About This Swimming Area
The Aare River in the Bernese Oberland offers one of Switzerland's most iconic wild swimming experiences, with crystal-clear turquoise waters flowing from Lake Thun through Unterseen and Interlaken. This popular float starts at the Strandbad in Thun, where gentle entry points lead into a mild current carrying swimmers downstream for 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, ending near Interlaken West train station. Surrounded by Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, it's a summer highlight for locals and visitors. Water temperatures hover around 18-22°C (64-72°F) in peak season, but glacial origins keep it brisk. Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash and avoid disturbing wildlife. Check the Aare Guru app for real-time flow rates and temperatures before entering.
Safety Considerations
Rivers like the Aare pose higher risks than lakes, with 90% of Swiss drownings occurring in flowing water per SLF rescue data. Key hazards include deceptive currents pulling towards weirs (avoid sections past Obere Badi in Interlaken), sudden depth changes, and cold-water shock from glacial melt. Never swim alone; pair up and maintain visual contact. Stay sober, as alcohol contributes to most incidents among young men. Enter gradually to acclimate, and avoid after heavy rain when flows surge above 100 m³/s. Stick to the main channel marked by buoys; jumping from bridges like Seestrasse is prohibited and deadly. Boat traffic is minimal but watch for kayaks. Children must stay within arm's reach; use life vests rated by the Swiss Lifeguard Association. Hypothermia sets in quickly below 20°C, so limit swims to 30 minutes.
Essential Gear
Pack a bright orange NRS swim buoy for visibility and flotation, neoprene socks from REI to protect against rocks, quick-dry water shoes like Astral TR1, a rash guard for sun and chill protection, and a whistle attached to your buoy. Optional: thin 2mm wetsuit like Aquaglide for longer floats. Rent tubes or boards at Thun beach for beginners.
Emergency Tips
If swept by current, float on your back with feet high, paddle to an eddy behind rocks. Signal rescuers with whistle blasts. Call 144 for Swiss emergency services; provide GPS coordinates or landmarks like 'Aare near Höheweg, Interlaken'. REGA air rescue activates via 1414 if injured. Know CPR basics from Red Cross courses.
This guide draws from Swiss water safety protocols to ensure your alpine swim is thrilling yet secure. Thousands enjoy the Aare annually without issue by respecting these rules.