On warm summer days in Bern, Switzerland, some residents trade the bus or car for a swimsuit and the fast-moving Aare River as a way home from work.
A reel making the rounds on Facebook shows swimmers placing their clothes and other belongings inside waterproof bags before entering the river. The current then carries them downstream through the Swiss capital.
Switzerland Tourism says commuters can sometimes be found swimming or paddling in the Aare instead of riding home in a car or bus.
However, most people swim in the Aare for recreation, although some residents whose homes and workplaces line up with the current have used it as a genuine summer commute.
The Commute Comes With a Waterproof Bag
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Swimmers carry their clothing, shoes, phones and other possessions in sealed dry bags. The bags keep everything together as they float with the current.
One Bern resident told Le News that her river commute took about 15 minutes. She exited at Lorrainebad and then walked eight minutes uphill to her home.
A Popular Route Runs From Eichholz to Marzili
Bern has several free bathing areas along the Aare, including Eichholz, Marzili and Lorraine.
The City of Bern identifies the stretch from Eichholz to Marzili as an option for proficient swimmers. Visitors can consult the city’s Aare map for designated entry and exit points, along with known hazards.
The Aare Is Only for Strong Swimmers
The commute may look effortless on video, but the Aare is a natural river with a powerful current. The city warns that unusually strong currents, murky water, and missed exit points can put swimmers in serious danger.
Visitors should check current conditions and plan their exit before entering the water. The experience is not suitable for weak or inexperienced swimmers.