Bern-Netzwerk Interview: Frienisberg Corn Maze

On 16 July 2025, the Frienisberg Corn Maze opened its gates – for the third year in a row. How did the idea of creating such a maze originally come about?

Our vision was to bring new life to Frienisberg and attract families.

Frienisberg is a village designed to meet the needs of people with physical or mental disabilities. At the heart of the village is a residential and care home. Many residents enjoy when something is happening – visits from outsiders provide a welcome change in their daily lives, and children in particular bring them great joy.

So, we shared the idea with the village, and the corn maze was created. The village supports us with its gastronomy and in communication.

This year, the Bern region is presented in the maze. How did that happen?

Until now, Frienisberg was more oriented towards the Seeland region. By working with Bern Welcome, we want to open up to a new audience. After all, Frienisberg is just 30 minutes from Bern by postal bus – the perfect day trip.

The maze, when seen from above, impressively features the silhouette of Bern’s Old Town. How do you plan and implement such an artwork?

The sketch for the maze is done quite spontaneously in two to three hours. First, we decide where the platform will go, then we define the entrance and distribute the polygons (openings).

When sowing the corn, georeferenced data is used so the seeding machine knows exactly where to plant the kernels – and where not to. A video of the process is available on our website.

Inside the maze, various actors from the Bern region present themselves – including four Bern-Vernetzer:innen (Bread à Porter, Bühnen Bern, Gurten and Museum of Communication) as well as Bern Welcome. You rely on simple collaboration – what exactly is the deal?

Our goal is to spread the corn maze concept as widely as possible. We count on the reach of the partners who take part.

The collaboration works like this:
We provide them with a space in the maze free of charge, where they can present themselves to visitors. They are free to design their presentation.
In return, they promote the corn maze on their channels and distribute flyers.

Experience has shown that this form of cooperation is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

The corn maze is primarily designed for families, but it is also suitable for team events – for example, in combination with a bike tour along the Frienisberg Panorama Route.

Absolutely – it’s open to everyone. Groups can also enjoy an aperitif on the platform while taking in the views over the maze and surrounding area. The Chloschtermuur restaurant is happy to support with catering.

You are very active and creative – are you open to further cooperation?

This year’s edition will be the last one for the time being. But we’re always open to new projects. ☺

Many thanks for the interview!