Gurten might not be a very well kept secret. Over a million people climb the green hill outside the city each year. Still, when you enter the red cable car, you will be almost exclusively accompanied by locals heading to higher grounds, whenever the weather is good enough.
Gurten is our "Hausberg", our own little mountain, and a matter close to the heart for most Bernese. I myself have memories of countless evenings spent around campfires, nights under the stars, afternoons on the giant green meadows studying for exams, ecstatic concerts at the annual Gurtenfestival (mid-July), deer spotted and mushrooms collected in the forests, exhausting hikes from bottom to top of the hill (about 40 minutes) and fierce sleigh races in winter.
Besides that, the reasons to climb the 858m above sea level are almost endless: A spectacular view on the city and the always snowy alps; mini trains and mini scooters, Scottish highland cattle, a downhill biking trail and a summer-toboggan run, restaurants with excellent (though expensive) brunch, a giant playground, an open-air art gallery, tons of fireplaces, nice hikes and walks, fresh air to breathe and green nature wherever you look. Get up there and calm down.
Find your way with 70 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
I especially like that they have about a dozen bottles by the glass and that they offer you to try several wines before you settle for a good drop.
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"Jusq‘a" in Bern makes hands-down the best coffee in town. The personal and simple atmosphere just makes it for me...
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"Landhaus" is a beautifully renovated, rustic restaurant in Bern! From the attic to the cellar to the beautiful garden, it's all an experience...
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"Süder" is a nice restaurant in Bern where the food is excellent from the starter through to dessert. I especially like the friendy staff & atmosphere...
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"Soriya Restaurant" serves Asian food in Bern in a simple and relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend the massaman curry with tofu or vegetables...
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"Wasserspeier" in Bern is a trick spot! Just go there and be surprised... it's an installation by local artist Luciano Andreani
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"Lieblings Café Bar" is for you if you fancy a glass of wine in a cute, little bar in Bern's old town. I like it for the cultural events & concerts, too!
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"Casa Novo" is one of the most exclusive and superior restaurants in Bern that I know. Its location by the Aare is special and beautiful...
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"Kaffeehaus Max" in Bern is very cosy & furnished in a hygge style. I like coming here to work on my laptop. They also make healthy, nutritious food...
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70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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