Skip to main content.
Bern Welcome Logo

Sport & Outdoor

The city of Bern is ideal for sports enthusiasts. There is a wide variety of activities ranging from indoor tennis courts to modern fitness centers and free outdoor swimming pools. If you cannot find enough information in your language, we will be happy to assist you further.

E-Bike Newsletter

Bern, the gateway to the Alps

Whether it’s hiking in the Emmental valley, cycling in Oberaargau, or cross-country skiing in Gantrisch, you can leave the city and reach pristine nature very quickly. Bern and its regions offer countless options for sport and outdoor fans.

Outdoor in the city

Do you want to go out and get some fresh air? You do not have to go far, as the city of Bern has more than 100 public parks. Find an overview of the numerous green spaces and playgrounds in your neighbourhood here.

In the well-tended park of the Rose Garden in Bern, a person jogs along the curved path, surrounded by carefully trimmed hedges and mature trees. The tranquil atmosphere is emphasised by the gentle splashing of the nearby fountain and the soft rustling of the leaves. A peaceful retreat in the centre of the city.
Rose Garden Park Summer
© Bern Welcome

Snowsports in Switzerland

There are over 250 ski resorts in Switzerland, which are ideal for snowboarding, skiing, cross-country skiing and sledging. Most of them are easily accessible by public transport, and equipment can almost always be rented near the valley station before you head up the mountain.

The picture shows a snow-covered log cabin in the foreground, with the imposing, sunlit peaks of the Gantrisch mountains in the background. The peaceful scene radiates tranquillity and the stillness of a fresh winter landscape.
Winter landscape Gantrisch Nature Park
© Schweiz Tourismus

Make sure you find out about the level of difficulty of the hiking trails before setting off on a tour and be well equipped!

SAC: Grading systems

Hiking in Switzerland

Whether long walks in the hilly landscapes of the Emmental or dizzying hiking tours in the Alps: Switzerland's hiking paradise leaves nothing to be desired.

In the early evening hours, a viewing tower rises up on the Frienisberg long-distance viewing route, surrounded by a forest over which the sun sets gently, creating an atmosphere of peace and wonder.
Frienisberg long-distance route
© Bern Welcome

Bicycle / e-bike

Bern is a place where cycling is more than just a means of transport - it is part of the lifestyle! Do as the locals do and start pedalling - fresh air and the best views included.

Road cyclists climb a hill on a route near Lueg, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Emmental. The effort and ambition are reflected in their posture, while the clear air and panorama promise strength and relaxation.
Emmental racing bike route Lueg
© Emmental Tourismus

Useful links

Sports events in Bern

Matches of the Bernese Young Boys or the ice hockey club SC Bern with the largest fan club in Europe, famous races such as the Grand Prix of Bern or the Women's Run: Bern is a city of sport and the events are registered with the respective clubs, the Bern Sports Office or in the events calendar.

The photo shows runners taking part in the Grand Prix of Bern, running along a street lined with spectators and Swiss flags with the famous Zytglogge in the background.
Grand Prix Bern
© Grand Prix Bern

Swimming in the Aare - beware!

In which other city can you combine cooling off with sightseeing? But beware! Only very experienced swimmers should swim in the Aare. Be sure to observe the safety rules.

A group of four friends carry their rubber dinghy out of the clear waters of the Aare together. Their summer clothes and life jackets, the laughter and the pleasant tiredness after a day on the river paint a picture full of friendship and leisure fun in the beautiful river landscape.
Aare-Böötle Bern exit
© Bern Welcome

Typical Bernese activities

Eine Familie erlebt einen Moment des Staunens und der Freude unter blühenden Kirschbäumen, mit einem Blick auf das historische Bern im Hintergrund.

Family & Education

What can be done with children in bad weather? KITA or day school – what is the difference? What are the advantages and disadvantages of local or international schools? Where are German courses offered?