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Bern Region
Welcome to Bern Whether it’s in the vibrant Swiss capital city of Bern, in the hilly and mystic Emmental, in the Gantrisch Nature Park of the Prealps, between the Napf and the Jura in the Oberaargau Region, or in the historically significant Laupen – this is one scenic region. It might just be these very places and beautiful landscapes that have shaped the distinctly melodic dialect and legendary warmth of the Bernese.
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Contents City of Bern
Bern at the Center Attractions Art and Culture Top Events Shopping Dining and Nightlife City Tours
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Bern Region
Emmental Gantrisch Nature Park Oberaargau Laupen
18 | 19 20 | 21 22 | 23 24 | 25
Activities
Summer Winter
26 | 27 28 | 29
Wellness
Oases of Wellbeing
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Conferences and Team Building
Bern as a Meeting Place
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Bern at a Click
Bern.com 34  Download Bern
Brochures 35
Overview
Bern at the Center Bern is situated in the heart of Switzerland at the center of Europe. The capital city can be reached easily by car or by plane via the Bern-Belp Airport and bus connections to the city center. Those who prefer to travel by rail will benefit from a dense network of trains ensuring direct connections to major European cities. Bern’s central location makes it the ideal hub for trips throughout all of Switzerland.
Downtown Bern
City and Surroundings
London Berlin Paris Vienna
Bern
Madrid
Rome Rom m
Laupen Region LAUPEN
Bern
SCHWAR
Paris | 4 h
Stuttgart | 3 h
Basel | 1 h Zurich | 1 h
BERN
Lyon | 1.5 h
Geneva | 2 h Zermatt | 2h
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Milan | 3 h
LANGENTHAL Oberaargau Region
BURGDORF
BERN
LANGNAU
Emmental Region
ZENBURG
RIGGISBERG
Gantrisch Region
City of Bern
Attractions Bern’s unique cityscape – distinguished by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1983 – is shaped by the city’s cosmopolitan charm. Bern has so much to see and discover: the Parliament Building and Parliament Square, the Clock Tower (Zytglogge), BearPark, the Aare River, churches, bridges and fountains. Examples of medieval architecture stand alongside symbols of world-class construction and design. Bern.com/attractions
Gurten
Clock Tower (Zytglogge)
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BearPark
Parliament Building
Highlights UNESCO World Heritage Bern’s Old Town – from the Nydegg Bridge to Bubenberg Square – has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Parliament Building Seat of the Swiss government and parliament with a highly symbolic square. Unique water display with a total of 26 fountains, each representing a Swiss canton.
Gurten At 864 meters above sea level, Bern’s local mountain with its distinctive Gurten Funiculaire and gorgeous view offers a variety of activities.
Clock Tower (Zytglogge) One of Bern’s most prominent landmarks, considered a true masterpiece of medieval clockmaking. The astronomical calendar clock and its movement date from 1530.
BearPark Aare River
Located on 6,000 m2 on the bank of the Aare River, it provides a species-appropriate home for Bern’s bears.
Aare River Swim in water that meets drinking water standards! This popular river attracts young and old for a cool dip on hot days.
Old Town of Bern
City of Bern
Art and Culture Home to some of Switzerland’s greatest museums and galleries, Bern is considered a true citadel of culture. The combination of internationally renowned art and unique architecture makes for a memorable visit! Bern is an absolute MUST for culture aficionados. Bern.com/culture
Museum of Fine Arts Bern
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City Theater Bern
Highlights Zentrum Paul Klee Three waves for Bern: 4,000 works of art by the world-renowned artist are included in this center designed by Renzo Piano. Not only does the museum contain over 40 % of Klee’s complete works, it is also the largest collection of Klee’s works worldwide.
Museum of Fine Arts Bern Featuring eight centuries of art in Bern, the museum contains over 3,000 famous paintings and sculptures, as well as 48,000 works on paper.
City Theater Bern The curtain rises in Bern: The City Theater plays a leading role in Bern’s cultural scene. Around 30 original productions are shown each season, with over 300 performances in the genres of opera / musicals, drama and ballet / dance.
Bern Historical Museum Experience Bern in a time capsule – from the lake dwellers to the ancient Romans and on to the genius Albert Einstein, whose life is presented in 1,200 m2 of elaborately staged original pieces, writings and film documents.
Einstein House Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1902 to 1909. His first writing on the Special Theory of Relativity dates from this time.
Bern Historical Museum
Einstein House
City of Bern
Top Events There’s a lot going on in Bern. Each year, the Swiss capital city beats to the rhythm of recurring events. A touch of international glamour fills the air each time the big annual festivals are held. Bern.com/topevents
Bern International Jazz Festival
Buskers
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Highlights Bern Grand-Prix Switzerland’s largest running event is held against the singular backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bern. Each year in May, around 25,000 runners participate in the ten most beautiful miles underfoot.
Buskers Professional artists bring a rich variety of cultural acts to this street festival held every August. Performances are rewarded with donations from the audience.
Bern Int. Jazz Festival For ten weeks from March to May, Bern is the site of world-class jazz performances by top stars.
Onion Market (Zibelemärit) This traditional festival is held on the fourth Monday in November, when farmers bring over 50 tons of onions to Bern.
Gurtenfestival The four-day music festival is sure to be an unforgettable experience for fans of rock and pop music! Tens of thousands make their pilgrimage to Bern’s local mountain, the Gurten, each year in July.
Onion Market (Zibelemärit)
Gurtenfestival
City of Bern
Shopping With 6 km / 4 miles of arcades, Bern has one of Europe’s longest covered shopping promenades. Bern has everything you’re looking for – be it stylish boutiques, exquisite jewelry shops, traditional markets, simple second-hand shops or shopping malls of any size. Bern.com/shopping
Westside
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Highlights Westside This modern recreation and shopping complex covers 23,500 m2 and offers some 55 different shops. Daniel Libeskind’s singular architecture creates a welcoming atmosphere for shopping or simply passing the time.
Old Town Bern’s Old Town offers everything from fine jewelry shops to boutiques and numerous cafés and confectioneries. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, watches, gems or the finest premium chocolates, you’ll have fun finding it all in Bern.
Markets Colorful markets are a fixture in the Bern cityscape. Every Tuesday and Saturday, you’ll find everything from fresh market produce to belt buckles. The popular Christmas Market is held from the end of November through the end of December.
Old Town
Markets
City of Bern
Dining and Nightlife Hardly any other city in Switzerland offers such a multicultural menu as Bern. In cozy vaulted cellars or fine gourmet restaurants, you’ll find it all – even Gault Millau epicurean menus. Bern also offers a variety of bars, nightclubs, wine bars and pubs for night owls. Bern.com/dining Bern.com/nightlife
Altes Tramdepot
Grand Casino Bern
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Granary (Kornhauskeller)
Highlights Grand Casino Bern Since July 2002, the Grand Casino Bern has provided a touch of Las Vegas. 15 gambling tables and over 260 state-of-the-art slot machines await the lucky winners.
Granary (Kornhauskeller) The vaulted cellar is a rare and beautiful example of Bern’s High Baroque period, offering an ideal ambience for dining.
Altes Tramdepot Enjoy the spectacular view of Bern’s Old Town, and treat yourself to the house beer brewed right on the premises.
Du Théâtre The place to go for stylish club events, this lounge offers lifestyle at its best.
Schwellenmätteli Dubbed the “Riviera Restaurant”, this establishment is a culinary and cultural oasis.
Du Théâtre
Schwellenmätteli
City of Bern
City Tours The best way to experience Bern’s Old Town is in the company of one of Bern Tourism’s knowledgeable tour guides. Our team will show you the popular attractions while also pointing out the little, hidden corners of the city. If you prefer to tackle the city on your own, we recommend using the iPod AudioGuide. It’s at the ready with the spoken word and with music as you tour the city. Bern.com/citytours
BernShow
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Bern and its Bears
iPod AudioGuide
Highlights Clock Tower (Zytglogge) Experience an exclusive tour conducted by Bern Tourism inside the tower. Get an up-close look at the clockwork dating from the 16th century, and enjoy the view of Bern’s Old Town.
BernShow Experience Bern’s exciting and eventful history. A 3-D model with special effects like water and smoke helps bring to life the evolution of the city.
Bern and its Bears Follow the tracks of Bern’s symbol and learn more about the relationship between the Bernese and the bear. The tour is the perfect way to prepare for a visit to the BearPark!
iPod AudioGuide Explore Bern on your own with the iPod AudioGuide. Two routes will lead you from the railway station down to the BearPark and back. Information, music and images present the city of Bern and its history.
A stroll through the Old Town Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a tour led by a knowledgeable, official guide. Includes Prison Tower, Parliament Building, Cathedral (Münster), Clock Tower (Zytglogge) and Town Hall.
A stroll through the Old Town
Bern Region
Emmental The real thing. The charm of the hilly landscape, the cheese full of holes, the mystical stories and world-renowned hospitality combine to make the Emmental one of a kind. You’ll experience untouched nature and be introduced to true regional secrets – such as the Emmentaler Cheese. Bern.com/emmental
Real Mysticism
Real Hospitality
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Real Emmentaler Cheese
Highlights Real Mysticism The Emmental Region – a wonderland? The Napf (1,406 meters above sea level), with its gold veins and springs, with its myths and ghosts, is the highest overlook and the best-known mountain.
Real Hospitality Stop in and enjoy. In the Kambly Experience, the confectioner will show you how their world-famous cookies are made. Choose your favorite from over 100 different kinds.
Real Emmentaler Cheese Over the fire or in modern copper vats – the demonstration cheese dairy covering some 17,500 m2 will give you an up-close look at the production of the worldrenowned Emmentaler AOC.
Real Stories Gotthelf, Dürrenmatt or Gfeller? The writers leave their mark on open-air theaters, in films and in museums.
Real Countryside Hills, valleys and gorges? Covering 240 km / 150 miles, the Herzroute bicycle trail leads you along the most beautiful paths. Tip: E-bikes make the ride especially easy and comfortable.
Emmental Tourism
Moosegg Real Stories
Bahnhofstrasse 44 | CH-3400 Burgdorf | T +41 (0)34 402 42 52 info@emmental.ch | www.emmental.ch
Real Countryside
Bern Region
Gantrisch Nature Park Not far from Bern you’ll find an expanse of vast wooded areas with quaint villages, punctuated by deep canyons. This countryside, a designated “Regional Nature Park” well worth preserving, offers plenty to discover: Besides the rare flora and fauna, there are also highlights for sports enthusiasts (like the Gantrisch at 2,175 m above sea level). Those who prefer a slower pace can savor the many products from the Gantrisch Region or recharge at places of culture. Bern.com/gantrisch
Gantrisch Rope Park
Schwarzsee
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Panoramic Trail
Highlights Gantrisch Rope Park From platform to platform at up to 35 m off the ground. Children’s course and forest adventure trail.
Schwarzsee The picturesque mountain lake invites you to relax. Children watch legends come to life along the Witch’s Trail (Häxewääg).
Panoramic Trail Panoramic trail from Zollhaus (FR) to Gurnigel Berghaus. Gäggersteg detour: hiking path, partially on wooden planks. See how the forests destroyed by the Lothar storm in 1999 are growing back.
Ds Vreneli ab em Guggisberg Traditional folk song about the love story between Vreneli and Hansjoggeli. The Vreneli Museum acquaints visitors with the story’s background. A nice walk leads up to the remarkable Guggershörnli overlook.
Rüeggisberg Priory Ruins Built in the 11th century. It sheltered pilgrims walking the Way of St. James 100 years later. Today it’s a significant site along the Way of St. James. NATURPARK
Gantrisch Nature Park
The Gantrisch Range Ds Vreneli ab em Guggisberg
Hintere Gasse 3 | CH-3132 Riggisberg | T +41 (0)31 808 00 20 info@gantrisch.ch | www.gantrisch.ch
Rüeggisberg Priory Ruins
Bern Region
Oberaargau Between the Jura and the Napf: The Oberaargau Region is a scenic and delightful area, which is reflected in many surprising ways. The alternating villages, valleys, hills, forests and meadows make this a true El Dorado for walkers, hikers and cyclists. As the easternmost tip of the canton of Bern, Oberaargau borders the cantons of Solothurn, Aargau and Lucerne and stretches from the first of the Jura mountain chain down to the Aare valley and back up again to the Ahorn – a spur of the Napf. Bern.com/oberaargau
Mutzbachfall Riedtwil
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Hohwacht Overlook
Highlights Jura Mountains The first Jura chain reaches 1,000 meters above sea level for trips above the fog line. Impressive view of the Swiss plateau and the Alps.
Mutzbachfall Riedtwil Waterfall with a 14 m drop. Enjoy a swim at the foot of the falls. The lush little meadow valley is a perfect place to linger. Hiking and excursion area.
Hohwacht Overlook The 20 m observation tower at 780 meters above sea level offers a fantastic view (from the Jura to the Alps). 150 mountain peaks can be seen on clear days.
Former Monastery of St. Urban Monastery dating from the year 1194, featuring impressive 18th century Baroque architecture. Historic building of national significance. The church’s choir stalls are deemed an object of international interest.
Huttwil Small, friendly country town with many cultural activities. Interesting themed markets.
Oberaargau Tourism
Bättlerchuchi Former Monastery of St. Urban
Stadtladen Marktgasse 13 | CH-4900 Langenthal | T +41 (0)62 919 19 00 tourismus@oberaargau.ch | www.MyOberaargau.com
Huttwil
Bern Region
Laupen Experience the interplay between culture and nature, history and the present. You’ll discover a charming little town, impressive farming villages, and an extensive countryside where you can enjoy nature and relaxation. Laupen and its surrounding region offer you a variety of options for day trips: on hiking paths, on a bicycle or – for a special treat – on decommissioned railroad tracks. And you’ll find all of this just a stone’s throw away from the capital city of Bern. Bern.com/laupen
Farm Museum Althuus
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Rail Bicycle
Highlights Laupen Castle The castle rises majestically over the little town of Laupen. Strategically positioned where the Sense joins the Saane River, this magnificent castle braved the attack of the Habsburgs in the 14th century, saving the city of Bern.
Farm Museum Althuus A display of the old building trade with 300-year-old treasures representing the country peasant way of life and farming.
Rail Bicycle Exercise, fun and play are guaranteed as you ride the Rail Bicycle along the decommissioned railway tracks to and from Gümmenen.
Town of Laupen The medieval town center from the 11th century presents a picturesque setting with its old houses and covered arcades.
Achetringele The ancient custom of driving away evil spirits and demons is celebrated on New Year’s Eve with masks and juniper brooms.
Laupen Region Tourism PO Box 63 | CH-3177 Laupen | +41 (0)31 990 60 60 tourismus@regionlaupen.ch | www.regionlaupen.ch
Town of Laupen
Achetringele
© fotobeatrice
Activities
Summer Explore the diversity of the Bern Region using your own muscle power – on idyllic hiking paths, mile after mile of bicycle and e-bike routes, cool biking trails, and challenging climbing courses. The regional transportation company BLS can take you to all of the region’s most beautiful locations by train or bus. Bern.com/summer
Hiking
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Climbing
Highlights Hiking Hike to your heart’s content! Walk on secluded trails and past cozy country inns – whether a comfortable stroll or a demanding hike. The Bern Region shows its best side with 3,840 km / 2,400 miles of signposted hiking paths.
Climbing Real action for all climbing enthusiasts. The via ferrata Gantrisch, 2 rope parks, 6 indoor climbing halls and countless climbing rocks will make their hearts beat faster.
Bicycles and E-Bikes Discover the region by bicycle on 800 km / 750 miles of superb, signposted bicycle paths. Pedal an electric bike with ease over rolling hills and down solitary country lanes, and discover the 240 km / 150 miles Herzroute and the adventurous routes of the Tour de Berne, with Bern as the starting point and destination.
Biking With thrilling scenery and captivating views – the journey is the destination. Around 250 km / 160 miles of marked biking trails are waiting to be conquered.
Moosegg Bicycles and E-Bikes
Biking
Activities
Winter The Bern Region promises you everything under the sun – and with good reason. After all, the sun shines a lot here, inviting people to engage in all sorts of outdoor activities, even in the winter: skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, or wellness activities. The important thing is to get out and do it – and to feel good and relaxed afterward. So, head out and enjoy the winter fun in the Bern Region. Whether or not you’re on the ski slopes, no one falls by the wayside here! Bern.com/winter
Skiing
Cross-country Skiing
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Highlights Cross-country Skiing Cross-country skiing through romantic, snowy regions with magnificent views of the Alpine panorama. Whether you prefer the classic style or skating, some 75 km / 47 miles of groomed cross-country ski tracks invite you to come and explore.
Skiing Small, beautiful and within your reach. Winter sports are a great way to experience nature in the Bern Region. 12 small, versatile ski areas at up to 1,800 meters above sea level make the region perfect for the whole family.
Sledding Experience the fun of sledding amidst the snowy, fairy-tale scenery. The 1,200 m long sledding path on Bern’s local mountain, the Gurten, provides hours of memorable enjoyment for all ages.
Snowshoeing Tramp through fresh snow with snowshoes, and relish the untouched winter landscape. The Bern Region has 25 km / 16 miles of marked trails waiting to be discovered.
Gurnigel Sledding
Snowshoeing
Wellness
Oases of Wellbeing Take a moment to escape the confines of time and your daily routine. Get in touch with yourself and pamper yourself. Whether for a whole day or only a few hours – just relax and indulge. Spas, saunas, steam baths, oases of tranquility, and purification treatments. Pure relaxation! Bern.com/wellness
Solbad & Spa Schönbühl
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Highlights Hammam & Spa Oktogon Bern Hamam is a bathing ritual, a place for cleansing and for meeting. Hamam is sensuous – a soft light, a balmy warmth. A dream bath straight out of the Arabian Nights.
Solbad & Spa Schönbühl Salt is life. Recharge your health, awaken your senses. Switzerland’s largest saltwater spa has a water area of more than 600 m2.
Schwefelberg-Bad A popular destination for spa visitors since the 15th century due to its sulfur springs and fango clay.
Bernaqua – Water Park & Spa
The ultimate relaxation and wellness oasis. Giant water slides and a river pool with currents provide plenty of action. Or simply unwind in one of the 18 indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Schwefelberg-Bad
Bernaqua – Water Park & Spa
Conferences and Team Building
Bern as a Meeting Place With friendly people, a medieval downtown and colorful markets, Bern is a great place to come together. The contrast of state-of-the-art conference infrastructure, well-developed transportation systems, memorable fringe activities and professional hosts all contribute to making Bern and its surroundings the ideal venue for your next event. Participants are certain to draw inspiration from the relaxed atmosphere. Bern Incoming Ltd. will be happy to handle the reservation of meeting sites and hotels for you, as well as the organization of fringe activities. Bern.com/business
Incentives
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Fringe Activities
Highlights Kursaal Allegro Bern Bern’s largest culture and conference center for events with up to 1,400 people.
Incentives Feel at ease – from the memorable aperitif to the exclusive hotel stay.
Fringe Activities Scooter tours. Snowshoeing in Gantrisch. Ice sculpting and much more.
Team Building Competing in the Emmental Farm Olympics, crisscrossing the city with the Tram Rally, or testing your strength with traditional Swiss wrestling.
Special Venues Conference facilities for up to 1,400 people, sophisticated castle hotels and country inns, marquees, museums or exhibition halls.
Bern Incoming Ltd. Amthausgasse 4 | CH-3011 Bern | T +41 (0)31 328 12 60 info@bern-incoming.ch | www.bern-incoming.ch
Team Building
© Emmental Tours
Special Venues
Bern at a Click
Bern.com Welcome to Bern – we’re just a mouse click away! At Bern.com you’ll learn all about what’s happening in the Swiss capital city and the surrounding region. You can book hotels with ease and also find all the details about trips, events, shopping, culture, weather and city maps. In short: Bern.com has everything you need to know about Bern. Updated daily, so our information is always current!
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Download Bern
Brochures Are you looking for the perfect conference venue, a classy hotel room, or an exciting idea for a trip? Bern.com can provide the inspiration you need; then just order the corresponding brochure or download it immediately. Bern.com/brochures
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City Tours 2011 | 2012
Excursions 2011 | 2012
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Bern Tourism Tourist Information Bahnhofplatz 10a CH-3011 Bern, Switzerland T +41 (0)31 328 12 12 F +41 (0)31 328 12 77 Bern.com info@bern.com Key Partners Bern Tourism