A summer walk through Bern

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Intro

Whether it’s along the River Aare, in the UNESCO-designated Old Town or on a discovery tour through the charming neighbourhoods – the best way to explore the most beautiful aspects of Bern is on foot. There is much to discover along the way: welcoming cafés, green oases and exciting shops invite you to linger a while.

From the train station to the Reitschule cultural centre

Our summer stroll through the federal capital of Bern begins at the railway station. A short walk leads to the Reitschule cultural centre at the Schützenmatte. There are no limits to creativity here: the cultural centre’s events and offers are as diverse as the artists and audiences that visit this place. At the Sous le Pont restaurant, you can also enjoy fresh and regional cuisine made from ingredients produced in a fair wage/profit scheme.

Learn more Common.Of From the train station to the Reitschule cultural centre

Hip heaven in the Lorraine quarter

The route continues over the Lorraine Bridge into the Lorraine district. Time for a bite to eat: try the colourful oriental Falafingo with Anatolian dishes and cosy seating areas or LOLA, where you can stock up for an outdoor picnic. LOLA offers fresh and seasonal products, organic produce and often vegan and non-prepacked food. The local LOLA Cola and other sustainably produced drinks are also available here.

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Cool off on the banks of the Aare

The Lorraine open-air pool is the next stop on our summer excursion through Bern. Here, alternative and free spirits find open-air refreshment and undisturbed sunbathing. Originally built as a school swimming pool in the 19th century, the pool is now supplied by groundwater. The graffiti-sprayed walls, wooden loungers and retro dressing rooms give the pool a cosy charm. There are sunbathing lawns, a nudist area and a pool with fish from the Aare. Also, the buvette is reputed to have the best French fries in town. A relaxed spot that moves at a typical Bernese pace.

Learn more Common.Of Cool off on the banks of the Aare

Oases in the city – the Botanical Garden and Trybhouz bar

Further along the banks of the Aare, a pleasant walk leads past the Botanical Gardens to the popular summer bar Trybhouz. The Botanical Gardens are home to a variety of plants and greenhouses packed with exotic species. Hidden access points and seating areas invite you to linger, while birdsong and rippling water create a peaceful atmosphere. It gets livelier at the Trybhouz: Refreshing drinks and regional food invite you to spend the day by the Aare.

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Browse and shop in the Old Town

From the Trybhouz, continue to Kornhausplatz in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town. There are numerous shopping opportunities here. The area includes arcades and vaulted cellars with various small shops, perfect for an extended shopping spree. One tip is a visit to Fizzen, a business that originated in Bern. Vintage clothing, as well as second-hand and upcycled pieces (Rework brand), are sold here. Olmo is a shop with a long tradition that offers the latest trends and cool labels. Der Winkel in the Lorraine district is a second-hand shop that sells accessories and furniture, as well as clothing.

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Chilling in front of the Parliament House:

Another peculiarity awaits on the Parliament Square in front of the Parliament House, the Swiss government building. In other capitals, government buildings are surrounded by railings and barriers, but not here. On Parliament Square, there are lounge chairs inviting you to linger and relax, while the 26 fountains – one for each Swiss canton – offer a spectacular display and help you cool off. Exclusively this summer, the Entrecôte Fédérale and Röschtigrabe restaurants near Parliament Square are offering a colourful take-away menu with fresh drinks and delicious food.

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More waterside city tours

Not far from the city of Bern, Burgdorf and Langenthal have numerous unfamiliar spots just waiting to be discovered
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Sustainable dining and accommodations

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