The Iconic Bear Park and Riverfront Paths

You can find the latest updates on Bern travel info.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Bern travel info.

The route to the riverfront is mostly flat and easy to walk. Kids will love watching the bears play in their large green enclosure. You can find benches and clean public restrooms nearby. Entry to the outdoor bear park is free for everyone.

Check out the Bear Park riverfront paths for a truly scenic experience. The path leads toward the historic old town bridge. It is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs alike. Expect to spend about one hour exploring this area.

The park is open 24 hours a day for visitors. However, the bears are most active during the daylight hours. There is a modern lift available for those with strollers. This makes moving between the upper and lower paths very easy.

You can find a tourist center right at the park entrance. They offer maps and helpful advice for your city visit. Local cafes nearby serve fresh snacks and cold drinks. It is a great starting point for your Bernese adventure.

Bern Old City and Historic Fountain Tour

Bern's Old City is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. The cobblestone streets are full of history and local charm. You can follow the Bern Old City walking routes with ease. Look for the famous Zytglogge clock tower at the hour.

Children will enjoy hunting for the many colorful historic fountains. Each fountain tells a different story from old Swiss folklore. Most streets have long covered arcades to keep you dry. This makes it a great activity for a rainy day.

The walk is mostly flat and very easy to navigate. Stop at a local bakery for a traditional sweet treat. You will find many small shops and cafes along the way. The total walking distance is about two kilometers.

Make sure to visit the Kindlifresserbrunnen or Ogre Fountain. It is a favorite landmark for kids visiting the city. The fountain shows a giant eating small children in fun. It is a unique photo spot for your family album.

The streets are mostly car-free or have very limited traffic. This allows children to walk safely near their parents. You can finish the walk at the large Parliament Square. Kids can play in the water jets during summer months.

The Panoramic Rosengarten and Playground Walk

The Rosengarten offers the absolute best views of the city. You must walk up a short, paved hill to reach it. The effort is worth it for the stunning panoramic scenery. It is one of the most scenic walks in Bern 2026 provides.

There is a large, modern playground for children to enjoy. You will find hundreds of different rose species in bloom. The park features a lovely restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating. It is a perfect spot for a family picnic.

Spring and summer are the best times to visit the gardens. The flowers look vibrant and the air smells very sweet. You can reach the park easily by taking bus number 12. Spend at least two hours here to enjoy the atmosphere.

The paths inside the garden are paved and very smooth. This makes it ideal for families using strollers or wagons. There are many grassy areas where kids can run freely. You can also find a small library pavilion for reading.

The park is free to enter for all visitors. It stays open until late in the evening during summer. You can watch the sunset over the red rooftops. It is a peaceful escape from the busy city streets.

Gurten Mountain Trails for Active Families

Take a fun funicular ride up to the Gurten mountain. This car-free zone is a paradise for active Swiss families. You can explore many Gurten mountain hiking trails here. The paths are well-marked and very safe for kids.

The mountain features a massive play area for all children. There is a miniature train and a large climbing frame. You can also find several public grilling spots for lunch. The views of the Alps are truly breathtaking today.

A round-trip funicular ticket costs about 11 Swiss Francs. The mountain park is open every day of the year. Try the tall observation tower for an even better view. This trip usually takes about half a day total.

In winter, the mountain is great for family sledding. In summer, the green meadows are perfect for ball games. There is a self-service restaurant with many kid-friendly meals. You can also find a fancy sit-down dining room.

The funicular runs every 15 minutes from the valley station. You can reach the station by tram number 9. It is a short and easy ride from the center. Gurten is a must-visit for any family in Bern.

Aare River Loop and Dählhölzli Animal Park

Walk from the city center toward the Dählhölzli zoo. The path follows the river through a lush green forest. It is one of the top stroller friendly walking paths in Bern. The shade keeps you cool during hot summer days.

The Bern animal park walking tour is very popular. You can see bison, seals, and wild boar for free. Some sections of the zoo require a paid entry ticket. The walk is flat and very easy for toddlers.

Plan for a three-kilometer walk along the scenic riverbank. There are several spots where you can touch the water. Bring comfortable walking shoes and some water for the journey. The animal park is open from 8:00 AM daily.

You will pass the Marzili outdoor pool along the way. This area is very lively during the warm summer months. You can see locals floating down the river in tubes. It is a fun sight for children to watch.

The zoo has a great playground and a petting area. Kids can get close to goats and other farm animals. There is a cafe located right by the river. It is a wonderful way to spend a morning.