On hot days, water makes you want to cool down by taking a dip, but this element is also symbolic of energy and life. The capital city of Bern and its surrounding landscapes are shaped by the element of water: the river Aare, the Aare loop that literally wraps around the old town, Lake Wohlen, which dams the water of the Aare and produces energy, the numerous old town fountains with drinking water and the precious upland moors to name but a few. Encounter the element of water again and again in new and exciting ways with the themed Frienisberg-Fernsichtroute e-bike tour with long-distance views and a wander round the UNESCO-protected old town.

What would the city of Bern be without its Zytglogge clock tower? The 13th-century bell tower is a relic of the former city walls and has been attracting attention with its hourly chimes for over 600 years. At the city’s landmark, the day of water begins. Equipped with e-bikes, follow the route across the Kornhausplatz and bridge of the same name, whose metal arches stretch far across the striking deep blue Aare. Next stop: countryside.
Tip: after booking, bikes/e-bikes, helmets and batteries can be hired from Rent a Bike at the luggage counter of SBB in Bern railway station.

The name says it all: the 43km Frienisberg-Fernsichtroute 890 is all about the long-distance views along the way. The e-bike route leads through the Bernese countryside and rewards cyclists with magnificent views of the Alps, Jura and city of Bern. Blue information boards convey fascinating facts about the upland moors, cultural landscapes and forests along the route and invite you to enjoy the distant views. The Chutzenturm tower is a true highlight: once the 234 steps are conquered, fantastic views of the Three-Lakes country and snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Alps await.

At the village of Herrenschwanden right on the greenish-blue Aare river, blue signposts stating “Veloroute 890” show that cyclists are on the Frienisberg-Fernsichtroute tour for long-distance views. From here, head slightly uphill towards Jetzikofenhöhe on the way to the Leutschen scenic point. The exertion of the climb is quickly forgotten with the magnificent views of the Bernese Alps and Jura mountains. On the way, it is worth stopping at Büsselimoos, one of the smallest nature reserves in the canton of Bern. A wooden walkway leads to a platform in the middle of the moor, from where this small natural paradise can best be admired.

Along the long-distance route, several quaint farm shops await your visit. At the Barry-Hof in Schüpberg, the farm’s own products range from dried meat and cheese to preserved vegetables, seasonal fruit and meringues. This adventure farm has its very own St. Bernard dog, who is just waiting to be petted – a certain highlight for any visitor! Tip: enjoy the fresh produce by picnicking on the Chutzenturm.

The trail continues over natural ground and through the national forest to the Chutzen, the peak of the Frienisberg. Up here, the eponymous landmark of the Seeland rises through the treetops: the 45m Chutzenturm tower. There are 234 steps to climb up to the viewing platform. A fantastic all-round panoramic view of the Three-Lakes region, majestic snow-capped peaks, mosaic-like fields and the golden dome of the Federal Palace is your reward.
Tip: enjoy the farm products you bought earlier or a Chutzenturm’s Möösli Märit picnic at the table on the middle platform – complete with panoramic views.

Frienisberg-Fernsichtroute 890 is made for nature lovers who like amazing long-distance views. On the stretch between the Chutzenturm and Lake Wohlen, the views of the Chasseral, the highest mountain in the Bernese Jura, and later of the Bernese Alps are particularly striking. Lakes Murten, Neuchâtel and Biel reflect the sun’s rays and the channels of the river Aare meander through vegetable fields and pastures.
Another highlight lies just before Lake Wohlen: before you cycle down to the lake, the long reservoir shows its most beautiful side.

The many water birds that cavort on the shores of Lake Wohlen bear witness to the importance of this ecosystem. So it is not surprising that the reservoir on the Aare and the shore areas above the Wohlei Bridge are protected nature areas.
For e-bike riders, there is an ideal rest stop directly below the bridge. At the Bogen 17 kiosk, you can relax with a refreshing drink. It is also well worth gliding across tranquil Lake Wohlen on a rental SUPs basking in the warming sun on your neck. The journey back to the city is via Bremgartenwald.

What would a leisurely stroll through Bern be without a visit to the Parliament Building? In summer, the water display on the Bundesplatz square in front of parliament is a great place to cool off, and not just for children.
Strolling through the alleys of the lower old town, the omnipresence of water in the city becomes even more apparent: over 100 public fountains are dotted around Bern’s old town. With their colourful figures and columns, the drinking water fountains immerse visitors in the history and legends of times gone by.
Tip: The UNESCO Old Town Stroll provides fascinating insights into the most important sights of the medieval federal city.

Before crossing the arched Untertor bridge with views of the Aare, it is worth stopping at a new business, AareSüdhang. Here, you can find homemade refreshing organic drinks in unusual flavours such as rose, lavender, parsley and almond.
Continue to the Rose Garden, a mecca for flower lovers. Strolling through the beautifully decorated gardens under the shady trees is simply relaxing. The rose garden’s fountain is used for events in summer, including the staging of A SEAT AT THE TABLE from July 23 to August 3, 2023.. And even though it has long since ceased to be an insider tip: enjoying the view of the old town at sunset is simply part of the experience.