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Autumn in Bern
Falling for fall: In the autumn weather, you’ll see the colourful leaves on the trees dancing more wildly than newlyweds in a wedding snapshot. Here’s what Bern has to offer in the season of vibrant colours and golden light.
Outdoor Activities
Autumn in Bern lures us outside with its captivating variety of colours and activities, be it a walk or hike among the autumnal trees with a view of the Bernese Alps, “Velööle” (riding your bike) in pleasant autumn temperatures, or a gripping guided city tour. But Bern’s autumn is not only colourful, it’s also as dark as the night – welcome to “Dark Sky Autumn”.
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Walking
Be it running shoes, trekking sandals or hiking boots: Bern has the right nature exploration route for every type of footwear and fitness level. The region boasts first-class views of the Bernese Alps and the famous mountain trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Be it a leisurely stroll along the water in the Oberaargau region or a hike through the rolling hills of the Emmental valley – with vibrant autumn colours as a backdrop, any excursion will be picture perfect.
A sea of colours: in autumn, the forests in and around Bern are splendid. MySwitzerland’s foliage map shows where and when you can expect the trees to be at their most colourful.
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Dark Sky Autumn
The Gantrisch Nature Park is the first area in Switzerland to be awarded the “International Dark Sky Park” label, which recognises the park’s commitment to protecting the darkness of the night. A particularly dark nature park not only makes it easier to admire the impressive starry night sky, a low level of light pollution is also vital for the survival of many nocturnal animals. This is the focus of the Gantrisch Nature Park until mid-November. In addition to events to raise awareness of the harmful effects of light pollution, there is also a varied programme for visitors of all ages, such as guided night excursions. No need to pack a flashlight, though – all you need are your ears.
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Cycling in Autumn
A great way to discover the Bern region: hop on a bike! We want to explore all of the ten highlight routes and their local features, from Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town to a classic-film backdrop. The best thing about a bike tour, be it on an e-bike, gravel bike, road bike or even a mountain bike? The feeling of the gentle autumn breeze in your hair – or, even better, as swift tailwind.
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Guided City Tours
From Bernese landmarks like the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and the Bern Minster to the city’s hidden gems: our guided tours are as diverse as Bern itself. The themed walks through Bern’s streets and alleyways are filled with anecdotes and insider knowledge, and even supposed Bern experts will learn new information and fun facts about our favourite city.
“E Ligu Lehm” – the Matte Neighbourhood”
“Tunz mer e Ligu Lehm” – that’s how you ask for a slice of bread in Bern’s Matte neighbourhood. The expression is not in the melodic Bernese dialect, but in a sociolect called “Matteänglisch” (Matte English). The fascinating tour “"E Ligu Lehm – the Matte Neighbourhood” revolves around the unique speak and wicked past of Bern’s oldest neighbourhood. In the past, the Matte on the banks of the Aare River was a hub for merchants and home to the working class. Today, you’ll find many small businesses from flower shops to architects’ offices to restaurants. Find out how this change took place and learn about many other aspects of life in the Matte neighbourhood on this entertaining guided tour.
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Interested in getting to know another Zähringen town? Join a guided tour of Burgdorf’s old town! There are public tours every Saturday until October.
Events
Looking for more inspiration? There are many more events in Bern this autumn. Take a look at our event calendar.
Indoor Activities
Let’s be honest, autumn weather is not just gentle breezes and golden rays of sunlight. There are also days of absolute “Huduwätter” (terrible weather). But that won’t keep us from having a good time! Because in Bern, there are so many fun indoor activities to pass the time on a rainy day, be it alone, with a group of friends, or with your family. Bye bye, boredom!
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Culture
Bern loves anything to do with culture. And which season is better suited for a visit to the museum, seeing a play, or going to a concert than autumn? The city’s cultural institutions will leave you spoilt for choice. But culture doesn’t just exist within museum walls. Why not go and see one of the traditional Alpabzüge, when the farmers bring their cows, decorated with bells and flowers, back after spending the summer on an Alp.
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Indoor Activities
It’s raining cats and dogs? No reason to stay at home! Be it a trip to one of the city’s characteristic vaulted cellars or a family excursion to Switzerland’s largest indoor playground – check out our recommendations for hours and hours of indoor fun! And even if you’re working, you’re not forced to hole up alone at home or in the office: Bern offers a wide range of co-working spaces for inspiring dialogue and a relaxed atmosphere.
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Shopping
Browsing for gifts in the charming “Lädeli” (small shops) in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town or thrifting in our favourite “Brockis” (thrift shops) – shopping in Bern is fun! And the best thing about it: thanks to the 6 kilometres of arcades, shoppers are protected come rain or come shine.
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Culinary Delights
Fragrant, velvety pumpkin soup, local venison with red cabbage and homemade Spätzli pasta, and a typical Vermicelles with fresh whipped cream for dessert – if your mouth is watering, you need to go out for some autumn treats in Bern.
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Game Day
Autumn is game season. In our opinion, the time of the glorious venison stew, red cabbage and Spätzli pasta combo, traditionally called a “Wildteller”, or game dish, is way too short. Here are our restaurant tips so that you don’t have to waste those precious days searching for places with a good game menu. By the way: Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on seasonal treats – some restaurants serve tasty meatless options!
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Beer Capital
A glance at the drinks menus will quickly reveal that wine is very popular in autumn. But what would Oktoberfest season be without beer in all its variety? And where better to find a good brew or two than in the beer capital itself! Craft beer and Bern truly go together like hops and malt.
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Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly room in a cozy Emmental hotel, a glamorous suite in the heart of Bern’s Old City, or a stylish accommodation in a trendy neighbourhood: Bern offers everything your heart desires.
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Did you know? If you spend the night in Bern, you receive a Bern Ticket, which allows you to use public transport for free in the city of Bern – including the Gurten and Marzili funiculars and the Matte elevator!
