Sustainability in Bern

Grease up those bike chains, adjust the saddle and put on your sunglasses. As the sun comes out, so does the urge to spend time outside. Whether it’s at Lake Wohlen, in the Nature Park Gantrisch, in Laupen, on the Friensiberg plateau or in the Emmental: The top ten cycling routes in the Bern region are packed with one highlight after another – perfect for the start of cycling season. Each circular route boasts breathtaking views of the Bernese Alps and lets you discover the region with all your senses.

The “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) represent the United Nations’ sustainability objectives. They envision a peaceful world with zero hunger, protected ecosystems on land and in water, and responsible consumption and production. These ambitious goals are to be achieved by 2030. To find out whether that’s a realistic timeline, follow the four-kilometre-long SDG Walk through Bern’s old town and discover what progress has already been made.

With a total of six kilometres of arcades, Bern boasts one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. But they’re not just practical in bad weather. They also allow people with limited mobility to explore the UNESCO-listed old town almost entirely without having to navigate the uneven cobblestones. The accessible city route goes past impressive sights, places of cultural interest, and hand-picked eateries that are perfect for a quick culinary break.

The GPS file can be used with any navigation app. We recommend using MyWay Pro, Komoot or Outdooractive.

Potatoes, peaches, apple juice, walnuts, dried sausages, goat cheese, honey, marmalades and jams, ice cream and so much more – the variety of products sold in Bern’s farm shops seems endless. Celebrate sustainability from start to end by combining a regional shopping experience with a cycling tour. Don’t forget to bring a basket or backpack for all the delicacies.

Whether in the heart of Bern’s old town, elegant residential neighbourhoods or atop the city’s local mountain, the Gurten: Switzerland’s federal city puts sustainability at the forefront. It’s no wonder, then, that Bern has become something of a mecca for vegans. According to the Swiss Vegan Society, Bern boasts the highest density of restaurants with vegan options in the country. From sunrise to sunset, lovers of plant-based food can treat their taste buds to a wide variety of delights. Among our picks: a Michelin-starred restaurant and – for those with a sweet tooth – the city’s most popular gelateria.

The quicker the food gets from farm to table, the better for the environment. If you want to know exactly where the meat or the carrot on your plate comes from, you’re in the right place. We’ll show you our favourite restaurants in Bern – the ones that live sustainability instead of just talking about it. The focus here isn’t just on environmental aspects. Equal attention is given to all three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental and economic. What are you in the mood for? A tofu medallion with coconut sauce, an inclusive restaurant concept or simply a locally brewed beer?

In Bern, people are busy tinkering and brewing – even in back rooms, garages and laundry rooms. More than 200 breweries – more than anywhere else in Switzerland – are registered here. It’s no surprise that locally brewed craft beer is a part of Bern just like the River Aare. Discover the local variety in the beer capital on a beer tour lead by experts, on a guided city tour including an after-work beer or on your own accord in the city’s best beer spots.

The Bern Ticket is valid for your entire stay, starting from your first night spent in an accommodation in the city of Bern. This allows you to travel for free on all tram and bus routes within zones 100 and 101 of the Libero fare network, including the Gurten and Marzili funiculars.

From the city of Bern through the rolling hills of the Emmental to Lucerne, or along the Aare Valley to the beautiful Lake Thun and onwards to neighbouring Valais: With a network covering 420 kilometres and punctuality to rival a Swiss watch, this well-connected system and its wide range of offers make it easy to experience the many sides of Bern. BLS also provides plenty of excursion ideas, from bike rides and hikes to boat trips.

You can hire the bike of your choice with Rent a Bike from TCS Camping Bern Eymatt and additional locations in the Bern region. Collect and return your pre-booked bike (motorised or not) from and to your desired location. In addition to bike hires, Bern also offers convenient bike-sharing services, including Publibike. It’s an easy way to cover even short distances on two wheels.

The shops in Bern’s UNESCO-listed lower old town are something truly special, especially the stretch downhill from the Zytglogge (Clock Tower): Tucked under the arcades and inside the historic vaulted cellars, you’ll find studios, boutiques, and charming little shops, all unique gems that turn a sustainable shopping stroll in Bern into an unforgettable experience full of local charm. Many of these shops exist only in Bern, offering goods that are largely designed and made right here in the city.

At Bern Welcome, we actively promote sustainable tourism in the Bern region. For example, we are part of Swisstainable, the sustainability programme of the Swiss Tourism Federation. Together with our partners, we aim to develop responsible offers and ensure that nature is preserved for future generations while continuing to celebrate diversity in all its forms.