So Bern has no lake? Think again! Egelsee might not be as cute as picturesque as the lakes in Lucerne or Geneva. But the Egelsee (literally: leech lake) has a charm of its own. It is located in a posh residential area in the east of town, kind of hidden behind trees and bushes. But since – after a long legal fight – the new Bar Riva opened its gates, more and more people have discovered it.

Still: It’s a calm piece of nature to unwind your mind, observe nature or read a book. It also offers great picnic spots on the shore. And in cold winters, the lake freezes, so you can – when the authorities allow it – go ice skating on it.

The lake is reachable by bus 12 (stop Tavelweg, direction Paul Klee Zentrum). Alternatively, you could walk about 15 minutes uphill from Bärengraben.

Pro Tip: The streets between Egelsee and the Paul Klee Centre have quirky, poetic, funny names. They are a tribute to some works of painter Paul Klee. If you are into painting and art, combine your stroll around Egelsse with a visit to the Zentrum Paul Klee.