Experiences provided by Swisstainable committed service providers in Bern Region

Pure oriental relaxation.

Sustainability has been a passionate calling at Giessbach ever since its rescue between 1982 and 1984. In 2019, efforts began to restore the historic vegetable garden from 1897. Today, herbs are harvested from our own garden, vegetables—wherever possible—come from our own fields or from the estate’s historic garden houses, and even the honey is produced by Giessbach’s own bees and is available for purchase. Naturally, all products are organic. Our beekeeper currently cares for 10 bee colonies, yielding around 400 kg of honey from the Giessbach estate each year. The peaceful, native Swiss bee species, the Carnica bee, has found a true home at Giessbach. Birds also find a safe breeding place in the park, with around 15 birdhouses offering shelter. When old trees in the nature park die, it can take decades for their trunks to decompose. During this time, they serve as deadwood habitats—an essential lifeline for thousands of species. Dead trees are among the richest and most vital ecosystems in the forest. Roughly a quarter of all forest-dwelling species depend on them. In Switzerland alone, these include dozens of bird species, hundreds of types of lichens, thousands of fungi and beetle species, and millions of microorganisms. The Giessbach Falls and their surrounding landscape have been designated a cantonal natural monument since 1950 and are protected accordingly. Thanks to the Giessbach Foundation, the Grandhotel Giessbach and its forest are now recognized as a cultural asset of national importance.

The Alpbach Gorge in the Haslital Valley is one of nature’s jewels and a great experience for seasoned and sure-footed mountain climbers.

Ice skating in the centre of the village of Gstaad. Ice rink with skate hire directly on the promenade.

Jeremias Gotthelf was the pen name of a pastor and novelist in the Emmental whose depictions of 19th-century country life made him one of Switzerland’s best-loved writers. In his carefully restored former home in Lützelflüh, the Gotthelf Centre, which opened in August 2012, beautifully evokes the period.

Experience the spectacular Mürrenbach Falls up close. Take the cable car from Stechelberg to Mürren. From the air you can marvel at the water that plunges over the Mürrenfluh 417 meters down into the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Along the route of the Niesen Railway leading to the Berghaus Niesen Kulm (Typically Swiss Lodge), our colleague Markus Rubin has installed a bee hotel shaped like the iconic Niesen funicular. The exclusive Niesen honey is available for purchase at the kiosk next to the Berghaus.

Driven by passion and commitment to global climate protection, we actively invest in internal resource and energy efficiency. One example is the care of up to 150,000 bees on our hotel rooftop. This initiative not only supports the fight against bee decline, but also yields around 85 kg of sustainably produced honey each year – used at breakfast and in our fascia massage treatments in the spa.

On this trail along the river Saane visitors can peruse twelve panels with quotes from Sir Yehudi Menuhin (1916 – 1999).

Being in the Saanen region, with its five beautiful side valleys, is as being in paradise – probably also due to the legend of the Hand of God. It is said that when He was resting here during the creation, He formed the Saanen region with the imprint of His hand – the region’s hand-like shape can be seen quite well from here. Altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 m (3,300–9,800 ft) make for heavenly views. Along with the backdrop of mountains, forests and lakes, this region strengthens your well-being and provides positive energy!

360° spins and views.

Switzerland’s capital, Bern, is the stuff of dreams for cycling enthusiasts. Whether riding an e-bike or a conventional bicycle, this is the place for all cyclists.

Visit Europe’s largest indoor rope adventure park at the Grindelwald Sport Centre...

The Swiss Snow Sports School in Mürren offers children above age 3 a ski kindergarten and a fun introduction to snow sports by multilingual skiing instructors. This is an attractive condoned area with a supervised practice lift.

A museum bustling with life. On Ballenberg, the rural life of times past is revived. More than 100 original, centuries-old buildings, from all parts of Switzerland, offer a lot to discover and experience: for example, one can help with forging or basket-weaving, learn how cheese is made, or observe more than 200 farm animals. Those who feel like relaxing, can stroll through the fragrant flower and herb gardens or travel into the past during a horse-drawn carriage ride.

In the St. Beatus Caves by Lake Thun near Interlaken. Explore around one kilometre of safe and well-lit walkways inside the mountain. Discover stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed by nature over millions of years as you immerse yourself in this unique underground world. A visit to the Cave Museum is a chance to learn more about this natural wonder, with an audio guide telling you all you need to know about caves and caving.

An oasis of peace and quiet on the Swiss Plateau.

On the slopes of Spiez’s local mountain a one-hour viticultural trail reveals the secrets of winemaking in a fun way.

The Nature Paradise by Trauffer Switzerland brings an insect hotel to life as a vibrant home for small heroes of nature. Here, wild bees, butterflies, beetles and more find protected nesting spaces — a place where diverse animal families feel truly welcome. Set within a near-natural environment, our guests find everything they need: food, shelter, and room to thrive. Every corner has been crafted with attention to detail, creating a sustainable habitat that fosters biodiversity and supports ecological balance. Naturally made from Swiss wood, this nature paradise combines responsible craftsmanship with playful charm. It invites both young and old to experience the richness of nature and discover how sustainability can be truly marvellous.