There is something utterly majestic about the Aare winding its way through Bern.
Its crystal clear waters with the special turquoise colour are quite a sight.
Summer in Bern is all about the Aare and if you want to get to know this relaxed city, that's where you should be heading.
Here's where, what and how to do it.
Swimming along the Aare
Take your Aare bag and enjoy floating in the Aare
Photo credits: © Switzerland Tourism
Swimming, or rather floating in this glacial river is one of the most exhilarating things you can ever experience.
And by 'glacial' we actually mean 'coming from glaciers', as the source of the Aare is a glacier in the Bernese Alps.
For the locals, the colder the Aare, the more refreshing and exciting it is. You can see that as you walk from Marzili to Eicholz and join the scores of swimmers ready to dive, float, repeat:
Jumping in the Aare from one of the charming bridges that dot the river
Photo credits: © Switzerland Tourism/ Andre Meier
Make sure you study the entry and exit points, take your Aare bag to keep your clothes dry and join the locals in their pilgrimage up the Aare.
What? No Aare bag? Bummer, you just missed our special give-away, but you can still buy this amazing set from the official website of Bern Welcome for CHF 59.
Photo credits: © Bern Welcome
Rafting on the Aare
Paddling on an Aareböötle (Aare boat)
Photo credits: © Switzerland Tourism
If you're looking for something more laid-back, then you might consider rafting along the Aare.
Let this Ultimate Aare Rafting Guide inspire you. You'll find out if rafting is for you, what equipment you'll need and how to go about rafting on the Aare.
Relaxing by the Aare
Marzili is the place to be in summer, it has a great view of the Parliament House
Photo credits: © Bern Welcome
The walk up the Aare from Marzili to Camping Eicholz is a locals' favourite, with several lovely pop-up bars along the way.
Eicholz is a popular place thanks to the huge grill places and the large river beach, with free access.
Surfing on the Aare
Yes, surfing! You would have to see it to believe it, it's quite a sight:
Want to find out more about this iconic river and the very special summer atmosphere in Bern? Here is all you need to know about the Aare.
Bridges over the Aare in the Old Town of Bern
Photo credits: © Bern Welcome
Main article photo: A view of Bern, UNESCO World Heritage site © Switzerland Tourism