Thun or Uttigen? Why starting in Uttigen is smarter for the Aare boat trip experience
TL;DR: Thun or Uttigen? The facts check
Safety: An entry point in Uttigen is located below the dangerous Uttigen threshold. Ideal for families and groups who want to avoid the weir.
Logistics: Our base at Uttigen station offers 70 parking spaces (CHF 5 per day) and direct connections to the S1 (Bern–Thun).
Time: The journey from Uttigen takes approx. 3 to 4 hours (20 km) to Bern-Eichholz.
Experience: aareböötle.com has been the original pioneer since 2007 with an exclusive Aaretubing offer.
When you think of a rubber dinghy trip to Bern, Thun (Schwäbis) usually immediately springs to mind as the starting point. But while Thun is the best-known name, Uttigen has long since established itself among connoisseurs, families, and safety-conscious individuals as the strategically better starting point.
As original pioneers on the Aare since 2007, we explain why boarding in Uttigen is not only more relaxed, but above all safer.
1. The "Uttigerschwelle": Safety first
The most important reason for starting in Uttigen is geographical: the notorious Uttigen weir. This weir between Thun and Uttigen is the most dangerous spot on the entire Aare route. Every year, accidents occur here when boats are maneuvered incorrectly.
The advantage with us: our base is located directly below the wave.
The result: you start your adventure on calm waters, without the stress of a dangerous weir looming over you. This is a decisive safety advantage, especially for groups with children or less experienced paddlers.
The Uttigen Wave. Every weekend, lots of boats capsize here! Why not start down in Uttigen?
2. Stress-free logistics: parking and travel
Those who start in Thun often struggle with full parking garages and long walks to the boarding point. In Uttigen, we focus on maximum convenience:
Right at the train station: Our rental station is located directly in the old waiting room at Uttigen train station. You get off the train (only 5 minutes from Thun, 20 minutes from Bern) and you're practically already in your boat.
Parking spaces on site: We have around 70 SBB parking spaces right next to the base for just CHF 5 per day. That's unbeatable along the entire route.
Uttigen train station – the smartest starting point for your Aare boat trip!
3. Less crowds, more nature
On sunny weekends, Thun-Schwäbis is often crowded and hectic when it comes to inflating and boarding. In Uttigen, things are much more relaxed. You have space for your safety briefing and can enjoy the 20 km trip to Bern (Eichholz) from the very first second, instead of standing in traffic at the launch site.
In the summer of 2025, there was a two-hour wait to launch your boat in Schwäbis. Is that really what you want? There's no waiting time in Uttigen because there's much more space!
4. Over 18 years of expertise
When we started in 2007 (then as aaretubing.ch and later aareschlauchboot.ch), we knew that the Aare needed a starting point that combined quality and safety. We found this place in Uttigen. With almost two decades of experience, we not only offer you the best equipment, but also the insider knowledge that will make your river trip unforgettable.
Conclusion: If you want the full Aare experience without the stress of the Uttigen weir and without parking problems, Uttigen is your starting point.
Ready for your Aare adventure? Click here to book inflatable boats, SUPs, and exclusive Aare tubing.
