Excursions in Bern

Around Bern, UNESCO Old Town and Aare are two particularly characteristic starting points for a varied day. Depending on the location, options range from city or lakeside walks to hiking, cycling and excursions into the surrounding landscape.

Spring through autumn is ideal for Aare walks, Gurten and trips into the Emmental; in winter, the arcades, museums and historic Old Town are especially appealing. If you want to stay flexible, start with a nearby destination and add a second stop when the weather and timing work in your favour.

With UNESCO Old Town, Aare, Gurten and Emmental, Bern offers a mix of well-known sights and regional excursion ideas. You can shape the day around scenery, culture, activity or relaxed exploration.

Pair the Old Town with the Rose Garden. For nature and views, Gurten is an easy second stop without a long journey.

Many destinations from Bern can be reached by train, bus or regional public transport. Mountain, lake and nature trips may also involve cable cars, boats or seasonal connections, so check the current journey before departure.

For destinations close to Bern, half a day is often enough. For longer rail journeys, mountain railways or boat connections, check return times and final connections in advance and leave some buffer in your schedule.