Inside a European hotel where staff swim to work—and guests can too

Some people walk to work, while others use cars, buses, trains, or bikes. However, in a unique part of the world, there's an unconventional but enjoyable way to commute. In Bern, Switzerland, there’s an alternative: swimming.

For many employees at the Hotel Schweizerhof in Switzerland's capital city, the preferred method of transport is to put on swimwear and dive into the Aare River. This allows them to be carried through the city by the current, making their way home in a fun and relaxing manner.

Isabel Duda, the hotel's marketing and communications manager, describes this as a real novelty. Originally from Stuttgart, Germany, she has been working in Bern for a year. This summer was her first experience with the unique commuter approach. She says she would walk just five or 10 minutes from the hotel to the riverbank and then swim the rest of the way home.

Isabel explains:
"I swim home from work because the river flows in one direction."

"Swimming in the area is a local tradition during the summer months. On warm mornings, you’ll see people walking along the river with a little dry bag where you can put all your belongings to stay dry—your clothing, your work essentials, even your laptop. I’ve done that too. You just jump into the river and float downstream where the water takes you. I swim all the way home."

While this is only an option during the summer months, Isabel notes that it is a very popular activity. For her, the journey can take just 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the route she chooses. The hotel also offers guides and lifeguards for guests who are interested in experiencing what the locals do.

Isabel adds:
"Lots of my colleagues do the same thing. If they’re not swimming to or from work, they still just jump into the river and float down. In some parts, you end up in a pool area where you can hang out, read a book, or meet friends."

"You can have a nice after-work get-together there. There are some popup restaurants and bars where you can have a drink."

Of course, being able to swim well is essential. However, Isabel says that if you hold on to your dry bag, you should be able to simply float along the river and reach your destination.

The appeal of this practice isn't limited to locals looking to enjoy the weather or commute to work. Isabel mentions that both locals and tourists participate in this activity. Bern is a pleasant place to stay, and this unique experience draws many visitors who want to try it.

She explains:
"From our guests, they often ask for this. We have our own dry bags which we give out to guests, and they are fascinated by these Bernese rituals and love to try it during their stay. This is just a local experience you don’t get to see very often. It’s a nice way to capture the spirit of Bern. Bernese people are really relaxed, they’re close to nature, this gives you a really good impression of living in the city."

Isabel adds:
"I’ve never seen anything like this anywhere else. That’s why I think it’s a really great way to experience the city and Bernese culture."

Isabel advises asking locals for guidance if it's your first time trying this. She emphasizes the importance of safety:
"It’s not worth underestimating the safety risks—you must be able to swim really well. I think there are some accidents each year during summer, probably from tourists who aren’t used to it."

She continues:
"You should ask locals how to do it; they are super nice and really open-minded people. When I first jumped into the river, I also asked—how should I close the bag, where do I get in and out, just to make sure you’re safe in the river."

In a city known for its love of nature, activity, and the outdoors, river swimming embodies what Bern stands for.

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