Aare River Scenic Views

The Aare River is the river that gives Bern its shape, and the Aare River’s scenery is the city’s trademark. It flows out of the Alps from glaciers in the Bernese Oberland, passes through Lake Thun and then winds around the old town in a tight loop, and the Old Town sits on the peninsula inside that loop. The water is a pale turquoise green, coloured by fine rock flour carried down from the mountains, and it runs fast and clear below the high banks and the sandstone houses. From almost any spot along the river, the sight of the UNESCO-listed Old Town above the water, with the spire of the Bern Minster rising behind, is the picture that most people associate with the Swiss capital.

Several bridges and viewpoints give different angles. The Nydegg Bridge, at the lower end of the Old Town, looks upstream to the town and downstream toward the Bear Park and the Rosengarten, and the Kirchenfeld Bridge, a high arch, gives a broad view along the river. The Rosengarten across the river on the slope above the Bear Park is the best place to see the whole loop, while the Münsterplattform terrace behind the cathedral looks down on the river from the other side. Lower down, the paths along the water give a close view of the current, with ducks, swans and in summer rafts of swimmers drifting past.

Swimming in the Aare is a local tradition. In summer, Bernese people jump in upstream, usually at the Eichholz or near the Dalmazi bridge, and let the current carry them down toward the Marzili, where there is a public bath and a landing area with steps and handrails. It is a lively, enjoyable scene to watch from the bank, but the river is cold, deep and fast, and swimming is only for strong swimmers who know the exit points; after heavy rain or snowmelt it can be dangerous. Visitors who want to try should ask locally, use the marked entries and exits and never go in alone.

The riverside is also a good place for a walk. Paths follow the banks on both sides, passing through the Matte quarter at the foot of the Old Town, the Marzili district and green areas with lawns, trees and picnic spots. Sunset is a popular time, when the light turns the sandstone houses golden and the water reflects the sky. In winter the river is quiet and misty, and the viewpoint paths are less crowded.

These views suit photographers, walkers, families and anyone who wants to understand Bern’s geography. The river walk is free and open at all hours, and it ties together many of the city’s best-known sights.