9 Bernese highlights in January

You’re visiting Bern, the capital of beer, but have pledged to stay dry in January? Luckily, the Museumsbier series doesn’t begin until the end of the month and lasts until March. Every Thursday evening during those weeks, Bern’s museums will be offering the perfect opportunity to quench your thirst both for knowledge and for the famous hop-based beverage. A “Fübi” (after-work beer) in hand, participants can enjoy a leisurely museum experience with real added value. How about learning about exotic plants in the Botanical Garden? Taking part in a pub quiz at the Bernisches Historisches Museum? Or exploring the exhibition at the ALPS while savouring Greenlandic Qajak beer? Admission to the exhibitions is a “Füfliber” (5 francs) which is added to the purchasing price of your first beer. Museums and beers? It’s a match made in heaven. Cheers!

Since we’re already talking about museums: a visit to Creaviva at the Zentrum Paul Klee (ZPK) is perfect for families looking to watch their spending after the costly festive season. The interactive children’s exhibitions there are designed as child-friendly versions of the respective ongoing exhibitions. They are free of charge and provide an excellent introduction to the world of art and design. As the ZPK is currently featuring Anni Albers, the focus at Creaviva is on weaving. And if the colours, shapes, and materials of the exhibitions inspire the children, they can express their creativity in the “Fünfliber-Werkstatt”: for just five Swiss francs, children aged four and over can create their own artwork using a wide range of materials and supplies.

Digital detox and mindfulness are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. And where better to practice them than in one of Bern’s wellness hotels? Forget all about to do lists and housework and focus on relaxing and pampering yourself. If you enjoy the great outdoors, we recommend an overnight stay at the Berghaus Schwefelberg in the Gantrisch Nature Park. There is usually no mobile phone reception – perfect for your digital detox. Instead, you can relax in the sauna or hot tub. If you prefer something more urban and sophisticated, the Schweizerhof Hotel in the centre of Bern could be just what you’re looking for. To enjoy the in-house fitness and wellness facilities even more, why not extend your stay with the “3 for 2” offer which allows you to enjoy three nights for the price of two.

If you’re looking to start the new year with a bang, we encourage you to take on a challenge on the Gurnigel Pass: the Gantrisch Loppet, now in its fourth year, is inviting you to experience the beauty and the thrill of cross-country skiing. On 25 January, enthusiasts of all ages will compete on perfectly groomed trails against a (hopefully) snowy backdrop. The event offers something for everyone: the challenging 20-kilometre Hauptloppet (main Loppet), the short Loppet, which is just under 10 kilometres long, and trails for the youngest participants. While the Gantrisch Loppet is clearly all about a shared passion for the sport, there might be a competitive air to it this year: for the first time, the Hauptloppet will be part of the official Swiss Loppet series, the largest cross-country skiing event in the country. Participating athletes will automatically collect points toward the overall series ranking.

Attention, all friends of Bern, history enthusiasts and building block fans! The Zytglogge (Clock Tower), landmark of Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town, is now available as a building block model in our shop and at the tourist information office at Bern railway station. With a little patience, you can create a 60-centimetre replica of the attraction brick by brick. Assembling the 1,535 pieces is the perfect way to spend some me time and forget about the hectic world around you. Incidentally, not only the subject represents Bern, the production does, too: the model was developed in the local area, and the individual parts were packaged here as well.

New year, new cafés to try! The melodiously named Amavi café y más has recently opened on Thunstrasse, within walking distance of the Museum Quarter. It’s the perfect spot if you’re thinking about taking part in Veganuary. Its cuisine is primarily vegan, with the exception of eggs. Those do, however, come from a farm where the hens are allowed to lay eggs at their own pace. On offer at Amavi are varying lunch menus, which can be enjoyed on site or taken away, as well as other delicious dishes. Beverages include classics like espresso and cappuccino, but our insider tip is their homemade horchata, a traditional Mexican drink made from crushed nuts. It goes perfectly with Amavi’s tasty toasts.

Once we’ve awaken from our holidays-induced food coma, we crave fresh air and a bit of exercise. A walk around the highest point in eastern Oberaargau is an excellent way to get some of both. Step into an idyllic landscape of rolling hills, rustic farmhouses, and rural villages on your way to the Hochwacht observation tower in Reisiswil. From the 20-metre-high construction, you can see the Napf region, the Aare Valley, the Jura Mountains and the Alps. It is also a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset, creating a wonderfully romantic mood. But this place not only offers fantastic views, it also has an exciting past. Find out more about the tower’s history and experience the special atmosphere on your visit to Hochwacht.

If you’re doing Veganuary, you’ll have to skip this one – vegan-friendly it most definitely is not. January’s frosty temperatures make it the perfect time to enjoy Bern’s hearty culinary specialities, such as the famous “Bärner Platte” (Bernese meat platter). If you prefer to eat at home to save money, you can prepare it yourself using the Kornhauskeller’s recipe. Tie your apron, pots and pans at the ready! Then invite a few of your favourite people over and you’ve got the perfect laid-back Bernese evening. And why not try the dish at a restaurant to see how your version holds up compared to the pros? The Kornhauskeller and Della Casa make a particularly delicious “Bärner Platte”.

The traditional menu for your Bernese dinner party is set, but you’re still looking for the right entertainment? We recommend browsing our shop. If you enjoy games, you’ll find a wonderful selection of card and board games by Bärndütsch, a games manufacturer based in Bern. We can’t get enough of their Snakes and Ladders at the moment: their version of this classic board game takes players through Bern’s old town. Row down the Aare river, catch the “Nüni-Tram” (tram number 9) across the Kornhaus bridge, and climb the steps of the Bern Minster on your way to square 100. And don’t forget to put on the playlist “Z Bärn daheim” for perfectly themed background music!