#10 Ferry fun
No bridge in sight? No problem, because in certain places, the Aare river can also be crossed by ferry. In Bern, a ride of this type is not only a special experience, it can also be combined very easily with a culinary pit stop. The Fähribeizli, which you can reach with the Bodenacker ferry or on foot, is an ideal spot. This restaurant pub is the ultimate Bernese river bistro. It lies right on the banks of the Aare river in a meadow that is part of the protected Elfenau Park. It’s not far away from the city centre, but all the noise and traffic quickly fade away once you arrive. After taking bus no. 19 to Elfenau, a 15-minute walk will lead you to the Fähribeizli. Further down the river you will find the Zehendermätteli restaurant. Continuing along the Aare by foot or bus (take no. 21, the stop is called “Bremgarten, Schloss”), you can board the ferry that goes from Bremgarten to a little oasis known as “Zehendermätteli”. This restaurant on the Enge peninsula is a wonderful place to sit underneath the shady trees, drink coffee, have some cake and listen to the birds sing. FYI, Zehendermätteli is a restaurant as well as a garden centre, so it offers enough space for children who want run wild, try out the climbing wall or ride donkeys. Please keep in mind that the ferry only operates if the water level allows it.