Excursion along the water in Bern

Published: 27.05.2024

There’s much more to discover in Switzerland’s federal city than its UNESCO-listed old town. Especially in summer, this walk along the iconic Aare loop invites visitors to make refreshing new discoveries.

Against the historic backdrop of the Bundesplatz in Bern, two women and a man enjoy themselves in the splashing water feature, their faces filled with joy. It is a lively, joyful moment in the centre of the city.

Water feature at Bundesplatz (Parliament Square)

Your refreshing tour of the city begins at Bundesplatz (Parliament Square), right in front of the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building), home to the Swiss government and parliament. Unlike in many capital cities, this central square is a space to linger, relax, and connect. Red chairs invite you to sit back in front of 26 water jets – one for each Swiss canton. This playful water display is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.

Did you know? The water jets are fed with freshwater in drinking quality, and the display runs from mid-March to the end of October.

Marzili funicular

After a quick stop on the Bundesterrasse (Parliament Terrace), hop on the Marzili funicular for the 66-second ride down to the River Aare. Every three minutes, the little red train makes its way to the Marzili neighbourhood, where refreshing surprises await. If you prefer to go on foot, a steep path runs alongside the track.

The picture shows the red Marzili railway which leads from the Bundesterrasse down to the Marzili

Marzili neighbourhood

Set right on the banks of the river, Marzili is a favourite hangout for locals. Whether it’s sunbathing at the Dalmazimätteli or taking a dip at the Marzili outdoor pool, this is the place to unwind solo or with friends. Looking to cool off with a treat? Just a few hundred metres away, Gelateria di Berna tempts visitors with incredibly tasty gelato and a wide range of flavours. Feeling hungry? The neighbourhood’s oldest restaurant, the Marzilibrücke garden restaurant, delights guests from near and far with a creative and varied menu.

Swimming at Marzili

Two friends sit at the edge of the water in the Marzili pool, laughing and sharing a relaxed conversation, while the magnificent Federal Palace towers above them. A picture of summertime carefreeness and togetherness in Bern.

Ice cream lover? Here are our favourite gelaterias in Bern.

After a relaxed break in the Marzili neighbourhood, the route continues along the River Aare, following Aarstrasse. Beneath the impressive Kirchenfeld bridge, you can admire the estimated 250,000 rivets used in its steel structure. Across the river, the Schwellenmätteli restaurant awaits, with its terrace stretching out into the river like a tiny island.

To the Schwellenmätteli

The picture shows a restaurant on the River Aare, below a bridge and next to a waterfall. You can see a terrace directly on the water. The atmosphere is dynamic and refreshing, characterised by the flowing, turquoise-coloured water. A castle or historic building rises up in the background, surrounded by trees. It seems to be a sunny, clear day, perfect for guests who want to enjoy nature and the view.

Matte neighbourhood

Once home to mills, waterworks and a shipyard, today the Matte is a lively residential area dotted with architecture studios, creative agencies and artist workshops. As the oldest neighbourhood in Bern, it has more than its share of hair-raising tales to tell. Curious? Join the guided city tour “E Ligu Lehm – Tour of the Matte Neighbourhood”.

An idyllic view of the Matte district in Bern with the River Aare, a bridge and historic houses topped by Bern Minster.

A visit to Bern’s bears – a short climb up the wooden Nydegg steps leads directly to the Nydegg bridge, where a sweeping view opens up over the River Aare and the Matte neighbourhood you’ve just explored. Across the bridge awaits Bear Park, home to Bern’s beloved furry residents Björk, Finn and Ursina.

A bear from the BärenPark Bern poses in front of the charming backdrop of the old town and the river, a symbol of the city in harmonious coexistence with nature and history.

Now that you’ve reached the end of the lower old town, you have some excellent options: If you’re up for it, take the steep climb up to Aargauerstalden to the Rose Garden, where a breathtaking view over Bern’s old town awaits. Or, if you’re keen to explore Bern’s iconic arcades, head uphill towards the main station. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like the minster and the Zytglogge (Clock Tower), not to mention countless small and large shopping gems just waiting to be discovered.

In the blue hour, Bern is cloaked in a mystical light, while the snow blankets the city in silence and the cathedral rises proudly into the night sky, a scene of quiet splendour.

Rose Garden

The picture shows the Christmas market in front of the illuminated Bern Minster. People stroll through the festively decorated stalls, illuminated by warm lights that create a cosy and festive atmosphere. The mood is cheerful and lively.

Bernese Minster

The picture shows the Zytglogge, a landmark of the city of Bern in Switzerland. It is a medieval tower with a large clock that still works. A large Swiss flag flies in front of the tower and a few people can be seen on the street.

Zytglogge (Clock Tower)

The picture shows two young women walking along a busy, historic shopping street. They are laughing and carrying shopping bags as they walk past traditional buildings and a decorative statue. Their winter clothes and the cheerful atmosphere convey a feeling of cosiness and joy.

Bernese Treasures

You’re now halfway through the Aare loop. Time to continue along the north side of Bern’s old town. Th Untertor bridge is the oldest bridge in the city to cross the River Aare. From here, you get a fresh perspective on the Nydegg bridge and the river below. Follow Langmauerweg and you’ll pass culinary gems like Casa Novo and stylish creative studios, all of it with a view of the Altenberg. To cross back to the other bank, take one of the oldest chain bridges in the world: the Altenbergsteg. In summer, swimmers use this bridge to jump straight into the cool river. Follow Altenbergrain path and it will lead you uphill into a paradise for nature lovers.

The historic Untertorbrücke bridge in Bern spans the lively turquoise colour of the River Aare with its robust arch construction, while the charming architecture of the background radiates calm and stability.

A cheerful group of friends sits relaxed on the terrace of a restaurant right by the river. They are enjoying a meal together, laughing and clinking glasses of wine. The idyllic river landscape and the cosy atmosphere reinforce the feeling of joy and togetherness.

This picture shows a peaceful scene on the River Aare with the Altenbergsteg in the background, a pretty footbridge connecting the banks. In the foreground, yellow flowers gently draw attention to themselves and complement the lively green of the trees and water. It's easy to imagine strolling along here, enjoying nature and breathing in the fresh, clear air. A peaceful day in Bern, captured in a single, beautiful moment.

A young family discovers the world of plants with shining eyes in the Bern Botanical Gardens. Surrounded by the fresh green of spring, they experience an intimate moment full of curiosity, joy and connection - an experience of nature and family happiness in one.

The Botanical Gardens of the University of Bern are home to over 6,000 plant species that are sure to delight any plant enthusiast. Exotic flowers, shrubs and trees fill this garden on the Aare slope. It’s the perfect spot for families, couples, and anyone dreaming of far-off places.

Lorraine neighbourhood

Next up: a visit to the city’s trendy riverside neighbourhood, Lorraine. If you’re looking to cool off, you’re in the right place. The Lorrainebad, like all public outdoor pools in Bern, offers free admission. And, alongside Marzili, it’s the only urban riverside pool in Bern. Hidden away from the city’s buzz, Lorrainebad charms with its graffiti walls, sun-warmed wood and nostalgic changing cabins. For a riverside picnic, stop by the local shop Lola just around the corner. They offer fresh, seasonal products – organic, often vegan, unpackaged, and sourced from organisations that support people with non-traditional or challenging backgrounds as they enter the work force.

Pick up your picnic at Lola

Three friends sit relaxed on the grass, surrounded by a lively graffiti wall, at the Lorraine outdoor pool in Bern. They share stories and laugh together - a peaceful moment in an urban open space that reflects community and creativity.

Food in Bern

After a long stroll through Bern’s historic old town, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Here, in Switzerland’s federal city, great food and that unmistakable Bernese lifestyle go hand in hand. Whether you’re after laid-back rooftops, beautiful terraces or striking venues, here are our top culinary picks.