A Day on the Gurten – Nature, Views & Family Time in the Heart of Bern
- Mirco Röthlisberger
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
Some places surprise you, not because they’re far away or exotic, but because they offer exactly what you didn’t know you needed—peace, space, and a sense of joy. Our day on the Gurten, Bern’s very own mountain, was just that. So close to the city, yet it felt like stepping into a completely different world—one where the air is fresher, the pace slower, and the moments somehow more vivid.
Getting There – Easy and Stress-Free
We drove out in the morning, and from the start, everything felt relaxed. The signs to the parking garage were easy to follow, and we found a spot without any fuss. If we had come by train, it would have been just as easy—the stop is practically at the doorstep of the Gurtenbahn. There was no rush, no crowds, just that feeling of anticipation that something lovely was about to begin.
Three Ways to the Top – We Took the Scenic Adventure Path
While many take the charming red funicular to the summit, we were in the mood for something a little more grounding. So we set off on foot, following the forest trail that winds gently—and at times, quite steeply—up the hillside. The path took us through cool woods and sunlit clearings, past curious cows and quiet farms, always with glimpses of the city below. It wasn’t a long hike, but it was just enough to make us feel awake and alive, with that satisfying mix of tired legs and full hearts. Every bend in the path brought a new view, and the kids loved the sense of adventure that came with walking instead of riding.
At the Top – Green Space, Great Views & Pure Joy for the Kids
When we reached the top, it was like arriving at a festival of calm. The open meadow was dotted with blankets, families, couples, and the occasional kite in the sky. Our children headed straight for the playground, where laughter and movement filled the air. The little train chugged cheerfully by, offering rides around the hilltop, while others strolled slowly, enjoying the view across Bern and far beyond to the mountains on the horizon.
We sat down at the restaurant terrace, the kind of place where you can lose track of time. The food was simple but satisfying, and the view made everything taste better. It was the kind of moment where everything feels right—the warm sun, the cool drink, the joy of doing nothing in a place that fills you up in all the best ways. Around us, others picnicked in the grass, shared stories, napped, or read. No one seemed in a hurry. It was that kind of day.
Final Thoughts – A Local Treasure That Has It All
What I love most about the Gurten is its balance. It offers just enough challenge to feel like an adventure, just enough comfort to feel like a retreat, and just enough charm to make you want to come back again. Whether you're there to hike, to play, to eat, or simply to breathe—it meets you where you are. For us, it was a day of togetherness, movement, and stillness all at once. If you're ever in or around Bern, don’t miss the chance to escape to the Gurten. It may not be far in distance, but it’s a world away in spirit.
Comments