Is the Aare river walk in Bern suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The path is mostly flat and away from heavy traffic, and children usually enjoy seeing the bears and watching the river swimmers.

Can I swim in the Aare during this self-guided walk?

Yes, if you visit during summer, you can join the locals at Freibad Marzili. However, the Aare has a very strong current and cold temperatures, so it is only recommended for strong, confident swimmers.

What are the best views of Bern's Old Town from the river?

The Englische Anlagen and the Dalmazibrücke offer iconic views looking up at the Bern Minster and the historic city walls. The BearPark also provides a classic panorama of the Nydeggbrücke and the Old Town.

Is the BearPark free to visit?

Yes, the BearPark is a public park and is completely free to visit. You can observe the bears from the various paths and viewing platforms at any time of day.

Where is the best place to start a walking route in Bern?

For a river-themed walk, starting at Schwellenmätteli is ideal. It is easily accessible from the city center via Helvetiaplatz and immediately immerses you in the riverside atmosphere.

Are the bridges in Bern accessible for strollers?

Most bridges on this route, including the Dalmazibrücke and the modern Nydeggbrücke nearby, are fully accessible. The Untertorbrücke is cobblestoned, which may be bumpy for some strollers.

Is a guided tour Bern better than a self-guided walk for the river?

A self-guided walk allows you more flexibility to linger at the swimming spots or spend extra time watching the bears. It is a more relaxed way to enjoy the nature-focused side of the city at your own pace.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Bern is a city defined by the Aare River, a shimmering ribbon of turquoise that wraps around the historic Old Town. This self-guided walk offers a refreshing escape into nature without ever leaving the city limits. As you begin your self-guided adventure at the Schwellenmätteli, you will hear the powerful rush of the water over the weirs, a sound that has provided the soundtrack to Bern’s industrial history for centuries. This walking route takes you through the heart of the Matte and Kirchenfeld neighborhoods, where the Aare’s presence is felt most strongly. Explore independently as you wander through the Englische Anlagen, a lush parkland that offers some of the most serene views of the Bernese Minster towering above the cliffs. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to experience the local lifestyle, especially as you reach the Freibad Marzili. Here, the unique river swimming culture comes to life—a quintessential Bernese experience that blends outdoor recreation with urban living. While a guided tour Bern might focus solely on the hilltop monuments, this audio walk dives into the valley to show you the city's soul. The path continues across historic bridges, including the Untertorbrücke, the oldest stone bridge in the city, before concluding at the world-famous BearPark. This walking tour Bern provides the flexibility to stop for a coffee by the water or sit on the riverbanks to watch the current flow by. Discover at your own pace the stories of the river-dwellers, the engineering marvels of the bridges, and the natural beauty that makes Bern one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals. The Aare is more than just a body of water; it is a cultural landmark. This route explores the transition from the industrial heritage of the 'Lower Town' to the leisure-focused spaces of today. You will learn about the floods that shaped the architecture and the traditions that remain today. It is a journey through nature and history, highlighting why the Aare remains the favorite playground for locals and visitors alike. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a nature lover, this walking tour Bern captures the essence of the Swiss capital's relationship with its river.

Highlights

The rushing weirs and industrial charm of Schwellenmätteli
Panoramic views of the Minster from the Englische Anlagen
Bern's legendary river-swimming culture at Freibad Marzili
Crossing the Untertorbrücke, the city's oldest stone bridge
Observing the city's heraldic animals at the modern BearPark

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Restaurant Terrasse Schwellenmätteli

Start exploring with Zigway here at the Schwellenmätteli, a place where the power of the Aare River is most visible. The name refers to the 'Schwellen' or weirs that have regulated the river's flow since the 14th century. For hundreds of years, this rushing water powered the mills and workshops of the Matte district, Bern's historic industrial heart. Today, the area has been transformed into a scenic dining and relaxation spot. Take a moment to listen to the roar of the water and notice the 'fish ladder' designed to help local trout and grayling navigate the weir. This spot perfectly illustrates how Bern has harnessed nature for its survival while maintaining the river's wild spirit.

2

Englische Anlagen

As you continue your walking route, you enter the Englische Anlagen, or English Grounds. These parklands were developed in the mid-19th century, following the style of English landscape gardens which favored natural-looking vistas over formal symmetry. This park offers a dramatic perspective: looking up, you can see the massive sandstone retaining walls of the city and the spire of the Bern Minster, the tallest in Switzerland. It is a favorite spot for locals to jog or enjoy a quiet moment away from the bustle of the upper city. The lush greenery here provides a perfect frame for photographers looking to capture the contrast between the turquoise river and the medieval stone city.

3

Dalmazibrücke

You are now approaching the Dalmazibrücke, a bridge that serves as a vital link between the historic Matte district and the museum-heavy Kirchenfeld quarter. Built in 1871 and later reconstructed, the bridge offers a fantastic vantage point to watch the river's current. If you look toward the city, you will see the Marzili funicular—the shortest funicular railway in Switzerland—climbing the steep hill toward the Federal Palace. The bridge is named after the Dalmazi quarter, which was once home to craftsmen and laborers. Today, it is one of the most sought-after residential areas in the city due to its proximity to the water and its peaceful, car-limited streets.

4

Freibad Marzili

Welcome to the Marzili, arguably the most famous river pool in Europe. Since 1822, this area has been the epicenter of Bernese summer life. The tradition of 'Aareschwimmen' involves walking upstream, jumping into the cold, glacial waters, and letting the current carry you back down. It is a symbol of the local love for the outdoors. Even if you are not swimming, the atmosphere here is electric during the warmer months. You will see people of all ages enjoying the vast green lawns with the Swiss Parliament building looming majestically in the background. It is a unique blend of civic importance and laid-back recreational culture that defines the Bernese spirit.

5

Untertorbrücke

You have reached the Untertorbrücke, the oldest bridge in Bern. While the city has many high-level bridges, this one sits low to the water, marking the spot where the first wooden bridge was built in the 12th century. The stone structure you see today dates back to the 15th century. For hundreds of years, this was the only way to cross the Aare into the city from the east, making it a crucial point for trade and defense. Notice the small chapel-like structures and the sturdy stone arches designed to withstand the river's frequent floods. Walking across these stones, you are following in the footsteps of centuries of merchants, soldiers, and travelers.

6

BearPark

The final stop on your self-guided adventure is the BearPark. Since 1513, bears have been kept in Bern as a living symbol of the city's founding legend. However, the experience has changed significantly over time. In 2009, the old circular 'Bear Pit' was replaced by this expansive, 6,000-square-meter park that stretches down to the riverbank. Here, the bears can climb, play, and even swim in a dedicated section of the Aare. It is a modern approach to animal welfare that allows visitors to observe the animals in a more natural environment. Take your time to walk the winding paths of the park and enjoy the final views of the Old Town skyline across the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes 2 to 3 hours. This allows for a leisurely pace, time to take photos at the bridges, and a visit to the BearPark at the end.