Berner Aare Kanu
Overview
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Distance 22 km
Intro
Following the beautiful green Aare - a definitely different way to enter Switzerland’s capital. The widely branching water-meadow landscape offers a bewitching wilderness and solitude in the middle of densely populated countryside.
Description
The Aare has its source at the Grimsel Pass, the watershed between the Mediterranean and the North Sea. After passing through the impressive Aare Gorge, it flows into Lake Brienz and then immediately afterwards into the deep blue of Lake Thun. From its regulated outflow in Thun, where the Aare leaves the Alps, it proves an easy river for hiking along.
Due to the infamous “Uttiger Schwelle” (Uttigen rapids), which form waves and eddies and require a degree of skill and paddling experience, the best place to launch safely is from a ramp below the railway bridge at Uttigen. The emerald green river creates a wonderful contrast to the white gravel banks and the rich green vegetation on the shore. After just the first few metres, you are immersed in a wild floodplain landscape that makes it easy to forget that you’re in the heart of densely-populated Switzerland.
A glance backwards is worthwhile. In clear conditions, sitting regally on the horizon, you can see probably the most famous trio of the Bernese Alps: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Such beautiful views call for a break. It’s just as well, then, that the Aare has many gravel beaches and fire pits, mainly on the right-hand shore. The first two bridges – reminders of our proximity to civilisation – can be paddled under without a hitch. Approaching the bridge at Münsingen, you should give the bridge piers a wide berth well in advance.
A portion of the Aare now starts to disappear into branching side channels, which are off-limits for nature conservation reasons. After all, this amazing floodplain landscape is one of the largest of its kind in Switzerland. The river branches and floodplains reduce the speed of flow and can absorb water mass if required. Precious habitats for plants and animals are found along the way – a win for people and nature.
The bridge at Rubigen is safe to pass under through the middle. As you are carried along by the quick current, the covered wooden bridge at Muri also soon appears; its closely spaced piers mean you have to be cautious. On the left bank, you soon pass a vast meadow and Eichholz campsite. If you like, you can end your river journey here. Shortly afterwards, a surprising number of exotic animals can be spotted on the opposite bank of the river – evidence that you’re now paddling past Dählhölzli animal park.
Once, two hundred metres later, the Bundeshaus parliament building appears above the Aare, it becomes clear that you’ve finally arrived in Bern. On the left is the Marzili outdoor swimming area, where river swimmers come together. At least for the Bernese locals, it’s the most beautiful open-air pool in Switzerland. You get out just a few paddle strokes later on the left, before you reach Dalmazi Bridge, by the pontoons. It’s forbidden to go any further; the “Schwellenmätteli” weir is not traversable and is extremely dangerous.
This wild back route is an unrivalled way to arrive in the Swiss capital thanks to its contrasts. Paddling between densely vegetated banks, you find yourself right in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with all its sights. It goes without saying that Bern is worth a visit: six kilometres’ worth of arcades, statue fountains, the Minster, the well-preserved sandstone façades and much more characterise the cityscape.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Uttigen
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Bern
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| Distance |
22 km
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Easy
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| Theme |
Along Water
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/canoeing-in-switzerland... |
Quick Facts
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