and fun experience, but the river’s force is often underestimated. Safety has top priority! Currents, weirs or uncontrolled manoeuvres can quickly become a risk. Being well prepared can save lives. Here’s a list of the most important safety tips.
Check the weather
What’s the weather forecast? Will the sun be shining or are they expecting a thunderstorm? We recommend checking the weather regularly and in good time and, if necessary, adapting your plans.
Plan your route
When it comes to routes, you have different options on different sections of the river – there are more tranquil and more challenging ones, along with the most popular classic route. We recommend picking your route in advance and looking up key points, such as entry and exit points. Here is a practical overview of our favourite routes.
Make reservations
Aareböötle will almost certainly leave you hungry. Enjoy a tasty dinner on a restaurant terrace by the river or a refreshing sundowner in one of Bern’s summer pop-up bars to round off the relaxing day on the Aare. As these places are quite popular, we recommend booking a table in advance.
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The day before
Memorize your route
Re-read the safety tips
Pack your equipment (see below)
Buy snacks and water
Check the weather, water temperature, and water levels
Plan your journey to and from the Aare
Check the rubber boat for defects (Is there a paddle? Are there holes in the boat? Is the boat labelled?)
On the day of
You’ve made all the necessary preparations and are ready for your Aaraböötle adventure? The last step is to take the final safety precautions. Do any of the following statements apply?
There was a thunderstorm the day before or a thunderstorm is forecast.
The water volume is over 230 m3/s or under 100 m3/s.
The crew feels unwell or not physically fit.
Someone in the crew has more than 0.5 per mille in their blood.
The rubber boat has a hole, and no repair kit can be found.
If yes, you’ll need to find something else to do. If not: inflate the boat, put on your flip-flops and some sunscreen and you’re good to go – have fun!
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Equipment
Which items are a must when boating on the Aare? Here’s a list of everything you need to bring with you in your Aarebag and on the inflatable boat to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential
Inflatable rubber boat (make sure you don’t forget to label it with the name, address and telephone number of the owner)
A lifejacket with collar for each person
Swimwear
Sunscreen (waterproof, high SPF)
Sunglasses
Aarebag
Towel
T-shirt
Paddle and pump for the boat
Enough water
Waste bag
Mobile phone for emergencies
The practical tote bag from Bernese designer Artfox is ideal for keeping all the small parts of equipment together, and the different motifs – including one of the River Aare – perfectly capture the Bernese “joie de vivre”.
Recommended
Flip-flops and clothes for after
Lighter and kindling for a barbecue along the way
Swiss army knife
Insulating tape
Boat repair kit
Plasters
Portable speaker
Jumper for the evening
Snacks
After-sun lotion
Don’t own an Aarebag yet?
If you watch seasoned Aareböötle pros, you’ll see that most of them have a brightly coloured Aarebag with them. It contains clothes and valuables and keeps those dry when going for a swim. The “Marzilian” Aarebags are not only practical, but also stylish eye catchers, available in orange and lavender. We love that they include a separate pouch for valuables and have a map of the Aare loop with all its entry and exit points printed on them. If you’re also in need of a practical microfibre towel, you can get a matching set of bag and towel online or at the Tourist Information in Bern railway station.
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