On hot summer afternoons in the Swiss capital of Bern, an extraordinary scene unfolds along the turquoise waters of the Aare River. Office workers, students and locals gather on the riverbanks carrying waterproof dry bags instead of suitcases before slipping into the fast-moving current and floating downstream past bridges, historic buildings and riverside parks.
Viral social media posts often describe it as a “river cruise.” While some residents occasionally use the river to return home during the summer, this practice is best understood as a popular recreational tradition rather than an everyday mode of transportation. For most people in Bern, swimming along the Aare River is just a great way to cool off during warm weather.
The most wonderful summer trip in Switzerland is flowing down the river
The Aare River winds around Bern’s Old Town, forming one of the city’s most iconic landscapes.
During the summer, the clean glacial waters become a natural refuge from the heat.Locals often enter the river upstream and allow the current to carry them through parts of the city before exiting designated swimming points. Many use brightly colored waterproof “Ari Bags” to keep clothes, phones and valuables dry while floating.This activity has become closely linked to the summer culture of Bern and attracts residents and tourists every year.
Videos on social media often show crowds floating across the river after work, giving rise to the idea of “river hopping.” Although swimming home is not an official or widespread form of transportation, some Bernese residents use the Aare River as part of their journey home during hot summer evenings.For many locals, the experience blends practicality and entertainment. Since many neighborhoods are closely connected to the riverbanks, a swim across the Aare River can serve as a relaxing swim and an unconventional way to travel through parts of the city.
Strong river current
One of the reasons the Aare River is ideal for floating is its strong and steady current. Swimmers can drift long distances without much effort, especially along the famous route between Eichholz and Marsili in Bern.The river’s stunning turquoise color comes from mineral-rich glacial meltwater flowing from the Swiss Alps. However, even during the summer, the water often remains surprisingly cold.Authorities regularly warn visitors that the Aare River is not an unofficial swimming pool.
The current can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced swimmers, and knowing safe entry and exit points is essential.
A tradition rooted in clean water
River swimming in Switzerland became more popular after major environmental reforms improved water quality during the second half of the 20th century.Decades ago, pollution made swimming unsafe in many urban rivers across Europe. Switzerland has invested heavily in wastewater treatment and environmental protection, helping rivers like the Aare become clean enough for recreational swimming.Today, swimming in rivers and lakes has become a popular part of summer life in Switzerland, especially in cities such as Bern, Basel and Zurich.
The famous Ari bags
One of the most iconic symbols of Bern River culture is the Ari Waterproof Bag. These brightly colored floating dry bags allow swimmers to carry clothes, wallets, shoes and even laptops while drifting across the river.The bags also act as flotation devices, making them practical and popular among locals.Tourists visiting Bern during the summer often buy Arey Bags specifically to experience the floating tradition for themselves.
A summer ritual that has become popular on the Internet
Videos of hundreds of people floating down the turquoise Bern River have recently gone viral online, with many viewers amazed that the urban river can serve as a recreational area and part of an unofficial travel route.Sailing down the Aare River has become one of Bern’s most distinguished summer traditions. On warm days, locals and visitors alike drift down the turquoise river as it winds through the Swiss capital’s historic streets and bridges. For some residents, the river becomes part of the journey home from work, turning an ordinary trip into a uniquely Swiss summer experience.
