Swiss Commuters Swim Home After Work
Bern and Basel, Switzerland – August 2024
In the Swiss capital of Bern and the city of Basel, locals are embracing a unique and refreshing way to commute between home and work by swimming in the rivers.
To beat the summer heat and avoid rush hour traffic, many Swiss have opted to swim home after work instead of using conventional modes of transportation.
In Bern, employees finish their workday, pack their belongings into waterproof bags, change into swimsuits, and let the gentle current of the Aare River carry them home.
“I only need about 30 seconds to walk from my office to the river,” says Evelyn Schneider-Reyes, a local resident. “I put all my clothes, shoes, wallet, and phone into a waterproof bag and then swim for about 15 minutes to get home.”
During the summer, Switzerland’s temperatures range from 18-28°C, with the Aare River’s water temperature fluctuating between 15-22°C. Red-painted entry and exit points are set up by city officials to help swimmers safely get in and out of the river.
In Basel, around 100 km north of Bern, locals also utilize the Rhine River’s flow to commute home. Authorities have even established riverbank bathhouses where people can shower and change clothes.
“Everyone has a fish-shaped waterproof bag for their belongings. Before and after work, adults, kids, and even dogs float along the Rhine River to get around,” describes Alexas, a travel blogger.
Videos of these river commutes in Switzerland have garnered millions of views on social media.
“It’s unbelievable. They use the river’s current to get home, enjoying exercise, relaxation, sunshine, and beautiful nature,” commented one viewer.
Local media caution that while the Aare and Rhine rivers are suitable for commuting, safety risks exist for inexperienced swimmers or those not adhering to safety measures, such as swimming while intoxicated.
“Swimming in the Aare River is a favorite summer activity for the capital’s residents, but serious incidents do occur,” warns Bern authorities.
“It’s important not to be too relaxed when drifting with the current. Understanding the flow and knowing safe entry and exit points is crucial,” advises Anna Baehni, who lives near the Aare River. On her first river swim, she was accompanied by experienced friends.
