Float Down the River: A Summer Adventure in Interlaken!
Floating down Switzerland’s rivers is a must-do summer activity for locals and travelers alike. The glacial water from the mountains gives you a decent speed, and locals love hopping in for a refreshing float—sometimes right through cities, sometimes from one town to another. But timing is everything—summer is the best season since the water stays quite chilly in autumn and spring.
How It Works: The Essentials
The setup couldn’t be easier! For short distances, pack your essentials in a dry bag, jump in, and let the current do the work. Your dry bag will keep your stuff from getting soaked (just don’t dunk it too long!). For longer journeys, you might want to bring some extra float support like a big inflatable, a kayak, or even a small boat.
1. The Aare River Adventure: Thun to Bern
The Aare River is the main event for river floating fans, with tons of people starting in Thun and floating all the way to Bern. This 4-hour journey offers mountain views, a few thrilling rapids, and a great excuse to pack snacks and drinks for the ride.
To tackle the whole route, you’ll need an inflatable or kayak. If you don’t have one in your backpack (let’s face it, who does?), here are a few solutions:
- Rentals: You can rent kayaks in Thun. Prices start around 90 CHF for a double kayak or 140 CHF for a larger option that fits up to four people. Check rentals here. Just remember, on your way back to Interlaken, you’ll need an extra stop to return it.
- Buy and Share: Another option is to buy an inflatable at local shops like Otto’s 혹은 Bödeli in Interlaken Ost. You can get one for around 150 CHF. If you’re with friends, split the cost, and you’re looking at 20-30 CHF each. Plus, if you don’t want to take it with you, the hostel will happily accept it as a donation for future travelers.
- Guided Tour: Don’t feel like handling the details? Outdoor company offers guided trips with all the gear and even luggage transport. Perfect for groups of up to 14 people.
- Getting to the Start Point: To start your Aare float, take the train to Thun, then a bus to Schwäbis. From there, walk to the boat ramp on the river. Once you reach Bern, keep an eye out for marked exit points along the river—they’re as clear as road signs!
- How’s the way back? It’s easy—just deflate your inflatable, throw on a shirt, and hop on the train back to Interlaken. Don’t worry about being in swim shorts; it’s summer, and no one cares. You might even fit right in.
Shorter Float Options
If you’re not up for the full Thun-Bern trip, there are some shorter, local-friendly float routes in other Swiss cities.
2. Interlaken
Interlaken has a few floating spots, although the river’s flow is controlled by small dams. For a short ride, jump in near Interlaken Ost and exit once you’re close to the casino. It’s a quick way to experience floating without too much commitment!
3. Bern
Bern is famous for river floating. People here even jump in during lunch breaks or to head home after work! Here are a few popular routes:
- Schönausteg to Marzili: A city-centered route with faster currents, plus views of the Parliament and the Dählhölzli Zoo.
- Altenbergsteg to Lorraine Pool: This route is a bit more relaxed and passes by the city’s botanical gardens.
4. Lucerne
Lucerne is full of summer vibes, and the river Reuss offers a fantastic float through the city. Start near the Natur-Museum in Lucerne’s Old Town and float to Nordpol, where you’ll find a small beach and a lively bar—perfect for a post-float hangout.
