As a way to spend a hot summer’s day, drifting on the current down the River Aare with the sun on your face and water to cool off in is hard to beat. The stretch between Thun and Bern is hugely popular. Hire an inflatable raft from one of the boat companies at Thun-Schwabis or bring your own blow-up number, fill it with people, beer and barbecue supplies and hop in for a three-hour drift downriver to Bern.
While it’s not exactly white water, the Aare does have a strong current and there’s a small rapid about a third of the way down, so come prepared with life jackets and leave non-swimmers behind. Picnic places abound, if you can react quickly enough to stop the river carrying your boat past your chosen spot.
As the river reaches Bern more and more people take to the water for a dip, before it’s time to drag your raft out of the river at the Eicholz park or further along at Marzili.