# aaremarzili

> Real-time Aare river data and swimming conditions for Bern, Switzerland. Covers water temperature, flow rate, water level, 3-day swim forecast, individual swim spots and routes, and historical statistics. Free to use on web, iOS, and Android.

## Core pages

- [Current conditions](https://aaremarzili.info/): live water temperature (°C), flow rate (m³/s), water level (m.ü.M.), updated every 10 minutes
- [Swim forecast](https://aaremarzili.info/forecast/): 3-day swimability rating (perfect / good / meh / skip) combining water temp, air temp, and precipitation
- [Spots & routes](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/): all public Aare swimming spots and swimming routes with GPS, difficulty, entry/exit points
- [Historical charts](https://aaremarzili.info/charts/): multi-year temperature, flow, and water-level charts at daily/weekly/monthly/yearly resolution
- [Q&A](https://aaremarzili.info/questions/): community questions and answers about Aare swimming
- [Boat rental](https://aaremarzili.info/booking/): book SUP boards, inflatable boats, and canoes from Thun or Uttigen to Bern
- [Push notifications](https://aaremarzili.info/notifications/): set personal temperature thresholds for alerts when the Aare reaches your preferred swimming temperature

## Key facts — Marzili & Aare Bern

- **Marzili** (Marzilibad, Marzilistrasse 29, 3005 Bern) is the most popular public river swimming area in Switzerland — free, open approximately May–September, no registration required
- The Aare flows through the UNESCO World Heritage city centre of Bern
- **Comfortable swimming temperature**: ≥ 18 °C; the Aare typically reaches this in mid-June and stays above it until mid-August
- **Seasonal range**: ~5–8 °C in January–March, peak ~20–24 °C in July–August
- **Safe flow for drift swimming**: ≤ 150 m³/s; above ~300 m³/s the Marzili area closes for safety
- **Data source**: Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU/FOEN), gauging station Bern–Schönau (station 2135), measurements every 10 minutes
- **Other rivers covered**: Limmat at Baden, Rhine at Rheinfelden

## Swim forecast methodology

- **Inputs**: air temperature (35%), precipitation probability (35%), water temperature (30%)
- **Air temperature scoring**: ≥ 25 °C → 3 pts, ≥ 20 °C → 2 pts, ≥ 15 °C → 1 pt, < 15 °C → 0 pts
- **Precipitation probability scoring**: < 20% → 3 pts, < 40% → 2 pts, < 60% → 1 pt, ≥ 60% → 0 pts
- **Water temperature scoring**: ≥ 20 °C → 3 pts, ≥ 17 °C → 2 pts, ≥ 14 °C → 1 pt, < 14 °C → 0 pts
- **Composite score** = air × 0.35 + precip × 0.35 + water × 0.30
- **Ratings**: perfect (≥ 2.3), good (≥ 1.5), meh (≥ 0.8), skip (< 0.8)
- **Flood override**: flow ≥ 300 m³/s → always skip, regardless of temperature
- Weather data: Open-Meteo 3-day forecast; water data: BAFU station, updated every 10 minutes

## Along the Aare — all locations (41 total)

Includes swimming spots, highlights, hidden gems, restaurants & bars, facilities, and danger warnings — everything mapped along the Aare from Thun to Bremgarten.

### Swimming spots (13)

- [Parkbad Münsingen](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_867237_7_546663/): Outdoor pool set in the scenic Aare floodplain south of Bern, popular with locals and visitors alike. Season runs early May to mid-September.
- [Giessenbad Belp](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_910279_7_506510/): Outdoor pool with 50m lap lane, diving boards (1, 3, 5m), a natural stream channel (Giesse), and a family wading area. Pools are solar-heated.
- [Muribad](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_922629_7_492616/): Scenic outdoor pool just outside Bern in Muri, combining classic pool facilities with direct river access for experienced swimmers. Includes children's slides, diving boards, and a restaurant.
- [Schönausteg](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_934248_7_445983/): Good entry point into the Aare for the shorter drift to Marzili. A popular spot — use the stairs, not the bridge railing.
- [Ka-We-De](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_935166_7_447782/): Historic Aare bathing spot in Bern. Currently closed for full renovation; expected to reopen autumn 2026.
- [Marzili](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_942313_7_444775/): The most popular river swimming area in Bern, located directly below the Swiss Parliament. Free entry, large lawns, pools for all ages, and a stunning view of the old town. The canonical exit point for drift swimmers.
- [Wiedereinstieg Schwellenmätteli](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_945028_7_450805/): Re-entry point into the Aare after the Schwellenmätteli weir. The first section to Untertorbrücke is demanding — experienced swimmers only.
- [Untertorbrücke](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_949375_7_458460/): Beautiful historic bridge over the Aare in the old town. Some people jump from it, but this is not recommended.
- [Altenbergsteg](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_950206_7_448558/): Good entry point on the quieter north bank of the Aare. Popular for jumping, but the bridge jump is not recommended.
- [Lorrainebad](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_958406_7_442267/): Free outdoor pool directly on the Aare in the Lorraine neighbourhood, with a children's pool and playground. Renovation planned from Q3 2026 to summer 2028.
- [Wylerbad](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_966024_7_452531/): Renovated in 2024. Free outdoor pool with many attractions for children — note it has no direct Aare access despite its proximity on the map.
- [Felsenaubrücke](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_976121_7_440375/): Scenic spot with multiple options for spending time along the Aare. A good exit point if you've been in the water a while — bike-share and bus (line 21) connections back to the city.
- [Freibad Weyermannshaus](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_947398_7_405085/): Renovated in 2022, home to the largest pool in Bern. No direct Aare access — a standalone outdoor pool on the west side of the city.

### Highlights (3)

- [Eichholz](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_934067_7_457100/): Popular riverside meadow in Bern, ideal for swimming, relaxing, or starting a drift. Surrounded by green lawns and shady trees — a favourite for barbecues and picnics. Also the starting point of the most popular Aare drift route.
- [Tierpark Dählhölzli](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_933438_7_452014/): Zoo located directly on the Aare. A worthwhile visit on its own — for drift swimmers, watch the right bank as you pass: pelicans and ibex are visible from the water.
- [Fähre Zehndermätteli](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_980583_7_441606/): Hand-pulled ferry connecting Bremgarten to the Zehndermätteli restaurant. Runs daily Sun–Wed 10:00–21:00, Thu–Sat 10:00–22:00. Ring the bell at the dock to call it.

### Hidden gems (5)

- [Saunaare - Eichholz](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_934425_7_457165/): Wood-fired sauna for 6–8 people at Camping Eichholz, tucked behind a hedge for privacy. Panoramic window looking out over the Aare.
- [Saunaare - Schwellenmätteli](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_944824_7_450438/): Wood-fired sauna for 6–8 people in a central location at Schwellenmätteli, with a large window overlooking the Aare and Bern Minster.
- [Saunaare - Wylergut](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_963031_7_443847/): Wood-fired sauna for 6–8 people at Bootshaus Wylergut, in a quiet spot where the Aare feels almost like a lake.
- [El Paradiso](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_970727_7_450550/): Peaceful riverside stretch north of Bern with multiple smaller and larger sections — everyone can find their own favourite spot. Great for recharging in summer.
- [Aare-Tunnel](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_976916_7_441237/): A tunnel near Bremgarten that lets drift swimmers loop back upstream with minimal walking — more swimming, less hiking back to the start.

### Restaurants & bars (11)

- [Ristorante Al Fiume](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_834126_7_560975/): The first drive-in for Aare boaters — order a beer or a panino directly from the water at this riverside restaurant in Gerzensee.
- [Restaurant Fähribeizli](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_925476_7_471361/): Excellent food and coffee in a unique setting along the Aare, following a "small but fine" philosophy with carefully sourced regional produce.
- [Aarebar Bern](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_938360_7_443913/): Pop-up bar directly on the Aare — a relaxed spot for unwinding after a swim. Currently closed (seasonal).
- [Restaurant Dampfzentrale](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_940512_7_444384/): Restaurant at the Dampfzentrale cultural centre with direct access to the Aare.
- [Schwellenmätteli Restaurants](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_945438_7_449621/): Two restaurants perched above and beside the Aare at Schwellenmätteli — Terrasse for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and the adjacent Güggeli-Beiz for roast chicken specialities.
- [Trybhouz Bar](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_950664_7_448212/): Seasonal bar directly at Altenbergsteg, surrounded by maple trees. Currently closed (seasonal).
- [Lido Altenberg](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_950970_7_447123/): Seasonal bar serving apéro platters and drinks — a great stop after a swim or just to watch people jump into the river. Open April–September in good weather.
- [Restaurant Rio](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_977376_7_458609/): Year-round meeting place on the Aare open to everyone, from quick lunch to leisurely dinner, with occasional cultural events.
- [Restaurant Schloss Reichenbach](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_990520_7_450948/): 17th-century Baroque castle at a bend in the Aare, with a restaurant.
- [Zehndermätteli](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_979587_7_444113/): Restaurant in a loop of the Aare north of Bern, reachable only on foot — via the Zehndermätteli ferry from Bremgarten or through the Viererfeld park.
- [Bogen 17](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_966863_7_358601/): Pop-up kiosk bar directly on the Aare.

### Facilities (3)

- [Camping Eichholz](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_932919_7_455344/): City-run campsite on the Aare managed by the Bern sports office. Park-like grounds with space for around 300 tents and 50 caravans/motorhomes. Sanitary facilities rebuilt in 2008.
- [GOBAG](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_950399_7_442007/): Boat shop and repair service on the Aare — the place to buy or fix your inflatable boat before or after a trip.
- [Camping Eymatt](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_964787_7_383883/): 4-star TCS campsite ~6 km from Bern city centre, with direct bus connection into town and walking paths along the Aare. SUP rentals available on site.

### Dangerous sections & warnings (6)

- [Uttigenwelle](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_797329_7_581706/): The most dangerous wave on the stretch between Thun and Bern. Extreme caution required — a sturdier boat is strongly recommended.
- [2 künstlich angelegte Schwellen](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_924643_7_479190/): Two artificial weirs creating large waves that only strong swimmers should attempt. A swim aid is essential. Boats can pass but caution is required.
- [Letzter Ausstieg: Achtung der Rechen kommt!](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_944291_7_445681/): Last official exit before the Aare passes through the Marzili intake weir (Rechen). If you're still in the water here, get out now.
- [Bärenpark - kein Ein- oder Ausstieg](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_947490_7_458924/): No entry or exit here. The Bear Park bank looks approachable but the current is frequently underestimated — keep a safe distance when swimming past.
- [Stauwehr Lorraine](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_965394_7_444925/): Exit the Aare early here (exit right, signposted). Boats can re-enter immediately after the weir; swimmers should walk 100 m downstream before re-entering.
- [Tiefenaubrücke (Wellen)](https://aaremarzili.info/spots/46_976924_7_457145/): Dangerous waves for swimmers — exit before reaching this point. Boats can navigate the waves with care.

## Swim & paddle routes (7)

- [Klassiker: Eichholz – Marzili](https://aaremarzili.info/routes/46_934460_7_456303_46_943628_7_444772/): The most popular drift in Bern with a stunning view of the old town. Currently closed until mid-May 2026 due to flood protection works and Marzili renovation. (2.0 km · 20 min · moderate)
- [Altenbergsteg – Lorrainebad](https://aaremarzili.info/routes/46_950186_7_448771_46_959275_7_442439/): A gentler route for beginners on the quieter north bank. Watch for hidden rocks at entry and exit. (1.3 km · 13 min · easy)
- [Aare Tunnel Bremgarten](https://aaremarzili.info/routes/46_979313_7_441175_46_977132_7_441892/): Loop route near Bremgarten using the tunnel to reduce walking — more swim time, less hiking. The tunnel is cold so most people sprint through it. (1.7 km · 16 min · easy)
- [Bern – Wohlensee](https://aaremarzili.info/routes/46_967409_7_446497_46_965989_7_384696/): The longest route — for those who want to stay in the Aare as long as possible. Water depth can be low in dry periods. (13.4 km · 2h 14min · moderate)
- [🛶 Boat route: Thun – Bern](https://aaremarzili.info/routes/46_761940_7_617815_46_943060_7_445271/): The classic Aare boat trip. Take the train to Thun, inflate your boat at the Schwäbis launch area, and drift to Bern in about three hours. Stops for grilling along the way are tradition. (27.1 km · 4h 31min · moderate)
- [Muribad – Eichholz](https://aaremarzili.info/routes/46_922744_7_492330_46_934035_7_455485/): A scenic alternative to the classic route, less crowded. Two artificial weirs partway through create a challenge — a swim aid is recommended. (3.6 km · 36 min · moderate)
- [Münsingen (ab Sporen 21)](https://aaremarzili.info/routes/46_843885_7_557583_46_867620_7_546358/): Route starting at the Sporen 21 access point in Münsingen. Current is typically stronger here than in Bern — high water levels make it demanding. (2.8 km · 28 min · difficult)

## Questions this site answers

- Is the Aare warm enough to swim in today?
- What is the current Aare water temperature in Bern?
- How dangerous is the Aare current? (flow rate in m³/s)
- When does the Marzili open and close for the season?
- What is the best swimming route on the Aare in Bern?
- Where can I enter and exit the Aare safely?
- Where can I rent a boat or SUP on the Aare?
- What is the Aare water level right now?

## API & data access

- [Public API (Swagger)](https://api.aaremarzili.info/swagger-ui/index.html): open REST API for water temperature, flow, level, and historical data
- [OpenAPI spec](https://api.aaremarzili.info/v3/api-docs): machine-readable API definition
- No authentication required for read endpoints

## App availability

- [iOS (App Store)](https://apps.apple.com/ch/app/aaremarzili/id6749715500)
- [Android (Google Play)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.sidefyn.aaremarzili)
- [Web](https://aaremarzili.info/)

## Languages

German (default), Swiss German, French, Italian, English, Chinese.