The city of Bern and the Aare River in Switzerland. Picture: Unsplash
As a country that ranks ninth in the 2024 World Happiness Rankings, Switzerland residents have come up with a fun way to get home after a hard day of labour, especially during the summer months.
According to a video posted by @tripioapp on social media platform, TikTok, residents of Bern, Switzerland, move around the city by using the river’s current to their advantage and float down the Aare River to reach their homes.
@tripioapp This is the best way to get home from work 🤩 #switzerland #swizterland🇨🇭 #swiss #swisstiktoker #amazing #beautiful #river #work #explore #swiss🇨🇭 #aare #bern #usa #usatiktok #usa_tiktok🇺🇸 #usa🇺🇸 ♬ Live Your Life - T.I.
The Aare River is the main tributary of the High Rhine.
So how do these residents go about this? Well, according to the travel app, after clocking out, these Swiss grab their waterproof bags, hop into the river and let the current carry them through the city.
“The Aare’s clean, refreshing waters make this an especially enjoyable and relaxing commute during the warm winter months. It’s like having a built-in lazy river ride as part of your daily routine,” said Tripioapp.
This mode of transport has left some netizens in disbelief while some were eager to try out this way of life.
Commenting on the video, @randymurphy968, said: “Looks like I’m moving to Bern Switzerland then.”
Another user, @wei__qi_, said: “What happens if they miss their ‘exit’?😅.”
@d3mon1c666 joked: “in America there would be water police giving tickets for speeding and tailgating!!!.”
Whilst @mindrush83 said: “Yes it is, in summer the river can get up to 21 degrees its very refreshing! everybody in bern is swimming the river.”