Skip to main content
Sightseeing

Aare River

📍 Switzerland, Bern, Aare River (embracing the old town)
No photos yet
4.7/ 5.0
★★★★★

Introduction

The Aare is Switzerland's longest river; with a graceful horseshoe bend it embraces Bern's old town on three sides—the city's natural shield and lively scenery. Rising from Alpine glaciers, the Aare shows a clear, charming turquoise, pure and lovely. Both banks are tree-lined with connected paths, a park for strolling, running and relaxing. Bernese people's favorite summer cooling is 'Aare rafting'—in hot summer, locals jump into the cool, swift river and let the current carry them downstream, climbing out at the wooden ladder below—exhilarating. There are also historic open-air river baths. The turquoise water, the embracing bend and the exhilarating rafting give the elegant old town a cool, lively vitality.

Highlights

01
Turquoise Water
Glacier melt gives turquoise, clear, pure, lively water.
02
Horseshoe Embrace
A graceful horseshoe bend embraces the old town on three sides.
03
Summer Rafting
Locals' unique way to cool off—rafting down the swift river.
04
Riverside Paths and Baths
Tree-lined banks and historic open-air river baths—relaxing.

🛈 Practical Info

Rafting SafetyThe Aare is swift—rafting is dangerous, for strong swimmers only, gauge limits.
Best TimeSummer rafting and water fun; stroll along the river otherwise.
ClothingFor rafting bring swimwear and a waterproof bag; note the exit point.
Getting ThereThe river embraces the old town; walk along the banks.
CombineVisit with the Bear Park and Rose Garden.

💡 Tips

The turquoise Aare embraces the old town—a lively Bern scenery.
Summer rafting is a local specialty, but the current is swift—strong swimmers only, gauge limits.
Strolling the riverside paths and seeing the turquoise water is equally pleasant.
Rafting safety info is per the local announcement.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Aare River?

The turquoise Aare embraces the old town—a lively Bern scenery. Summer rafting is a local specialty, but the current is swift—strong swimmers only, gauge limits.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.