The Best Free Activities in Bern

It’s the same thing every January: optimism and New Year’s resolutions lead to overfilled gyms. Expensive memberships, stuffy air and long waiting times for the equipment stifle our motivation. So why not try a new approach? Bern offers a variety of possibilities to stay or get into shape for free while also spending more time outdoors. Using the equipment at Marzili’s outdoor fitness park, jogging through the Bremgarten forest, or training on the BärnParcours along the River Aare are free and open to everyone. If you prefer swimming to stay fit, you’ll love summer in Bern: admission to the city’s public pools (with the exception of the Ka-We-De) is free.

From alpine edelweiss and gentian to banana plants and sugarcane – over 6,000 plant species from all over the world have found a new home at Bern’s Botanical Garden, just a ten-minute walk from the main station. Be it outside or in the succulent or orchid greenhouse, the plants take visitors on a journey around the world on over two hectares, telling tales of tropical rainforests, arid steppes and barren Alpine peaks. Dream of faraway places while relaxing on the meadow in the summer sun or warming up in the palm house during the wintertime.

Bern’s museums have a lot to offer – oftentimes for free! How about a trip to the Kornhausforum, for example? The gallery on the second floor of the city’s former granary regularly hosts design, architecture, and photography exhibitions and events. Many of them can be visited freely and free of charge. For little culture fans, the Zentrum Paul Klee has the interactive children’s exhibition Creaviva. Admission is free here, too. Kids who feel inspired by the creative atmosphere have the opportunity to express themselves and draw, paint, craft, and create their own works of art at the “Fünfliber-Werkstatt” next door (“five-franc workshop” where you pay five francs per created work of art).

A highlight for slightly older children and teenagers on a trip to the small town of Laupen is the “Krimispass”: on the two-hour scavenger hunt, young and old sleuths - “armed” only with a smartphone - solve a mysterious murder case and create a lasting memory in the process. In the role of Inspector the Bern Cantonal Police, the aim is to search for clues to the disappearance of Professor Braun. The renowned scientist was researching a revolutionary invention in Laupen, but has recently disappeared without a trace. “Krimispass” is free, so simply charge the battery, request the e-mail with the game instructions and off you go!

Did you know that the country’s highest church steeple is located in Bern? The first stone for the Bern Minster was put down in the year 1421, and the church has been an integral part of the cityscape ever since. The medieval sandstone building is well worth a visit – the impressive organs, frescoes and figurines will make any art and music lover’s heart skip a beat. And don’t forget to climb the 344 steps to the top of the steeple for an impressive view of the mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and the rooftops of Bern’s Old City. Our recommendation: Stop to admire the church bells (the big bell – the largest in all of Switzerland – weighs almost ten tonnes!). Admission to the Minster is free, access to the spiral staircase is five Francs for adults and two Francs for children.

Switzerland’s most famous biscuit brand has been around for over 120 years. To celebrate the big anniversary, Kambly has pulled out all the stops and updated the Kambly Experience: the ingredient wall offers interesting facts about the local suppliers and their products and a that shows how the company’s iconic fine biscuits are made. There’s a biscuit chalet where you can experience Kambly’s long-standing history, and a kids corner where children can become train conductors or bakers for the day. It’s perfect for a day trip – and only 35 minutes by train from Bern!

A city trip for the entire family complete with hotel accommodation can be a strain on your budget. But not in Bern! Families profit from free overnight stays for children up to 16 years in select hotels. So you don’t need to worry about money and can focus on all the beautiful, fun, exciting things Bern has to offer. Be it an active or relaxed stay, in an urban setting or the breathtaking landscapes of the Bernese countryside: thanks to the federal city’s central location, the many diverse activities and experiences are only a stone’s throw away.

A 300-metre ball path, a legendary miniature train, paddling pools in the summer and a child-friendly ski lift in the winter – over 20 different attractions await on Bern’s local mountain, and most of them are free! For children especially, the Gurten is the perfect place for exploring, playing, and running around – and grown-ups love it, too. Guests staying at an accommodation in the city of Bern ride the red Gurten funicular for free. By the way: if you’re chasing the sun on a grey autumn or winter’s day, you can often find a few warming rays on the Gurten, complete with a spectacular view of the sea of fog below.

How does the Bern Symphony Orchestra prepare for its next concert? Which tips do theatre directors give their actresses and actors right before a premiere? And what are the most important final touches for a play? At the public rehearsals, theatre and music enthusiasts can experience what goes on behind the scenes of Bühnen Bern. You can watch the actors, dancers and musicians prepare for the stage, and there’s often also a short introduction or fun facts and information about an ongoing production. To find out when and where the public rehearsals take place, check the website of Bühnen Bern.

A great outing: On 365 days a year, explorers of all ages can discover, watch, and get to know numerous indigenous and exotic animals at Bern Animal Park, Dählhölzli. With the exception of the Vivarium and a part of the outdoor area, admission is free, and with its petting zoo and BBQ area, the animal park is perfect for a day out with the entire family. Perfect for the summer: walk along the Alpine landscape with chamois, ibexes & Co. on the banks of the River Aare, dip your feet into the cool water, and have a little picnic by the river.

Swiss politics up close: From the domed hall to the council chambers to the famous foyer – on a tour of the Parliament Building, you’ll learn all kinds of interesting and surprising facts about the Swiss parliament and the historic building. When the parliament is not in session, free tours take place in German, English, French and Italian from Tuesday to Saturday. And the sessions are the perfect opportunity to experience the debates and votes in the National Council and the Council of States up close. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance!

They are just as much a part of Bern’s cityscape as the Minster and the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building): the over 100 medieval fountains with their colourful figurines, statues, and decorations. If you get thirsty while on a shopping spree under Bern's famous arcades, simply choose the fountain you like best and fill your bottle with clean, fresh drinking water. And if you’d like to know more about Bern’s water, we recommend the “All about water” guided city tour.