What You Will Do
As someone not from here, I consider myself a "new local". And I've found that some of the most compelling aspects of Old Town, Bern are revealed just along the edges of the city.
It's vast and natural beauty is mesmerizing and easily gotten to. IF one knows how to navigate getting there. With this tour we don't stick to the city limits and in the same breath, we aren't too far away either.
Along side the all time standards, travelers can also get their fix for greener pastures while meandering pathways not typically sought after by visitors.
Originally from New York and after having spent much of my adult life in the heart of that big city. Bern's captivating, smaller city life - coupled with its proximity to nature, drew me like a moth to a flame. Being here is like having the best of both worlds. Exploring and uncovering some of its natural wonders has been an earthly delight. With many more unfolding by the day!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
We will meet at Junkerngasse's lion fountain, directly in front of Junkerngasse 34. Just steps away from the Erlacherhof.
1
Junkerngasse
10 minutes
We start on Junkerngasse, the old city's best preserved street. Our meeting place - it's only fountain, with a 17th century figure of a lion and a lance at the top.
Continuing along this iconic and well known strasse, we consider a few of its famed addresses. Like number 47, Erlacherhof.
2
Erlacherhof
10 minutes
Making our way up the Junkerngasse, we encounter the famed Erlacherhof, the city`s oldest urban palace. And an important present day seat of local government.
We will NOT be touring inside the Erlacherhof.
3
Münsterplattform
15 minutes
We will pass through what is known locally as, "Pläfe", as we make our way toward the Aare. The adored terrace of the famed Bern Minster, the tallest cathedral in Switzerland.
These grounds overlook the Aare and a stretch of the Matte neighborhood down below.
Pläfe is a year round meeting place where one may encounter, musicians, families, dog walkers, handcraft markets, bacci ballers, ping pongers and even the occasional fire throwers.
4
Freibad Marzili
We continue along pathways of the Aare and encounter Marzilibad. This well populated and beautifully curated hot spot is great for basking in summer time sun, and for bathing in pools & the river alike. It serves as a mecca for folks from far and wide. Many river rafters can be seen floating along during summer.
It is where big screen, open air movies are shown during the season. And where several outdoor eating options are offered.
This is also where we take a turn onto a more natural setting. An enchanting bespoke journey inspired by my very own explorations. Taking us past campgrounds tucked into the landscape and fun bridges where we may encounter adventurous swimmers leap into the Aare. We are not among them. ;)
This part of our trek provides a unique, quality of life aspect to Bern, making it super appealing to the likes of this former Brooklynite.
Though not stopping here, the walk through takes approximately 30 minutes.
5
Aare River
This portion of our trip takes us directly along the Aare River continuing through green pathways leading from areas of Marzili along Eichholz & Wabern.
Then just about midway we find passage across and are transported to the other side of the Aare.
If time allows, perhaps a brief stop for a bite at Restaurant Fährebeizli on the river's edge.
Though not stopping here, the walk through takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
6
Fähre Bodenacker
40 minutes
A ferry via the Fähre Bodenacker offers an enchanted minutes-long ride (licensed operators). It takes us across the Aare - about 10 minutes. (cost included)
Before local bridges were built, particularly along these more narrow stretches of the Aare, small ferries were utilized as a means of public transportation from one side to the other.
And once on the other side, IF time allows, perhaps a brief stop for a bite to eat at Restaurant Fährebeizli (or something to go) Indoor and outdoor seating on the river's edge and a casual menu offers quick salads, sandwiches, fries & drinks etc. (30 minutes or so). FOOD COSTS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
7
Tierpark Bern
Now that we are on the other side of the Aare, we'll make our way back. We will pass areas of Elfenau and Dählhozli. Each boasting small forests and recreational parks.
Further along, we will meander past the Bern Zoo where there's a good chance we might even spot a bunch of bison...or a least a flock of flamingos!
Though not stopping here, the walk through takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
8
Kirchenfeldbrucke
Toward the end of our day together, we make our way across the Kirchenfeldbrūcke and back into the Old Town. Giving us one more elevated view of the Aare.
Though not stopping here, the walk through from our previous location takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
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