Bern at night: on the way in the federal city

The hike starts at Bern train station. Getting there is easy from throughout the canton, and on weekends the trains run late into the night. The city of Bern also has its very own charm at night. Its large old town is definitely no less impressive in the dark. From the station you head directly to the Federal Palace. The size and power that the Federal Palace radiates are even more noticeable at night. The Federal Palace is also illuminated at night and there is time to pause for a moment to admire it in peace. Afterwards, the route continues towards the Zytglogge. While crowds of tourists gather there during the day, at night you practically have the imposing tower to yourself and can admire the decorations and the clock and enjoy the moment in the deliberate Bern old town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Its impressive sandstone buildings, small alleys, and beautiful arcades are consciously noticed in the silence of the darkness. Then you march through the alleys of the city of Bern further to the Bear Park with a view of the Aare. Next, you go to the Rose Garden, from where you can look over the entire city. The last destination, the Bernese local mountain Gurten, can also be admired. The way there is peaceful; for large parts it runs along the Aare and the view from the Gurten over the city is impressive. The Federal Palace is also impressively visible from there, as are the illuminated alleys of the old town. Those who plan their hike cleverly can even enjoy the sunrise on the 'Güsche'. The way back to the station is now a breeze.

The conclusion: A hike does not always have to include wild nature and remote valleys. Especially in transitional seasons, when there is residual snow in the mountains but snowshoeing is impossible, it is worth consciously hiking through a city once in a while. Text: Tanja Isler