Gurten might not be a very well kept secret. Over a million people climb the green hill outside the city each year. Still, when you enter the red cable car, you will be almost exclusively accompanied by locals heading to higher grounds, whenever the weather is good enough.
Gurten is our "Hausberg", our own little mountain, and a matter close to the heart for most Bernese. I myself have memories of countless evenings spent around campfires, nights under the stars, afternoons on the giant green meadows studying for exams, ecstatic concerts at the annual Gurtenfestival (mid-July), deer spotted and mushrooms collected in the forests, exhausting hikes from bottom to top of the hill (about 40 minutes) and fierce sleigh races in winter.
Besides that, the reasons to climb the 858m above sea level are almost endless: A spectacular view on the city and the always snowy alps; mini trains and mini scooters, Scottish highland cattle, a downhill biking trail and a summer-toboggan run, restaurants with excellent (though expensive) brunch, a giant playground, an open-air art gallery, tons of fireplaces, nice hikes and walks, fresh air to breathe and green nature wherever you look. Get up there and calm down.
Find your way with 70 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Fähre Bodenacker is a ferry upstream the river Aare just outside Bern, where there's also a nice family restaurant, right in some beautiful nature...
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It is like home beyond home: perfectly suitable for burying yourself in a book, a good cup of tea or a relaxing evening beyond your four walls.
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The Veielihubel is a great place to have a quick recharge on a busy day and relish the quiet, the sun or the view – whatever you need at the time.
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And unlike other vintage stores, everything is curated by the team of The New New Bern themselves. Their handpicked selection is hip, urban and always in style. There will definitely be no holes in the clothes.
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If you think the octagonal building – the first gas tank in the city – is already spectacular from the outside, wait till you see what is inside.
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This is not your casual flower shop. You could easily miss the stairs that lead to the cellar, where they create the most beautiful bouquets of Bern...
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They have finger-licking-good desserts and great coffee. I order an apple pie – oh, but let me tell you, it is no ordinary apple pie, it is apple heaven.
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"Kellerkino" Bern is a basement cinema with a familial atmosphere. Founded in 1970, it was first independent cinema in the country. Talk about underground!
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"Monbijoupark" is a green oasis in the middle of the city of Bern - you can come here very easily by public transport or on foot!
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In addition to falafel, there is a flatbread with halloumi, makali (grilled vegetables) or shawarma (chicken), as well as tabbouleh and hummus.
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In the Zweiblatt Concept Store, you will find many different things. From colorful socks and trendy clothing to jewelry, mugs and drinking bottles.
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70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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