Bern-Netzwerk Interview: Gurten and StattLand

Since last year, the tour “Güsche” has existed. How did the idea of using the Gurten as a venue for a StattLand tour come about?

Joëlle: We’re constantly on the lookout for new offerings on the Gurten to provide inspiring programs for our seminar guests. That’s how the idea of collaborating with StattLand emerged. I approached Adrian’s predecessor with the idea during a Bern-Vernetzer:innen workshop.

Adrian: At StattLand, we had long desired a tour on the Gurten. We began decades ago with tours through various neighborhoods in Bern – now we are leaving that terrain and moving to the local mountain with this new format.

Once the idea was born – what happened next? How is a new tour created, and how much preparation time do you need?

Adrian: We plan about nine months of preparation for designing a new tour. This includes project presentation, an expert tour of the planned area, and a preview as a test run. We assemble a project team of three people, each bringing their expertise – such as acting experience or historical knowledge.

What were the interfaces between Gurten and StattLand in implementing the tour? How did the collaboration go?

Joëlle: As Adrian mentioned, developing a new tour involves a lot of preparation, which of course is paid for. Gurten provided the seed funding. Through the income from the tours, we gradually recoup the advance. The goal is that both sides benefit in the end.

Adrian: In addition to financial resources, we also received knowledge and input for the tour from Gurten. I think I speak for both of us when I say: we are very satisfied with the result.

Who is “Güsche” aimed at?

Joëlle: StattLand was commissioned to develop a tour for seminar participants. The focus should be on team building and fun. StattLand did a great job of using the quiz format to appeal to different groups.

Adrian: We also offer the tour publicly – so anyone can participate. During the preview, there were even children present. That’s when we realized it also works for families, although it wasn’t developed specifically for them. We also plan to regularly update the quiz questions so that the tour can be repeated.

How can the Gurten benefit from the tours?

Joëlle: With “Güsche”, we can offer our seminar guests a supporting program that directly relates to the place where they meet.

Adrian: When we talk about it like this – I think the tour can be flexibly adapted. For example, we could run it as a pub quiz indoors in winter.

Are you both open to further cooperation with the Bern-Netzwerk?

Adrian and Joëlle (in unison): Yes!

Joëlle: I think with this project, we’ve proven that we are open to new, fresh ideas and collaborations.

In a world of unlimited possibilities – what kind of new tour would you design?

Joëlle: My dream tour? Taking off without aids – starting on the Gurten, circling the local mountain, and then down into the city of Bern.

Adrian: A beautiful idea! I want to develop more tours with theatrical elements. I’m drawn to the idea of acting from a distance to remove all barriers – like a scene on the Münster Tower that’s heard from Münsterplatz without any aids. The group could then “fly in”...

Thank you very much for your time and the conversation!