In many parts of the world, most people travel to work by car, bus or train – but what if you could avoid heavy traffic, cramped carriages and last-minute delays by simply floating down a river?
For commuters in Bern and Basel, Switzerland, the preferred method of transport is to change into swimwear, slip into the crystal-clear waters of the Aare River and allow the gentle current to carry them as close as possible to their home.
The ‘floating commute’ is typically practised in the summer, offering a refreshing, relaxing and costless way to wind down after a long day in the office.
One local, Evelyn Schneider-Reyes, told le News that her river commute would take a total of 15 minutes to get home.
She said: ‘I only had like 30 seconds walking from my office to the river. I would leave the Aare at Lorrainebad, then I walked up the hill for 8 minutes and was already home. From my office to the Lorrainebad it usually took me about 15 minutes in the water.’
The Aare River is the main tributary of the High Rhine, and at 292km in length, it’s the longest river in Switzerland.
But for many locals in either city, the leisurely and long route serves as much more than a way to avoid the carnage of rush hour, it’s a recreational activity that is said to provide ‘therapeutic’ benefits.
According to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre, friends and family often meet in small groups and socialise while floating down the Aare.
For commuters in Bern (pictured) and Basel, Switzerland, the preferred method of transport is to slip into the crystal-clear waters of the Aare River and allow the current to carry them home
The ‘floating commute’ is typically practised in the summer, offering a refreshing, relaxing and costless way to wind down after a long day in the office
Additionally, the river’s gentle current can be incredibly calming, while the lush green landscapes, medieval city views, riverbanks and historical landmarks allow for urban swimmers to tune into nature and tune out of the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In a video posted to TikTok in 2022, content creator @itsnickholiday observed: ‘They get exercise, they get sunshine and pretty much enjoy a beautiful life.’
Another TikTok user, @geiamendozaaa, posted a video from her trip to Bern, in which she met with a local who offered to accompany her on her first swim, adding that the activity was like ‘free therapy.’
Getting into the river is relatively straightforward, as swimmers can choose any spot along the Aare, or set out from one of the riverside swimming pools.
Designated entry and exit points are marked with a red pole, or with steps, ladders and ramps to help swimmers climb out.
Before slipping into swimwear, clothes and belongings are put into one of the most popular accessories for locals in Bern and Basel: a Wickelfisch waterproof bag.
The swim bag, which originates from Basel and resembles a colourful fish, is wrapped seven times to ensure all personal belongings remain dry while swimming, before it’s held onto by swimmers as it floats along the river.
Although some parts of the Aare are safe for beginner swimmers, the activity is generally recommended for experienced swimmers only, according to Bern Welcome.
Before slipping into swimwear, clothes and belongings are put into one of the most popular accessories for locals in Bern and Basel: a Wickelfisch waterproof bag (pictured)
TikToker @geiamendozaaa posted a video from her trip to Bern, in which she met with a local who offered to accompany her on her first swim, adding that the activity was like ‘free therapy’
Although some parts of the Aare are safe for beginner swimmers, the activity is generally recommended for experienced swimmers only
DJ and producer Diplo took to TikTok in 2024, sharing a viral video that saw him floating down the Swiss river to get a taste of ‘local’ culture
Many people were left awestruck on TikTok, with many commenting on the relaxed atmosphere, as well as the river’s clear waters
Swimmers are also advised to allow their body to adjust to the Aare’s cool temperature by lightly dousing themselves with water before getting into the river.
In recent years, the river commute has become a must-do activity for tourists, with thousands of visitors documenting their swim in videos posted to social media.
DJ and producer Diplo took to TikTok in 2024, sharing a viral video that saw him floating down the Swiss river to get a taste of ‘local’ culture.
Over 4000 viewers were left awestruck, with many commenting on the relaxed atmosphere among the swimmers, as well as the river’s clear waters.
One person wrote, ‘Best rush hour commute I’ve seen,’ while another said, ‘I’m so jealous! That would be the most relaxing way to and from work!’
A third wrote: ‘Why do all the other countries have cooler ways to live – I’m jealous over here in the US.’
