Summer in Bern

This summer in Bern is going to be hot! Let life in the destination Bern turn your head: Be it splashing around in what is probably Switzerland’s most beautiful open-air swimming pool with a view of the Parliament Building, a visit to one of Bern’s award-winning museums or cool vaulted cellars in the UNESCO-designated old town of Bern.

Cooling off

Feel like swimming in one of the free outdoor pools in the city of Bern or cooling off at one of the most beautiful natural bathing spots in the Nature Park Gantrisch, in the Emmental or Oberaargau? Here is some inspiration for summer activities.

Free outdoor pools in Bern

During the summer months, the people of Bern turn into a nation of water rats (i.e., enthusiastic swimmers). And for good reason: not only the sparkling Aare, but a whole selection of municipal bathing areas beckon with their cool water, cosy sunbathing meadows and treats from fries to ice cream. From the lively neighbourhood swimming pool Wyler to the alternative-style Lorrainebad to the famous Marzili: a fun swimming experience stands at the top of the list during Bern’s summer. And the best part: it’s free!

Hop in

To weather and water temperature

Cooling down in front of the Parliament Building

The water feature on the Bundesplatz (Parliament Square) is made up of 26 fountains which represent Switzerland’s 26 cantons. The water seemingly shoots directly out of the stone slabs, up to seven meters into the air – sometimes following a certain rhythm, sometimes completely at random. Children frolic in the fountains, shrieking with joy, and adults and even dogs refresh themselves in the cool water on hot days. Next to them, young people sit on the ground in smaller and larger groups, picnicking, discussing, or practicing a dance performance. Watching this does make you wonder: you couldn’t imagine seeing such a spectacle in front of other seats of government – in front of the White House, for example, or the Elysée Palace.

Discover it now

  • Tipp

    There is now a circular-hike ticket for the classic high trail from the Gantrisch to the summit of the Stockhorn. Click here for the special offer.

Eating and drinking

How about a refreshing «Bern Mule» from one of Bern’s pop-up bars, a light, summery meal at a place that excels at sustainability, or exploring the old town and strolling through Bern’s shady arcades with a strawberry ice cream?

Bern’s pop-up bars

They are definitely a summer highlight: The many pop-up bars that sprout up in various places in Bern during the warm months. Nowhere else does a cool beer or a fruity drink taste as good as on the banks of the passing Aare, under shady trees, waving pennants and on colourful bistro chairs. This is the perfect opportunity to discover your new favourite beer out of the many local craft beers – after all, Bern is not considered the «beer capital of Switzerland» for nothing. And who knows, maybe a little flirt at the improvised bar will even result in a summer romance?

Let’s get summer started

Events

  • Tipp

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

Art and culture

Feel like visiting award-winning exhibitions in Bern’s museums where it’s always wonderfully cool? They are definitely worth a visit. After all, Bern is home to some of the most important museums and galleries in Switzerland. In addition, we will reveal interesting and bizarre facts about Bern on our varied city tours.

Museums in Bern

If you think «Museum» and pictures of large, dusty rooms or the warning voices of your parents (“don’t touch anything!) are rising before you – think again – because a visit to one of Bern’s museums will convince you otherwise. Many exhibitions actually want your active participation and invite you to take part! Bern’s cultural institutions present you with wonderful new ideas and ways to “feed” a curious mind with fascinating temporary exhibition, an exciting guided tour or an interactive event – come and have a look!

Off to the museum

Botanical Garden Bern

The Botanical Garden is located right next to the Lorraine Bridge and is just a short walk from Bern main station. But as soon as you leave the main road and enter the «BoGa», it feels like you are in another world: the birdsong and rustling of leaves will soothe your senses and an exciting journey of discovery to different continents can begin. Quirky plants such as Buddha’s hand, the squirting cucumber or the poisonous plants in the medicinal plant garden never cease to amaze. Our tip: Be sure to stop at the Café Fleuri after your little trip around the world and through a multitude of plants.

Go on a trip into nature

Shopping

Browse through the charming little shops in Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town looking for the perfect birthday present for your best friend or take a stroll through Bern’s weekly produce market to pick up some regional products for your barbecue, such as vegetables, meat, or fish – shopping in Bern is simply fun! And best of all: the six-kilometre-long arcades protect you from the blazing sun or from sudden summer thunderstorms.

Stay overnight

A budget room in a youth hostel right on the water, a glamorous suite in the heart of Bern’s old town or stylish accommodation in a trendy district: those who want to stay overnight in the destination Bern are spoilt for choice.

Hotels in the destination Bern

Looking for a down-to-earth or luxurious accommodation? You can find many unique accommodation options in the different regions of the destination Bern. Surrounded by an idyllic hilly landscape or in the middle of a historical city: we are giving you an overview of all the hotels in this multi-faceted destination.

Book now

Hotel offer for families

Families profit from free overnight stays for their children under the age of 16 in a selection of Bernese hotels. Be it an active or relaxed getaway in an urban setting or the breath-taking landscapes of the Bernese countryside: thanks to the federal city’s central location, many diverse activities and experiences are only a stone’s throw away.

For more information

What to do when it’s pouring with rain?

Program for rain and bad weather

Learn more