Bern’s best fondue spots

“Come up, slow down” is the slogan of tourist destination Gstaad. But why go all the way up the mountains if you can relax just as deliciously in Bern’s Marzili neighbourhood? Enjoy a Swiss tradition and the Bernese way of life with a fondue at the foot of the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building). To still give you that alpine feeling, the restaurant Marzilibrücke sets up real cable cars from the ski resort near Gstaad during the winter months. A cable car seats four, larger groups of up to eight people can take a seat in one of the rustic fondue barrels. On the menu: tasty mountain cheese or truffle fondue from Gstaad accompanied by bread from the bakery next door, potatoes, gherkins and pearl onions.

The best thing about fondue season is getting together with friends and family for a relaxed evening around the caquelon (fondue pot). Fortunately, vegans no longer have to miss out on this beloved winter tradition, as Jul on Rathausgasse offers a plant-based fondue. Please note that the Swiss speciality is served outside here – blankets are provided, but we still recommend wearing warm clothes. After your vegan feast, take a short walk to get your digestion going and enjoy the evening atmosphere and breathtaking view from the “Pläfe” (Minster terrace) for dessert.

Ferry and fondue: before you enjoy the Swiss delicacy, hop on a boat for an idyllic ride to Zehendermätteli. The restaurant is located on the picturesque Enge peninsula near Bremgarten and is accessible by water on selected days. Once there, guests are welcomed into a cosy dining room and served a choice of classic or exclusive cider fondue with homemade sourdough bread. The cheese for the fondue comes from the charmingly named “Chäsblueme” (“cheese flower”) cheese dairy in Heitenried. Please note: reservations are required. The dining room can also be booked exclusively for groups of ten or more.

When it comes to views, nothing beats the fondue veranda at the Rosengarten (Rose Garden): looking out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can see the entire old town. Candlelight, soft furs and a crackling fire in the fireplace create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Fondue season is from mid-October to the end of February, with a house blend and other exclusive fondue creations on the menu. You can also order the full fondue package, which comes with a salad, a “Fleischplättli” (meat platter), and sweet cider custard for dessert.

The Lötschberg’s lively atmosphere will make you feel right at home. The restaurant is known for its traditional Swiss specialities, excellent wines and tasty salads – and once you walk through the doors, you’ll see that it is also a cheese lover’s dream! For fondue, we recommend the house blend, the classic mix of Gruyère and Vacherin known as “Moitié-Moitié”. Wine lovers should be sure to take a look at the extensive wine list with exclusively Swiss wines to accompany their meal. And, last but definitely not least: fondue is a firm favourite on the menu and served all year round!

This fondue experience in the Engeried neighbourhood with a fantastic view of the city of Bern is one of a kind – it is set in an original Mongolian yurt. The cosy, colourful, warm “traditional portable tent” is perfect for a winter evening with family or friends. If you’re a purist, we suggest choosing the classic fondue made from a traditional cheese blend. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a truffle and an Alpine herbs version waiting to be tried. A variety of aperitif platters and salads are available as starters, and the fondue is accompanied by a fine Grand Cru wine.

Experience an exclusive, unique evening for up to eight people in the small village of Niederscherli just a stone’s throw from Bern. To begin, the aperitif is served in the backyard of a 200-year-old farmhouse. As the evening progresses and temperatures start to drop, guests can retreat to the cosy summer house with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue accompanied by bread, potatoes and pears. To round off the evening, gather around the fire pit under the starry night sky.

All year round, the quaint Berggasthaus Selibühl serves delicious fondue against the fabulous backdrop of the Gantrisch mountain range. At 1,750 metres above sea level, the Selibühl hill on which it sits is the highest elevation on the Gurnigel ridge. When the weather is nice, it’s worth exploring the many winter hiking or snowshoeing routes in the Gantrisch Nature Park before sitting down for a well-deserved fondue. For its various hot and cold dishes, the mountain lodge strives to use only seasonal, regional and organic ingredients.

In the Sense/Saane valley, you can enjoy a delicious Moitié-Moitié fondue with bread from the local bakery. But before the indulgence begins, there’s games and adventure! You can choose between different activities: a rail bike ride, archery and crossbow shooting, or “Platzgen” (a throwing sport dating back to the Middle Ages). This experience is great for families or for a memorable evening with friends. If you are interested, please call in advance – some activities are only available for larger groups.

The cosiest atmosphere awaits in the “Fondue-Dörfli” (fondue village) at the Bären Dürrenroth. Set in an old granary, the wooden huts fit up to four people for a delicious fondue dinner. There is a blend on the menu to suit every taste, from the classic version to the herb-infused one to the one with mushrooms. Or, if you’re not really that into cheese, you can enjoy a fondue chinoise (meat and broth fondue) with various side dishes and sauces.  Meat and cheese are provided by the village butcher and cheese dairy, so everything is local and fresh!

The winter season is the perfect time to slow down, make time for yourself and your loved ones and celebrate special moments. How about a delicious traditional dinner at the Meilenstein Hotel in Langenthal? The rustic Dröschhütte on the second floor of the restaurant is transformed into a cosy fondue chalet, perfect for a festive meal with your extended family or a group of friends. Hosts Mariana and Werner Rothen serve up culinary specialities such as fondue and raclette made from the finest cheeses, accompanied by fine wines. If you need a little walk to aid digestion afterwards, we recommend going to see the colourful fish in the hotel aquarium or visiting the in-house car museum with its vintage and Formula 1 racing cars.

The sparkling lights on the shore, the starry night sky, the gentle movement of the boat – an evening boat ride on Lake Thun is a truly magical experience. It’s cold outside, but the ambiance on the BLS boat is warm and cosy. And it gets even better when the creamy, aromatic fondue is served, available pure or with porcini mushrooms. What a treat! Make a reservation, bring your sweetheart or your family, and enjoy.