Gurten

After a morning of city sightseeing, Gurten’s activity park is a great spot for both adults and kids to unwind while soaking up aerial views of the city, Aare, and Alps. More comprehensive tours may include a visit as part of a city-wide itinerary; otherwise, the Gurtenbahn funicular can whisk you up in just a few minutes, with Swiss Travel Pass holders receiving a discount. Set aside at least two hours for your visit, plus more if you plan to explore any mountainside nature trails.

• The Gurtenbahn funicular and several park attractions are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Bikes are permitted on the Gurtenbahn funicular.
• Bathroom facilities, restaurants, and a small hotel can be located in the park’s main building.
• There is a range of hiking routes available for all ability levels; the Grüenebodewald (Route 3) descent is the most challenging, suited only to experienced hikers.

The Gurtenbahn funicular railway from Wabern to Gurten Kolm takes around 15 minutes. The summit is car free, so the closest parking lot is also located at this valley station. The number 9 tram connects Wabern directly to Bern Station. The hike to the summit takes around an hour and by bike about half an hour.

The Gurtenbahn operates daily, until late. In winter, the park is a sledder’s paradise, while smaller children can have a go at skiing on the gentle slopes, while summer brings a water play area. The Gurtenfestival takes place annually and often features big-name acts from around the world.

Gurten is a great spot for an afternoon’s exploration, but for the full Swiss mountain experience, a visit to the Bernese Alps is a must. The Jungfrau Railway offers great views of the scenic highlights of this world-famous range as it winds its way to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in all of Europe. From here, visitors can access the Sphinx Observatory, Snow Fun Park, or Mönchsjochhütte mountain hut.