20 highlights along the ViaBerna

The Maison de la Tête-de-Moine is located in an annex to the abbey in Bellelay, on the boundary between Jura and Bernese Jura. The wheelchair-accessible museum gives visitors a look back at the 800-year history of the famous “Tête-de-Moine” (monk’s head) cheese whose unique character has been preserved over the centuries.

The gigantic blades of 16 wind turbines rotate on Mont Crosin. Learn all about the technology of renewable energies on the thematic trail “Espace Découverte Energie”. The solar power plant Mont Soleil is used to research and develop photovoltaics.

If you would like to experience a spectacular sunset or sunrise on the Chasseral, we recommend a stay in the hotel at over 1,500 m above sea level. 

Mont-Sujet in Bernese Jura offers hikers a colourful backdrop of wooded pasture, green forests and colourful flowers. The reward for the climb is a fantastic view of the Alps.

The hike through the mystical Taubenloch Gorge is one of the region’s most popular and an experience for the whole family. Discover the gorge and follow the Suze – that’s the river that flows through the gorge – as far as Biel/Bienne.

“Seeteufel” is a popular Seeland destination. Across over seven hectares you will find more than 40 species of animal from all five continents, as well as a playground for children between 2 and 12 years. The famous go-kart track can be found before you cross over the motorway in Lyss.

Aarberg has something for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy spending time in a cosy restaurant, strolling through the historic town centre or browsing in one of the many shops. You definitely shouldn’t miss the famous wooden bridge across the Old Aare.

The Bogen 17 kiosk by the Wohlei bridge is a great place to take a break from your hike during summer. It serves fresh salads, home-made iced tea, apéro platters and local dishes.

The BearPark and Dählhölzli Zoo are the two separate parts that form the Tierpark Bern. They both follow the motto of “more space for fewer animals”. The parks are situated on the banks of the Aare in the city of Bern, along the ViaBerna.

As an alpine lakeside town, Thun is a magnet for tourists. The impressive castle with its distinctive towers dates back to the 12^th century and the town church with its octagonal tower and baroque hall are from the 14^th century. Schadau Park gives an impressive view of the lake and the Bernese High Alps.

You can’t miss the famous Spiez Bay: Here you will find the magnificent castle, the castle church, several flower gardens, a museum and a small but delightful castle café with terrace. It’s worth planning a longer stay here.

The 80 m high waterfall in Suldtal guarantees pure refreshment. Forget everyday life for a moment as you watch the roaring water plunging into the depths.

It’s well worth stopping at the fantastic Bällehöchst lookout post. You should plan in around 45 minutes to get there and back. Suls Alp and Sulsseewli are also worth a visit.

Guests never fail to be fascinated by the diverse landscape of the Schynige Platte. With the historic Schynige Platte train it takes around 50 minutes to reach the Schynige Platte from Wilderswil. Once at the top, a feast for the eyes is guaranteed with a view of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and the panoramic view from the Hotel Schynige Platte.

The First Cliff Walk by Tissot is an experience that will take your breath away. The walkway juts out 45 metres into thin air high above Grindelwald on the west side of the summit and leads to the panoramic terrace of the Berghaus. You will also be fascinated by the rock structures of the Bernese Alps uphill.

Even a long day hike leaves enough time for a walk through the spectacular Rosenlaui glacier gorge. The meltwater foams and bubbles powerfully beneath your feet on the 45-minute tour.

Lose yourself in the stories of the famous master detective at the Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen. And if you want to really experience one of the scenes from the books, visit Reichenbach Falls. The 120-metre high waterfall is quickly and easily accessible with a nostalgic funicular.

The Alpen Tower gives a spectacular 360° panoramic view of the surrounding mountainous landscape and the Haslital. Planplatten can also be reached by cable car from Reuti by way of Bidmi and Mägisalp (it’s the comfortable way to ascend the approximately 1200 metres of altitude...). The Muggestutz trail, where you can discover the legends about a famous local dwarf, is a good stopping point for families.

The Lake Engstlen at the foot of Titlis enchants walkers at the start of the 19^th ViaBerna stage with its ancient Swiss pines. Enjoy this tranquil alpine lake at 1,835 metres above sea level. Boat trips are also possible.

The final stage of the ViaBerna takes you along the old Susten pass route, away from the vehicular pass road. Renovated with dry stone walls, stone steps and slabs, this old mule track is one of the most beautiful pass routes in Switzerland.