How do you get back from work? Do you walk, take the bus, or hop on a train? What if you could float down a river instead? It might sound like something out of a storybook, but in Bern, Switzerland, this is a legitimate and delightful commute for many.
Imagine after a long day at the office, instead of enduring the typical city chaos, you slip into the cool, refreshing waters of the Aare River and let the gentle current carry you home. It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But for many in Bern, this is just another day after office. The Aare, with its crystal-clear, glacial-melt waters, offers a unique and relaxing way to end the workday, making the journey home as enjoyable as the destination itself.
For Evelyn Schneider-Reyes, her office was just a stone's throw from the Aare. Instead of navigating rush hour, she donned her swimsuit, packed her belongings in a waterproof "wickelfisch" bag designed to float and plunged into the river. The 15-minute swim down to Lorrainebad became her routine, a serene transition from work mode to relaxation.
The Aare isn't just a river; it's a social space. Locals like Anna Baehni, who lives in Bern's medieval Old Town, often float down its waters several times a week during the summer. The experience transforms the typically reserved Bernese into a friendly, communal bunch. People shout greetings to friends and strangers alike, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie that’s rare in everyday city life.
This unique commuting style highlights a broader Swiss philosophy: why not combine utility with pleasure? The Aare serves as a natural, cooling escape from the summer heat, but it's also a reminder that the journey home can be as enjoyable as the destination. The Swiss have taken what could be a mundane part of daily life and turned it into a cherished ritual, one that rejuvenates both body and mind.
Lessons for Employees and HR Leaders ft. the Swiss Aqua Commute
It’s a call to rethink our own routines, to find small moments of joy and relaxation even in the most unexpected places. While not every city has a river like the Aare, the idea is to seek out ways to make our day to day more pleasant and less stressful. Whether it's through cycling, walking, or even just taking a moment to enjoy the scenery, there's a lot to be said for turning necessity into a form of relaxation.
In a world where the pace of life only seems to quicken, perhaps the Swiss have floated upon something truly valuable: a reminder to slow down, enjoy the ride, and maybe even crack open a cold beer along the way.
