Marzili

Orientation

Marzili occupies the south side of central Bern, where the ground drops from the federal quarter to the River Aare. The neighbourhood is both a residential district and the setting for Freibad Marzili, the large public lido directly beneath the Federal Palace.

The river is the point of the place. The lido combines pools, lawns and marked access to the Aare, so it works equally well for a pool swim, a riverside break or a walk along the bank.

The lido and riverbank

Freibad Marzili has a 50-metre pool, non-swimmer and children’s pools, a diving pool, playground, beach-volleyball court and broad lawns. Entry is free; lockers and changing facilities are available for a charge. The site is step-free in key areas and has accessible toilets and a pool lift.

The Aare-side sections are what distinguish Marzili from a conventional outdoor pool. Steps and handrails provide access at designated points, while the lawns look up to the Federal Palace. The Bueberseeli and Aare swimming channel offer a more contained way to experience river water.

Aare swimming: take it seriously

The classic local route starts upstream at Eichholz and runs downstream to Marzili. This is not a casual float: the Aare has a strong current, and river swimming is intended for capable swimmers only.

Before entering, establish the day’s water conditions and locate the marked exit. Obey all river signs and leave the water well before the Dalmazi Bridge. Do not assume that an open lido means every stretch of river is safe; high water, works and seasonal conditions can close access or prohibit swimming.

Getting down and around

From Bern station, it is about a ten-minute walk to the lido. The Marzilibahn funicular links the riverside with the higher city centre and is the efficient return route after time by the water. Walking down from the Federal Palace is steep but direct.

Within Marzili, use the riverside path for the flattest route. Bike parking is available at the lido; car parking nearby is limited and paid. The district’s compact scale makes it easy to combine the riverbank with the old town above.

Season and access

The outdoor-pool season generally runs from late spring into September; the park grounds also have winter opening hours. A multi-year renovation is underway through 2029, with work scheduled largely outside the summer season. Individual entrances, facilities and parts of the grounds can therefore change.

For a quieter visit, come outside peak summer afternoons and use Marzili as a riverside park rather than solely as a swimming stop.