Aare Jump (Aare River, Bern)

The The Aare Jump is not an official attraction with a ticket booth but a local custom: in summer, Bernese people enter the Aare upstream of the Old Town and let the current carry them downstream toward the city. The river is cold, clear and fast, and the experience is one of the most distinctive things to do in Bern on a hot day, a ritual in which the Aare River carries swimmers past Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, with the Alps on the horizon on clear days. On sunny afternoons you see swimmers drifting past the Old Town, with waterproof bags tied to their waists to keep their clothes dry, and others standing on the bank to watch or to wait for friends.

The usual route starts upstream, near the Eichholz area south of the city, and runs down to the Marzili district, where the public bath and the landing steps allow swimmers to leave the river. Some people begin at the Schönausteg footbridge, or in other places along the way, and the float lasts from a few minutes to well over half an hour depending on where you enter and how fast the water is running. At Marzili, steps and handrails are built into the bank so that swimmers can climb out safely. People then walk back upstream along the riverside path to repeat the float, or head for a drink at one of the summer bars.

Safety is the main point to understand. The Aare is a mountain river fed by meltwater from glaciers, so it is much colder than a lake, and the current is strong. Weak swimmers, children and anyone who has been drinking should stay out. The river rises quickly after rain or snowmelt, and when the water is high the authorities and locals advise against entering. Never jump from bridges, as the water can be shallow and there are hazards under the surface, and get out well before the weirs and barriers downstream of the Marzili. Use only the recommended entry and exit points, and ask locals or the tourist office if conditions are not clear. Many people swim with a flotation bag that also holds their belongings.

The season runs roughly from June to September, with the best conditions on warm, settled days after the snowmelt has passed. The river is public and there are no fees or hours, though the Marzili public bath next to the exit has its own admission arrangements. Even if you do not swim, the sight of the float is a good reason to sit on the bank with a drink and watch.

The Aare Jump suits confident swimmers, adventurous travellers and anyone who wants to share a Bernese summer ritual. If you are not sure, watching is a perfectly good way to enjoy it.