8 April highlights in the city and region of Bern

The cherry blossoms in their various hues of pink are casting a spell on you in the Rose Garden, the bears are stretching their paws in the BearPark, and we are slowly getting ready to go outside again: People living in the city and region of Bern are slowly but surely welcoming spring – despite the unstable change of season.

Blossoming cherry trees in the Rosengarten

Around this time of year, nature lovers start monitoring the temperatures in Bern. Because for a short period of time each spring, the cherry trees in the city’s most panoramic spot, the Rosengarten park, are in full bloom. You can visit the floral phenomenon by taking a short walk from the BearPark. And if you’re lucky and the sun is peeking out from behind the clouds, pack a picnic blanket, a snack and a good book before you head on over – perfect for soaking up loads of vitamin D, good vibes and taking the best pictures for Instagram & Co. The only question that remains is: when will the trees blossom this year? To find out, simply follow I love Bern on social media. They will let you know when the magic begins.

Experience the cherry blossoms

Easter brunch

Is there a better way than starting your Easter holidays with a brunch? There are plenty of breakfast spots in the federal city to choose from: how about a restaurant under the arcades? Or one of Bern’s characteristically vaulted cellars? We, for one, love to get comfortable in the wartsaal. Or maybe you’d like a family brunch at Tapis Rouge on the Gurten? Should you choose breakfast on our local mountain, you might want to take a walk afterwards and enjoy the view of the mountains in the Bernese Oberland.

“Eiertütsche” (egg tapping) & Co.

The bears are up

Spring fever? That’s something that not just Bern’s two-legged inhabitants know! As soon as temperatures start rising, brown bears Finn, Björk and Ursina come out of hibernation. Still a bit groggy, they come out to explore their home at Bern AnimalPark, BearPark, where they have been since 2008 and which has a large bath and lots of trees, bushes, and caves on around 6,000 square metres. If you’re lucky, you might even catch bear male Finn during his swim. Our recommendation: after your visit, head over to Altes Tramdepot and enjoy a freshly brewed beer on the sunny terrace.

Keep an eye out for our bears

Yoga at the museum

Awaken your body and mind at the Bern Historical Museum. Every Tuesday at lunchtime, this cultural institution invites you to practice yoga at the museum. However, this is not a yoga class like any other. During the first ten minutes, curators will tell you interesting background stories about a selected exhibit. The yoga class afterwards will use that theme to help you find inner peace after a potentially stressful morning as well as energise you for the rest of your day. Anyone – from beginner to advanced yogi – is welcome, no need to register. Changing rooms and yoga mats are also available at the museum. Now there’s nothing standing in the way of your happy anticipation of “Savasana” (traditional yoga exercise).

Namaste at lunchtime

Bern’s “Graniummärit” (geranium market)

On 25 April, it’s that time of the year again, and a sea of flowers will take over the Parliament Square. Make sure to wake up early that Thursday: the various market stalls start selling their beautiful geraniums at 7:00 a.m. Bern’s so-called “Graniummärit” is unique in all of Switzerland: it is the only event of its kind and has been taking place every year since 1957. Visiting the Parliament Square will surely convince you that the geranium is not only suitable for the windowsill of an old farmhouse. Oh, but what if you don’t want to lug your market haul back home on the tram? Use a climate-neutral rickshaw taxi to deliver your purchases directly to your home.

Flowery splendour on the Parliament Square

  • Tipp

    Attention, all plant lovers: on 24 April, the day before the “Graniummärit”, the “Wildpflanzenmärit" (wild plant market) is taking place on the Parliament Square. This market is a true mecca for fans of organic and natural gardens.

Vide Grenier – flea market in the Old City

On 27 April, Bern’s Old City is turned into one big flea market: The locals have done their spring cleaning, and the gems that have turned up are sold at the Vide Grenier in Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse streets from 10 a.m. on. Make sure you don’t miss out on the treasures – it’s worth getting to the Vide Grenier early to snatch the best bargains. That way, you’ll also have enough time for a relaxed, extensive brunch afterwards in one of Bern’s many pretty cafés. Fresh “Gipfeli” (croissants), hot coffee and great finds are just such a perfect combination!

Don’t miss it

Grosse Berner Renntage – Bern’s big soapbox race

If you’ve found some second-hand bounty at last year’s Vide Grenier but don’t know what to use it for – we’ve got the solution: Bern’s big soapbox race on 28 April. You’ll surely find a use for many of those treasures in your soapbox. If you’ve never built a soapbox before, you’ll receive expert support and advice as well as the right materials and tools during the building stage. Now nothing will stand in the way of your victory! Except maybe the tricky racecourse... If you’re not a huge adrenaline junkie, you’re still very welcome on Klösterlistutz hill – after all, the racers need an enthusiastic audience to cheer them on!

Ready, steady, soapbox

  • Tipp

    Keep in mind: make sure to register online by 25 April if you want to be one of those brave soapbox pilots.

Walk around Lake Burgäschi

The days are getting longer, the birds are chirping and the buds on the trees are slowly blossoming –perfect conditions for some quality time outdoors. How about a long walk? For example, around Lake Burgäschi which is approximately 45 minutes by train from Bern. It’s a wonderful place to walk hand in hand and listen to the gentle rustling of the alder leaves in the wind. And then there’s the restaurant Seeblick, luring you in for a “Dinner for two” or an aperitif with exquisite delicacies. Our tip for photographers: the reflections on the water are particularly picturesque during the hour before sunset. Of course, you can go on many more walks in the city and region of Bern – take a look at our tips.

Leisurely strolls

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    Of course, there are many more events taking place in Bern. Take a look at our event calendar.

Observe nature, the city and its inhabitants awaken

Spring in the city and region of Bern

Our tips