10 Bern highlights in October

Colourful costumes and fantastical characters as far as the eye can see: on the first weekend in October, fans of gaming and nerd culture come together at Herofest. The Bernexpo site is transformed into a virtual-world paradise and offers a varied programme: concerts, shows, cosplay competitions and more on over 22,000 square metres – prepare to be amazed! This year’s highlight is the new “Hero Midgard” medieval market, where you can dive into a fascinating world of knights, magic and traditional craftsmanship. Looking for a special souvenir to take home? Unique fan merchandise is more popular than ever and waiting to be discovered at Herofest.

Bern is not just a great place to go sightseeing in the historic, UNESCO-listed old town – it also offers picturesque cycling routes. The most scenic ones take you past lush green meadows and through golden forests, offering stunning views of the vibrant autumn landscape in all its glory. Historic castles, rustic farms and natural moorlands wait to be discovered along the way on challenging adventures away from busy roads. The circular routes start and finish just outside the city of Bern, close to larger towns that are connected to the region’s excellent public transport network. Hop on your gravel bike and discover the most beautiful routes in Bern!

Ready for a sporting challenge in Switzerland’s federal city? The second Megamarsch takes place in Bern on 4 October. It takes some 70,000 steps to reach its finish line, with 50 kilometres and 510 metres in altitude needing to be covered within twelve hours. Some might think that only “Spinncheibä” (crazy people) participate, but the fact that tickets are already almost sold out speaks for itself. The march begins in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town and then takes the over one thousand participants through the suburbs, followed by sections in the autumnal countryside before ending in the federal city. All finishers receive a medal and are officially inducted into the event’s Hall of Fame.

This fun-filled activity is great for the entire family. Surrounded by lush meadows, the red people-powered railbike moves almost silently through the beautiful Sense valley. The route follows a disused railway line from Laupen to the Witteberg leisure centre, where you’ll arrive after 4.5 kilometres and about thirty minutes. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a falcon or a deer along the way! Once you’re at the leisure centre, the fun continues with different skill-testing activities for all ages. The return to Laupen by rail bike can begin on the half hour. We recommend ending the day in Laupen with a walk along the Sense river or a visit to the imposing Laupen Castle in the historic “Stedtli” (town).

Who doesn’t like Swiss cheese? On the first weekend in October, the Huttwil Cheese Market celebrates the popular speciality in all its shapes and forms. From mild and creamy to aged and intense, there is something to suit every taste. A stroll through the alleyways and past the market stalls will take you straight to cheese heaven. Visitors get to enjoy both the delicious specialities and the market’s extensive complementary programme, which includes festival catering and traditional folk music. “Gluschtig” (tempted)? Off to Huttwi!

For the 36^th time, this marathon takes its participants up or past the Napf. The race in the heart of the Emmental is full of ups and downs – both literally and figuratively. At the end of every hard-earned ascent, runners are rewarded with a panoramic view of the autumn landscape. With categories including the classic 42-kilometre run, the 20-kilometre mountain run and the scenic 20-kilometre Nordic walking route, there’s something for everyone. While the mountain runners finish on the Napf and are free to enjoy the view of the colourful surroundings, the marathon runners are only halfway – unless they get lost in the breathtaking panorama and stay on the summit instead of continuing, that is.

Ring in the golden season with some liquid gold: on 18 October, everything revolves around beer. 660 beer buffs, equipped with beer mugs and a route plan, stroll through the city and visit seven local breweries. As is to be expected, the “Brauereispaziergang” (literally: “brewery walk”) is highly popular – so popular, in fact, that tickets have been sold out for months. But all is not lost! Book a spot on the Bernese Beer Tour instead, a guided tour that takes you on a journey through the world of beer. At four locations, participants learn interesting facts and anecdotes and enjoy professional beer tasting.

A sandstone façade bursting with colour, amazed audiences, magnificent images and new worlds: every year in autumn, the audiovisual spectacular “Rendez-vous Bundesplatz” transforms the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) into a giant screen. From 18 October to 22 November, the new programme “Voyage” will take visitors on a journey around the world to the most famous sights, from the Bundeshaus in Bern to the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Statue of Liberty in New York. This year and for the first time ever, the show will be accompanied by live music and singing. And if you’re craving more sightseeing after the half-hour show, why not take an evening stroll through the UNESCO-listed old town to see its many sights?

What is visible from afar and matches its autumnal surroundings perfectly? It’s the shiny gold elephant on the roof of Bern’s Natural History Museum! And there’s no time like the present to visit it. The museum’s new permanent exhibition, opening on 24 October, takes visitors on an exciting journey through Earth’s history. Its focus lies on one of the greatest challenges of our time: human-induced climate change. On 630 square metres, the exhibition provides insight into the current causes of global warming and shows how we can counteract it. To mark the occasion, the museum is hosting a grand opening party on 26 October.

It’s “Wildteller” season! This traditional game dish, only available in autumn, is a glorious combination of venison stew, red cabbage, chestnuts and Spätzli pasta. As the days get shorter and the first mist begins to roll in, a visit to a restaurant is a great way to spend an evening in Bern. Fragrant, velvety pumpkin soup followed by local venison with homemade Spätzli and Vermicelles (chestnut speciality) with fresh whipped cream for dessert – who could resist? To ensure that everyone can enjoy a “feins Znacht” (tasty supper), many restaurants also serve a meat-free Wildteller. Trying to find the perfect place for this autumn treat? Here are our restaurant recommendations.