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In a warm, wood-panelled wellness area, a person relaxes on a lounger, their eyes closed, their expression peaceful. Gentle daylight shines in through the large window, offering a view of the relaxing atmosphere of the sauna in the background.

Bleisure Winter in Bern

Published: 29.05.2024

Is everything cold and grey? “Äuä!” (Of course not!) Bern is probably the most relaxed federal city and canton in Europe and transforms any business trip during the cold season into a wonderful winter experience. Here are some insider tips for an extended weekend, a unique team event or even just a location with feel-good factor.

The word “bleisure” is a mash-up of “business” and “leisure” and refers to a mixture of work and free time.

Extended weekend

Museum visit

If you want to escape the cold, head over Kirchenfeld bridge towards the Museum district. Bern has an almost unlimited number of museums. Whether it’s the award-winning Museum of Communication with its many hands-on activities or the Alps (Alpine Museum), which focuses on the mountains in all their facets – there’s something for everyone here. By the way: You can also find some exciting museums outside the city limits. For example, have you ever heard of Franz Gertsch?

Fondue in Bern

This dish made of melted cheese is as much a part of Switzerland as the holes in Emmental cheese. You don’t have to look too far, if you want to enjoy a delicious fondue in the federal city or canton of Bern. We have put together our favourite places to indulge in fondue: in a gondola, in a cosy chalet or with a view of the twinkling lights of the old town at night.

Slowing down at a spa

With such a full programme, we recommend you take some time to relax in between. We know that breaks are important to let your grey matter recover. So, it’s just as well that the city and canton of Bern have a wide range of spa facilities: the saltwater pool and spa at Schönbühl, the sauna landscape at Hotel Bären Dürrenroth or even a taste of the Orient at the Hammam & Spa Oktogon – slowing down is a top priority in Bern.

Exercising on the Gurten

Fresh air and exercise are important for our general well-being. To keep visitors and locals happy and in shape, we recommend a trip to the “Güsche” (Gurten). Our favourite local mountain is just a 12-minute tram ride away from the main station. You can walk up or (if your legs are tired) take the newly renovated Gurten railway. An amazing view and a variety of activities await you on the “summit”: There are jogging and cycling routes all over the Gurten and you can follow the walking paths to the top to enjoy the view of the snow-covered mountain range. And if you need a break, you can take advantage of the various refreshment options.

Concerts and performances

Did you spend the whole day in front of a screen in meetings or listening to lectures? It’s time to spruce up your stay with the unique cultural programme in the city and canton of Bern. Concerts, readings or performances, whatever you’re in the mood for, our creative venues have it covered. Just keep scrolling to see our favourite places for an evening out or to round off your weekend.


Team events

City Tours by Bern Welcome

“Oh, how marvellous.” The snow crunching under feet, the sun warming your face, and a magnificent mountain range in your view: that’s the scenery your team will be able to enjoy on a guided snowshoe tour in the Gantrisch Nature Park. The tour can accommodate up to 16 people and is led by experienced guides. On the way, they will pass on valuable knowledge about the wild animals and their survival strategies in winter. Get into nature.

Chocolate workshop at Casa Nobile

The Nobile Cioccolateria is just like Charlie’s chocolate factory, but even better and without the Oompa-Loompas. Their chocolatiers were awarded best in Switzerland and placed among the top 10 worldwide several times. And these same chocolatiers will pass on their expertise during their chocolate workshops. Participants will gain insight into the world of chocolate production as well as taste and make their own chocolate creations. An absolute must if you want one of the sweetest experiences in Bern.

The high-quality chocolate is also testament to the high level of sustainability in the chocolate manufactory. Whenever possible, they use Swiss products, such as hay milk from the Entlebuch mountains or hazelnuts from Wohlen. Casa Nobile also purchases its cocoa beans directly from the farmers and cooperatives, under fair conditions and in long-term cooperation.

City tour

You’re very much mistaken if you think city tours are just for tourists. Even locals can learn new and exciting things on one of our tours. How do they change the 500-year-old clock on the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) to summer time? What do the figurines on Bern Minster’s main portal say about heaven and hell? You’ll learn all of this on one of the fascinating tours in the city of Bern. The city guides will leave no question unanswered, which makes this the perfect start for a team event.

Ice stock sport

Ambitious teams will find a new challenge in this activity. The sport, which has similarities to curling and is mainly played in the Alpine region, is ideal for an atmospheric team event. The aim is to place the wooden sticks as close as possible to the tee. The best score after four throws wins the round and, later, the medals or a honey jar.

Cinedome Muri

Have you ever been to the cinema with your team? Neither have we. But there are many reasons to do so – and yes, we used the plural on purpose. The Cinedome Muri not only shows the latest blockbusters, but also offers plenty of activities to challenge your team mates outside of work: laser tag, bowling, virtual games or even a classic game of “Tschüttelichastä” (table football). And when it comes to food, Hans im Glück (Hans in Luck) will provide.

More inspiration


Locations

Mobiliar Arena

Usually, you’ll see handball players running around in here, throwing balls at top speed, and kids learning the right throwing techniques. However, on certain days, a very different group of visitors takes over the Mobiliar Arena in the east of Bern. You can hire the entire hall, including the game kitchen, for team events, promoting an athletic and exuberant energy for your event. Event organisers can also book the lounge, so they can watch the athletes training at the same time. And if you want something truly exclusive, why not hire one of the boxes?

Hotel Bellevue

The Hotel Bellevue is steeped in history and a great venue for your next event. There are eleven versatile event rooms for seminars and banquets to choose from where guests can enjoy the grand hotel atmosphere just one step away from the “Bundeshaus” (Parliament Building). And if you get a break, you might want to go to the hotel’s terrace and enjoy the fantastic view of the Bernese Oberland mountain range.

Orangerie Bernapark

Industrial chic with a big emphasis on the chic, that perfectly describes the Orangerie Bernapark. The room was furnished with great attention to detail by someone who clearly has a knack for plants. The 250 square metres can accommodate up to 65 people and the room is also wheelchair accessible. The warm lighting and carefully selected furniture give the room its cosy ambiance. This historic venue is perfect for events with class and a unique flair.

Hotel Moosegg

Follow the steep and winding road to reach the Hotel Moosegg and take in the incredible view of the mountain triumvirate Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The seminar rooms with their beautiful wooden floors and wide panoramic windows exude charm, and the in-house restaurant is well-known in the region and has been awarded 16 Gault Millau points. And once your work is done, you can relax in the sauna and enjoy the view to revitalise your spirits.

Burgdorf Castle

In the past, the House of Zähringen lived here, but nowadays, you can organise all kinds of events here. Burgdorf Castle was first mentioned in the 11th century and can look back on a long history. The historic rooms are the perfect place for multi-day training and further education courses, tasteful company events or birthdays and weddings. Since the reopening, you can enjoy fine food and drinks in the beautifully furnished restaurant and revisit the castle’s history in one of the interesting exhibits in the museum. Participants of multi-day retreats can even stay in the castle’s own youth hostel.