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72 hours in Bern for nature lovers and active adventurers

If you’re looking for a challenge and outdoor excitement, Bern has plenty to offer. To experience the city’s full range of activities, follow our action-packed 72-hour itinerary.

Two cyclists on the Frienisberg long-distance route enjoy a ride through a scenic area, past lush meadows and with a view of the distant horizon, captured in a moment of peace and joy.

Day 1

Morning

Start your day relaxed and well prepared: A quick visit to the Tourist Information at Bern’s main station is well worthwhile to get the best tips for a perfect day out. Then, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Rösterei on Gurtengasse. Refreshed and ready for the day, take a scenic tram ride to the Gurten station, where your outdoor adventure begins. Whether it’s a hike up Bern’s local mountain or a trail run on the surrounding paths, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and unforgettable moments at the top.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water on the way – fill up your City Bottle Bern with fresh spring water. After all, Bern is the city of fountains.

Noon

Now it’s time to satisfy your hunger. The perfect place for a well-deserved lunch break is the Huusbüffe restaurant, high up in Gurten Park. With its stunning views over Switzerland’s federal city and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to unwind. If you’re feeling adventurous after lunch, go on another discovery tour – just follow your instincts.

A panoramic view over the city of Bern with the River Aare, framed by green hills. In the foreground, the Gurten railway ascends the slope while a Scottish Highland cow grazes peacefully in the meadow.
© Schweiz Tourismus

Afternoon

After an active morning on the Gurten, take the Gurten funicular for a relaxing ride back down to the valley station. If you’d rather keep moving, you can hike down in about 45 minutes and enjoy the natural surroundings. Back in the city, your next adventure awaits: Hire a bike and explore Bern on two wheels. This bike tour takes you past the city’s most famous landmarks: the impressive “Zytglogge” (Clock Tower), the majestic Minster, and finally, the charming Rose Garden. Once there, take a well-deserved break at the Rose Garden restaurant - sit back, relax, and take in the stunning views of Bern’s old town.

A thoughtful young man stands at an urban bike station in Bern, ready to explore the city on a PubliBike, enveloped in the calm atmosphere of a clear day.
Renting and Sharing Bikes
The Federal Palace in Bern is shown in the soft light of dusk, while fountains dance on the square in front of it, creating an atmospheric, peaceful scene.
Attractions
The picture shows an evening scene in the Rosengarten restaurant in Bern. The warm lights and the convivial get-together create a cosy and inviting atmosphere that invites you to linger in the evening.
Restaurant Rosengarten

Bike rental tip: With a PubliBike day pass, you can rent a bike or e-bike at any public station in Bern.

Evening

To end the day on a high note, we recommend a refined dinner and a nightcap. For sports enthusiasts and active nature lovers, the Lötschberg restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy regional specialities. After a hearty meal, take a digestive stroll through Bern’s beautifully illuminated old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander under the historic arcades and soak up the city’s charming atmosphere in the evening.

Stay the night in the Unique Hotel Innere Enge

Set in a spacious park, the four-star superior Unique Hotel Innere Enge combines tranquillity, culture and comfort. The internationally renowned jazz club “Marians” brings a touch of world-class flair, while the cosy hotel lobby invites guests to linger. On clear days, the view stretches all the way to the Bernese Alps – a panorama that touches the soul. The walk to the train station takes around 30 minutes, passing nature, city views and peaceful corners. In summer, guests can enjoy a round of mini-golf or a relaxing stroll through the park. Whether nature lovers or jazz enthusiasts – this is a place where unforgettable moments await.

Book your stay now
The picture shows the Unique Hotel Innere Enge in Bern, nestled in lush greenery with a breathtaking mountain backdrop that radiates a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.
© Unique Hotel Innere Enge
The photo shows a traditional half-timbered house under a blue sky, capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Unique Hotel Innere Enge.
© Unique Hotel Innere Enge
The picture shows a spacious, bright room at the Unique Hotel Innere Enge in Bern with exposed wooden beams and stylish furnishings that convey an atmosphere of comfort and traditional elegance.
© Unique Hotel Innere Enge
The picture shows the breakfast room of the Unique Hotel Innere Enge in Bern, furnished with a bright chandelier and colourful works of art, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere for a pleasant start to the day.
© Unique Hotel Innere Enge

Day 2

Morning

And, of course, a great day starts with a proper “Zmorge” (breakfast). Everyday the Coffeespot Ferdinand-Coffee serves up a delicious breakfast in a cosy setting, with a variety of savoury and sweet dishes.

Afternoon

Next up: a scenic bike ride through Bern’s breathtaking surroundings. Left your e-bike or bike at home? No worries: Bern has plenty of rental stations where you can grab one. Now it’s time to adjust your saddle, put on your sunglasses, and hit the road.

The fastest route is Bike Route No. 890: From Bern’s main station, take either the Aare Route 8 or Route 94 through Länggasse and into the idyllic Bremgarten Forest. After crossing the Kappelen bridge, the real highlight begins: the 890 Frienisberg Scenic Route. This breathtaking landscape has been named Landscape of the Year 2024 by the Swiss Foundation for Landscape Conservation. It’s the perfect way to soak up nature and see Bern’s surroundings from a whole new perspective.

All circular routes are clearly marked with official SwitzerlandMobility bike signposts and offer spectacular views of the Pre-Alps.

Two cyclists take a break at a signpost on the Frienisberg long-distance route, surrounded by lush greenery and an open landscape, in a moment of orientation and exchange.
© Bern Welcome

Evening

After an action-packed day, it’s time to unwind with a visit to Bern’s Botanical Gardens. Stroll through exotic plant worlds, relax in nature, and enjoy a few moments of peace – a nature lover’s dream.

Just a short walk away, the Restaurant du Nord awaits you with a delicious dinner in a cosy atmosphere. Here, you can reflect on the day’s adventures over good food and in good company. Feeling full? Take a leisurely evening stroll through the city before ending the night with a “Schlummi” (nightcap) at a bar, soaking up Bern’s laid-back evening atmosphere.

The photo shows two people taking a walk through the Botanical Gardens in Bern.
The Botanical Garden of the University of Bern
The photo shows a historic building with the sign "Café du Nord" in a wintry street scene, which conveys a sense of tradition and cosiness.
Restaurant Du Nord
The picture shows three women in a bar, laughing and clinking glasses in warm light. The relaxed and cheerful mood is infectious and invites you to join in the fun.
Our Top Bars in Bern’s Old City

Day 3

Morning

Kick off the morning with an outdoor yoga or fitness session – the perfect way to wake up your body and mind while breathing in the fresh Bernese air. Then, sit down for a well-earned breakfast at noy bar caffè. In a cosy atmosphere, coffee takes centre stage, with high-quality brews and creative lunch options - just the thing to start the day feeling refreshed and energised.

Afternoon

How about a relaxing riverside walk along the Aare? The gentle waves and soothing flow of the river provide the perfect setting to clear your mind and enjoy the fresh air. On hot summer days, you can add to the fun by taking a dip in the River Aare – a refreshing activity much loved by the locals. If the weather is cooler, try a hammam or a mobile sauna instead – a great way to recharge and warm up.

In summer, there’s a sweet way to round off your riverside walk: a delicious gelato from the Gelateria di Berna in the Marzili. Yes, the queue can be long but trust us: It’s worth the wait. These are our favourite gelato shops in Bern.

City tour “All about water”

If we’re still on the subject of water, we recommend booking the “All about water” tour. The curious will discover fascinating stories and insights into the history water in Bern. This tour also reveals hidden gems and offers a new perspective on the city.

Time to dive in
The picture shows a group of people taking part in a guided tour of the city. A guide with a shoulder bag labelled "Bern" is explaining something. In the background you can see Kramgasse with the Zytglogge (time bell). This is a guided tour of the city of Bern.
© Bern Welcome

Evening

Hearing all these facts about water is bound to make you thirsty. So, before a delicious dinner, why not have a “Zvieri-Kaffi” (an afternoon coffee break) at Café des Pyrénées? Fancy an aperitif first? Head to one of the charming bars in the old town for a refreshing drink. It’s the perfect way to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere one last time.

Feeling hungry? We recommend Mishio on Bärenplatz, where excellent Japanese cuisine meets breathtaking views of the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) - a picture-perfect end to the day.

The picture shows two people sitting at tables in front of a café called "Café des Pyrénées" in Bern. Between them are large planters. The exterior façade of the café is covered with an awning and clear screens. Decorative elements can be seen in the shop window. The person on the left is wearing a light-coloured hat and seems to be enjoying the weather, while the person on the right is looking at something on the table. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed.
Café des Pyrénées – “Pyri”
The picture shows the outdoor terrace of the Mishio Vatterland Bern restaurant, covered by a large awning. There are several wooden tables and benches. The terrace is decorated with plants and offers a view of a busy street with passing buses and pedestrians. It looks like a pleasant place to eat outside.
Restaurant Mishio Vatterland
Against the blue evening backdrop, the Federal Palace in Bern, framed by dancing fountains, offers a picture full of grandeur and peaceful elegance.
Parliament Building and Parliament Square
The picture shows the Wankdorf Stadium during a football match, with a lively atmosphere and filled with fans dressed in yellow and black, the colours of BSC Young Boys. It appears to be a home game as the fans hold banners with the club's name on them. The stands are well filled and the crowd looks engaged and enthusiastic, many with their arms raised, indicating a positive atmosphere in the stadium. Part of the pitch can be seen in the background, surrounded by the crowd, and an electronic scoreboard is visible above the stands. It is a daytime game as the stadium is brightly and naturally lit.

Looking for more active highlights?

Then it’s time for an unmissable football match: Soak up the thrilling atmosphere at the stadium and cheer on Bern's home team, the BSC Young Boys.