The Iconic Swiss River That Locals Love To Swim In But Tourists Should Be Wary Of

Switzerland is a wonderland for adventurers and nature lovers year-round. There are plenty of thrilling outdoor activities to keep you busy, but tourists should be extra careful not to take unnecessary risks. During the winter, the snow-covered Alps become one of the world's most premier destinations for winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding. The warmer months attract hordes of hikers and mountaineers from all over the world. Travelers can enjoy scenic train rides through the Alps, beautiful rural villages, historic castles, and charming cities full of art and culture — but there are some activities that are best left for the locals. While it may be tempting to throw caution to the wind, be aware that some thrilling pastimes are best to avoid since they require skill and experience. 

The Aare River, in all of its glacial blue glory, winds right through the city of Bern, Switzerland. The river is many locals' favorite spot for swimming and rafting. Park yourself on the banks on a warm summer afternoon, and you're sure to see locals being swept along in the fast-moving current. While it may look fun and refreshing after a day of sightseeing, swimming in the Aare should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers. For safety reasons, tourists should consider enjoying the spectacle safely from the shores as opposed to taking the plunge.

The Aare River originates high in the Bernese Alps and is fed by the Oberaar glacier. It flows through deep gorges and two lakes before making its way to Bern, the Swiss capital. Within the city, the river loops around the Olde City of Berne, which dates back to the 12th century.

In total, the Aare River is 183 miles long. Eventually, it empties into the Rhine River in Koblenz, Switzerland. It is the longest river that flows within Swiss borders. Locals have a deep appreciation for the beautiful river, and swimming and boating are incredibly popular pastimes. During the summertime, some Bernese residents strip off their business suits, stuff their clothes and electronics into dry bags, don their swimsuits, and jump in the river for a very non-traditional commute home at the end of the work day.

On my first trip to Bern, I was unaware of this incredibly common occurrence. As my mother and I enjoyed a riverside picnic near BearPark and dipped our tired feet in the icy cold river, we were shocked to see a person floating by in the extremely fast current. At first, I thought I was witnessing an emergency situation, but over the next half hour we watched about 20 more people floating past with their belongings. It looked delightfully fun, but also quite dangerous.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't consider joining the locals, clothes and all, but ultimately I decided the current looked too strong and that the water was too cold. I'm glad that I refrained, because I later learned there's a significant risk of drowning in the Aare River. According to the City of Bern, there is an "unsettling number of accidents that occur on the water and involve foreign nationals."  

On a Reddit post aimed at warning tourists what not to do in Switzerland, user candycane7 wrote, "Do not try to swim in the Aare river like the locals do. Every year many tourists die because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the power of the river. It looks amazing and fun but it can be deadly and you need to know the river very well to know where to start and where to exit."

If you aren't used to cold water, swimming in the Bern could cause your body to go into shock. Even during the warmest months, the water only reaches about 68 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the American Boating Association, hypothermia is still a risk even when it's warm outside. With 60-degree water temperatures, you can become incapacitated in an hour or two. The general guidance in Bern is to wait until the air and water reach a combined temperature of about 106 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do consider swimming, you should be sure to do your research by checking conditions and temperatures ahead of time. The Aare Guru app is a popular tool used by locals to check river safety before swimming or rafting.