Bern and its sights have a lot to offer all year round. The Swiss federal city is even better to visit in summer, because this is where the bear tap-dances – after a cooling swim in the Aare, while licking ice cream or sipping beer at the various events in Bern’s old town.
What sights are there in Bern? What are the best bars in the city of Bern for a cozy summer evening? Which events shouldn’t you miss in Bern in the summer months? Let the following 10 tips inspire you and visit the city of Bern during the summer of 2023.
1. Swim in the Aare
We’ll probably start this list with the greatest classic for a successful summer excursion in the Swiss capital: swimming in the Aare is almost a national sport for the people of Bern. The green-blue river is simply the best refreshment on hot days.
But be careful, swimming in the Aare is not without its dangers. Only experienced swimmers should venture into the cool water. Observe the SLRG swimming rules and take a look at the Aare map to familiarize yourself with the route.
The most popular swimming routes for me are between Untertorbrücke, Altenbergsteg to the outdoor pool in Lorraine; or from the Eichholz campsite to the Marzili outdoor pool. If you prefer a longer swim route, we recommend the Aare loop near Bremgarten – including a final beer in the Felsenau brewery.
2. Gelateria di Berna
Whether in the Breitenrain (Scheibenstrasse 18), in the Marzili (Marzilistrasse 32), in the Länggasse (Mittelstrasse 15), in the Mattenhof (Pestalozzistrasse 1) or simply by the ice cream cart in the Dälholzli zoo: the Gelateria di Berna is omnipresent with its ice creams in the city. And this notoriety is quite legitimate, because their different types of ice cream and selection of flavors are just great.
Whether raspberry-ginger or pineapple-basil, caramel fleur de sel or marzipan poppy seeds – everyone with a sweet tooth will find their happiness at Gelateria di Berna. My friend Mia (founder of MiConv) thinks Gelateria di Berna has the most delicious ice cream in the world. And I absolutely agree!
3. Rosengarten Picnic with a view of Bern’s old town
Whether for brunch, lunch or just a small snack at the after-work aperitif: In the large park of the Rosengarten you can sit comfortably on the lawn at any time of the day and enjoy the picnic you have brought with you. It is also worthwhile from here to enjoy the sunset with the best view of Bern’s old town. No wonder the rose garden is a popular attraction in the city of Bern.
4. Cooling water feature on the Bundesplatz in Bern
The water feature at Bundesplatz has become one of Bern’s major tourist attractions. The 26 water fountains, which symbolize the 26 cantons of the Swiss Confederation, pump water from 2000 full bathtubs through the nozzles every day – sometimes in time, sometimes synchronously, sometimes randomly. The water splashes at different heights and cools passers-by of all generations from the summer temperatures.
5. Bären city festival in the old town of Bern
Bern city festival will take place in June. The alleys and squares between the Bern train station and the Nydeggbrücke are transformed into a motley festival mile for everyone to celebrate, dance and enjoy together.
6. Day trip to Lake Wohlen
Lake Wohlen is just outside the city of Bern. This is not a lake in the classic sense, but a 12 km long and max. 700 wide and quiet part of the Aare river – where the river hardly flows anymore. Here you can enjoy the sun in peace on a day trip and cool off in the water.
The Wohlensee is also very popular with rowers and stand-up paddlers: during the summer season you can rent inflatable SUPs right at Camping Eymatt.
7. Chilling at the market
My favorite retreat on Saturday mornings is the weekly market on Münstergasse, in the middle of Bern’s old town. Here you will find fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, meat, fish, coffee and other specialties from the region. I particularly like the family atmosphere at the “Münschtergass-Märit”, the relaxed atmosphere despite the usual hustle and bustle, observing people and their actions. I can therefore highly recommend visiting the weekly market on a summer Saturday.
8. Aarebar on Viktoriaplatz
A unique pop-up at the entrance to Bern’s popular Breitenrain district – that’s the Aarebar on Viktoriaplatz. At the former planning location of the current large construction site of “dr nöi Breitsch”, coffee and cocktails can now be drunk. An ideal place for your after-work aperitif.
9. Gurten Festival Bern
After a two-year break, Bern’s highlight of the year is finally taking place again: year after year, the Gurten Festival attracts thousands of visitors to Bern’s local mountain and delivers a great music festival from Wednesday evening to Saturday night. This year’s headliners are Black Eyed Peas, The Chemical Brothers, Erykah Badu or Kraftklub – but as a Bernese it’s not so much about the music, it’s more about the celebrations.
10. Aare boat from Thun to Bern
Another typical summer activity for the people of Bern is floating down the Aare in a rubber boat. Hardly any other river is used more often with inflatable boats than the Aare between Thun and Bern. Most Aare boaters are out and about between May and September – depending on the air and water temperature and the amount of water discharged from the Aare. The 27 km stretch from Thun to Bern takes up to 3 hours, depending on the flow of water.
What are you going to do in the city of Bern this summer? Are there any other ideas for activities in or around the city of Bern that are missing from this list? Then let me know in the comments below! I wish you a nice, intensive, sunny, sociable and warm summer in the city of Bern.
