Where to have fondue in Bern
Whether on the lake, in a Mongolian yurt or in the classic “Stübli” (traditional parlour)– here are our favourite fondue experiences in Bern and its surrounding regions.
City of Bern
Moléson
The Moléson is a classic among Bern’s fondue restaurants. It has been serving the finest cheese fondue made from mature Gruyère and Vacherin for over 100 years. The classic fondue blend can also be complemented with morels or “Nidle” (heavy cream) or accompanied by a “Plättli” (charcuterie board) with raw ham from the Grisons and dried meat. Did you know that the restaurant is named after the city of Gruyère’s local mountain? No wonder many of the ingredients come from that region. Bon appétit!
Vegan fondue at Jul
The best thing about fondue season: meeting up with friends or family, getting comfy and enjoying an evening sat around the caquelon (fondue pot). Vegans now no longer have to miss out on the beloved winter tradition, as Jul on Rathausgasse offers a plant-based version made from Cashews. Keep in mind: the Swiss speciality is served outside. There are lots of cosy blankets, of course, but we still recommend wearing a good jacket or coat, a scarf and a hat to stay warm. After the vegan feast, take a short digestive walk to the “Pläfe” (Minster terrace) to enjoy the evening atmosphere and fantastic view for dessert.
Fondue veranda at the Rosengarten (Rose Garden)
When it comes to views, the fondue veranda at the Rosengarten is unbeatable. Looking out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll see the entire old town. Another selling point is the cosy atmosphere, created by candlelight, soft furs and a crackling fire in the fireplace. Fondue fans can choose between the house blend and other exclusive fondue creations. You can also order a full fondue menu with salad, a “Fleischplättli” (meat platter), and sweet cider custard for dessert.
Lötschberg
The Lötschberg is known for its traditional Swiss specialities, excellent wines and tasty salads. Fondue lovers can’t go wrong with the house blend “Moitié-Moitié”, the classic mixture of Gruyère and Vacherin. The lively atmosphere at the restaurant is perfect for anyone who loves bustling energy. And for wine lovers, we recommend taking a look at the wide-ranging wine list with exclusively Swiss wines.
Fondue yurt at the Unique Hotel Innere Enge
This fondue experience in the Engeried neighbourhood with a fantastic view of the city of Bern is extra special – 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, for example for a cheerful New Year’s Eve celebration. If you’re a traditionalist, the classic cheese fondue is for you. If you like different flavour combinations, go for the one with truffles or the one with Alpine herbs. For starters, there are different charcuterie boards or salad. And a fine wine from Epesses in the beautiful Lavaux region on Lake Geneva is the perfect accompaniment.
Private fondue in Niederscherli
In the small village of Niederscherli, just a stone’s throw from Bern, you can experience an exclusive evening for up to eight people in a unique and cosy atmosphere. An aperitif is served in the backyard of a 200-year-old farmhouse. As the weather turns colder, guests move into the toasty warm summer house with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy a classic Swiss cheese fondue with bread, “Härdöpfu” (potatoes) and pears. And we recommend ending the evening sat around the fire pit under the starry night sky.
Gantrisch Nature Park
Berggasthaus Selibühl
Don’t let the small size fool you: the 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. The quaint restaurant purposely chooses the most seasonal, regional and organic ingredients possible for its hot and cold dishes. When the weather is nice, it’s worth exploring one of the many winter hiking or snowshoeing routes in the Gantrisch Nature Park before sitting down for a well-deserved fondue.
Laupen
Active fondue experience
In the Sense/Saane valley, you can enjoy a delicious Moitié-Moitié fondue with bread from the local bakery. But before the fondue fun begins, games and adventure await! There are various activities that can be booked: a rail bike ride, archery and crossbow shooting, or “Platzgen” (throwing sport dating back to the Middle Ages). This dinner 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.
Emmental valley
“Fondue Spycher Dörfli” at the Bären Dürrenroth
At the fondue “Dörfli” (small village) of the Bären Dürrenroth’s restaurant, the cosiest atmosphere awaits. Where farmers once stored grain to protect it from fires, there are now wooden huts that fit up to four people for a delicious fondue dinner. Whether a classic cheese fondue, one with an aromatic mixture of herbs, or one with mushrooms – there is something for every taste. And for those who are not really into cheese, there’s fondue chinoise with various side dishes and sauces on the menu. The meat and cheese come directly from the village butcher and cheese dairy, so everything is local and fresh.
Oberaargau Region
Fondue chalet at the Meilenstein hotel
The Christmas season is a time to celebrate special moments as the old year is ending and a new one is about to begin. The Meilenstein hotel in Langenthal offers a variety of Christmas specials that provide the perfect setting. The rustic Dröschhütte on the second floor of the restaurant, for example, is transformed into a cosy fondue chalet – ideal for a festive meal with your extended family or a bunch of friends. Hosts Mariana and Werner Rothen serve up culinary specialities such as fondue and raclette made from the finest cheeses, accompanied by the matching wine.
For groups of 15 people or more, the Meilenstein offers a mulled wine aperitif or a fondue on the festively decorated terrace on the ground floor, with a crackling fire next to the mulled wine chalet for guests to warm up by.
Lake Thun
Fondue boat on Lake Thun
The lights on the lakeshore gliding past in the otherwise dark night while you feel the gentle movement of the boat – a truly enchanting experience. Despite the cold outside, the ambiance is warm and cosy. Oh, how romantic they can be, the evening boat rides on Lake Thun with BLS. And it gets even better with a creamy, aromatic fondue – also available with porcini mushrooms – and of course someone to share it with. Make a reservation, get your sweetheart or your family and enjoy.