[Anonymous]

6 June 2021 at 13:46:01 #825844

I’ll admit my family’s favorite part about Switzerland is swimming… in pools, lakes and rivers. Bellerive Pool in Ouchy is our favorite pool of all time, we’re so happy to see its open, and we plan to go everyday we’re in Lausanne, weather permitting. I can’t tell from the website though, are reservations required? And when tickets are purchased online, do they need to be printed or can I show from my phone? I’d like to wait to be sure our flight isn’t canceled before reserving at Bellerive but will take a chance and purchase if reservations are required. (Ps My daughters and I have dual citizenship with USA/ CH and my husband has a travel authorization from the embassy so if our flight isn’t canceled then we will be able to come).

This brings me to my second question: I havent been to Bern or Lucerne before. Would you recommend Bern or Lucerne for two nights in between Lausanne and Wengen (Zermatt, Brigerbad thermals and Kandersteg will come later in our trip)? I often hear people recommend Lucerne over Bern but we want to swim in the Aare which looks like so much fun in Bern and we are expert swimmers (except my husband who will be on the shore with our dog). Does that make Bern “worth it” in our case over Lucerne in order to experience swimming in the Aare?

Thank you!

Mélanie

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[SteelyD]

Reply 1 of 8 • 6 June 2021 at 18:50:08 #935111

I would make Bern a priority for Aare floating. An unusual and simple “magic experience” in my opinion. Plus Bern is a lovely city (beautiful old town) and has excellent rail connection for day trips.

[User]

Reply 2 of 8 • 6 June 2021 at 20:52:08 #935112

I was hoping that would be the answer about Bern, thank you!

[User]

Reply 3 of 8 • 7 June 2021 at 4:31:44 #935113

I would vote for Bern too. It’s charming with lots to see and in a beautiful setting, but much less crowded than Lucerne. Don’t miss the bear by the river! Yes, a real brown bear roaming about.

—-

Bernaqua

https://g.co/kgs/Er5nbE

You might like to spend a day at this humungus spa for adults a short tram ride from the city center. We happened to stay at the Holiday Inn there and had free access to the spa inside the mall. I know it’s out in the suburb but the spa was mind blowing. So many pools (walls of cool stainless steel) at different temperatures, long powerful, twisting, scary water slides, different types of thermal jet pools, peaceful saunas and steam rooms, etc. I’d never seen anything so humungus. Like an amusement park for adults.

[User]

Reply 4 of 8 • 7 June 2021 at 10:54:20 #935114

Thanks for the info! I looked it up and it does look fantastic and our teens can come too. Waterpark section is currently closed it says but I added it to my notes to check back in late July. Thank you!

[Anna]

Reply 5 of 8 • 7 June 2021 at 13:08:12 #935115

Hi Melanie,

Bellerive is quite popular with the locals, especially on a really warm day. Reservations are usually not required if you want to use only the pools. I would recommend getting the tickets online if you want to beat the queue. If you have the tickets on your phone, I think there is no need to print them out. There are two other public swimming pools in Lausanne — Montchoisi and Mon Repos (this is indoor).

Here’s the link to the Bellerive swimming pool where you can purchase the ticket online: http://www.lausanne.ch/vie-pratique/sport-pour-tous/installations-sportives/piscines-plein-air/piscine-de-bellerive

You can find more information about Lausanne here: http://www.myswissalps.com/lausanne

As for your second question, I think I would agree with Steely and Virgingorda that Bern would be the better option if you want to experience swimming in the Aare. Aside from Bernaqua, you should check out the Marzili Badi. On really warm days, you might see the locals jumping into the Aare like it’s a normal thing. In the summer, some people even go to work by swimming in the Aare.

Regards,

Anna

[User]

Reply 6 of 8 • 7 June 2021 at 13:29:46 #935116

Perfect, thank you!

I remember many days at Bellerive pools as a child and teen. My kids love it too so we will spend many days there for sure. Good idea, I’ll reserve online a few days ahead of time. I’ll look into the other pools you mentioned as well (but I purposely booked a hotel right by Bellerive pools 🙂

[User]

Reply 7 of 8 • 7 June 2021 at 13:38:20 #935117

We’re also excited for the public pool in Wengen and the thermals at Brigerbad! If you know of any other great places to swim (and even better a river or lake park that allows dogs) please let me know. It looks like Thun and Lake Brienz have options too. I remember seeing inflatables on Leman near Geneva on my last visit too. Does anyone know the name of that park?

[Anna]

Reply 8 of 8 • 7 June 2021 at 18:51:57 #935118

Hi Melanie,

In general most cities, towns and some smaller villages have their own indoor and outdoor pools. I usually use this website to look for info about swimming pools when I travel : http://www.badi-info.ch/. It’s mainly in German but you can easily use Google Translate 🙂

Here’s the link for information on swimming pools in the Geneva area: http://www.badi-info.ch/a/geneva-vernets.html

Hope that helps!

Anna