It's a great way to meet the locals and absorb Swiss culture, and all you have to do is take the plunge, preferably on a hot summer's day. Jumping into the River Aare is a favorite pastime with the inhabitants of Bern, Switzerland's unfeasibly quaint capital city. The best plan of attack is to leave your towel and clothes near the Marzili swimming pools that overlook the river, then walk or jog upstream. Don't worry if you work up a sweat on the path—you'll find the river's cooling waters all the more refreshing when you jump in. When you're in the water, simply relax and let the river do the work—the swiftly flowing currents will soon bring you back to your starting point.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Easy
When to go: MayOctober

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