The Aare River is so Clean That Locals Use it to Swim Home

It flows through the heart of Switzerland’s de facto capital, Bern, and its 12th-century medieval old town.

The Aare River flowing through Bern, Switzerland

Whilst the environmentally sensible way to get around most cities is by bike or public transport, locals in Bern often use the river instead. Remarkably, many residents actually use the river to commute.

With a current that can reach 5 to 7.5 mph, it's somewhat faster than walking - and a lot more refreshing during the warm summer months. It’s perfectly normal for locals to swap their business suits for bathing suits during lunch breaks or after work. Apparently, in times gone by, swimsuits used to be regularly hung out to dry on the balcony of the Swiss Parliament Building.

The river is kept famously pristine thanks to a mix of strict environmental policies and natural geography. Its water comes straight from Swiss Alps glaciers and flows through large lakes that settle the sediment before the river reaches cities like Bern.

Should you be visiting the city one day, you can start from anywhere along the river, including one of Bern’s riverside swimming pools. Put your swimsuit on, pack your clothes and valuables in a waterproof dry bag and then jump in. Entry and exit points are marked with a red pole or steps to help you climb in and out.

Bern Welcome has published a list of three of their favourite river routes depending on your swimming level and preferences so you can enjoy the Aare however you choose. Let the stress melt away as the scenic views pass by, enjoying the beauty and sounds of nature safely in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth.