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Winter in Bern
We all know the feeling: in the first season of the year, the urge to broaden our horizons, to finally do things we’ve always wanted to do and to experience something new is palpable. Luckily, the city and region of Bern wear many winter coats. Take a look at all there is to do.
Outdoor winter activities
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear “winter”? A magical, snow-covered winter wonderland. And how can you enjoy that to the fullest? With one of the many outdoor activities in the region of Bern. But the cosy alleyways in the city of Bern are also not without wintry charm. From the bustling city life to sporting excursions and calming views – winter in and around Bern has so much to offer.
Cross-country skiing
Not a fan of queuing at the ski lift but eager to get moving in the snow? Then the numerous cross-country skiing trails in the region of Bern are just the thing for you. Whether you’re a beginner or the next Dario Cologna or Nadine Fähndrich, there’s a suitable trail for everybody in the Nature Park Gantrisch, the Emmental or the Oberaargau. And do you want to know the best thing about cross-country skiing? The meditative movements give you enough time to take in the breathtaking mountain scenery. And if you need a break in between, you’re sure to find a chalet with a warm soup or a bench with a view to catch your breath.
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Snowshoe hiking
A snowshoe hike is ideal if you want to enjoy the magical romance of winter in peace. Put on your snowshoes and immediately immerse yourself in the winter landscapes around Bern. Snow-covered fir trees, untouched snowy ridges and captivating views are waiting for you just an hour or so outside of the capital. We know where the most beautiful tours are and have compiled a highlight list for solo travellers or groups. And can you think of anything better than a tasty fondue in a cosy chalet after your excursion?
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A winter walk with a view
Sunshine is somewhat scarce in winter. We recommend going on one of the many winter walks in and around Bern to top up your vitamin D levels. If you venture outside of the villages and towns to stretch your legs in the enchanting winter landscapes, you will quickly reach hidden vantage points with breathtaking views. And here’s an insider tip if you need a change of pace after walking uphill: on some of these walks, you can ride a sledge to get back home – now, isn’t that twice the fun?
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City Tour
The “Spooky Bern” city tour is a hair-raising stroll through Bern’s underworld and ghost stories. After all, the medieval streets in Bern’s old town are fertile ground for scary stories and grisly secrets. Encounters with witches, mysterious dark figures and forever banished spirits await you. The walk leads past the locations of terrible crimes, the street corners and narrow alleys silent witnesses to gruesome events and mysterious legends. The tour expertly combines myths and horror stories with historical occurrences, surely sending a shiver down many people’s backs.
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Indoor winter activities
Winter days can be dark, cold and wet – but that’s no reason to be gloomy. There are plenty of ways to forget about the bad weather in the city and region of Bern. How about a lavish brunch or a shopping spree under the weather-protected arcades in Bern’s Unesco-listed old town?
Wellness and Spa
According to the bank Zürcher Kantonalbank, Bern is the most tranquil of Switzerland’s larger cities. We are celebrating Bern’s laid-back way of life by starting into the new year with indulgent relaxation. And when it comes to spa experiences, you’ll be spoiled for choice: whether a traditional oriental bath ritual in the hammam, Switzerland’s largest natural saltwater bath in Schönbühl, or an action-packed day in the Bernaqua Water Park – Bern has everything you could wish for and more.
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Fondue Fun in Bern: Tips for the city and the region
Is there anything cosier on a cold winter evening than enjoying a fondue with friends and family? The restaurants in the city and region of Bern are inviting you to do just that. If you’re looking for a bit of mountain romance in the city, we recommend a visit to the pretty mountain gondolas in front of the Lötschberg restaurant. If you’re leaning more towards the adventurous side, you can experience a full moon fondue on the Gurten or try the vegan version at Jul in the Rathausgasse. If you want to enjoy some spectacular scenery or fairytale winter landscapes, you can eat a fondue on the Stockhorn or in the Kemmeriboden Bad.
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Brunch
There’s nothing better than getting comfortable over brunch when it’s cold and wet outside. And boy, are you spoilt for choice when it comes to hearty breakfasts in the city or region of Bern: How about a restaurant under the arcades? Or maybe a visit to a cosy farmhouse in the Nature Park Gantrisch? Or would you prefer the vegetarian and partly vegan offerings at the Kulturschür on the Gurten? Want our opinion? We particularly enjoy the cosy atmosphere at the “Buurezmorge” (farmer’s breakfast) in the Burgunderbar.
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Staying overnight
A glamorous suite in the heart of Bern’s old town, a stylish accommodation in a trendy neighbourhood or a romantic igloo in the snowy Emmental: after an active start to the year, it’s time to take a break and treat yourself to a time-out in Bern or its surroundings. Bring your partner, your friends or even your family – children sometimes stay overnight for free.
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