Gurten Bern
Gurten mountain offers stunning panoramic views of Bern and the Alps, with a funicular, observation tower, and family-friendly activities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Clear skies for best views
Gurten Bern
Best Time
Clear skies for best views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gurten mountain offers stunning panoramic views of Bern and the Alps, with a funicular, observation tower, and family-friendly activities.
"A truly wonderful mountain with breathtaking views over Bern and the Alps."
☀️ Check the Weather First
Sunny days offer the best panoramic views of Bern and the Alps. Clouds can ruin the experience .
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
It's noticeably cooler and windier at the top due to the elevation. A light jacket is recommended .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City & Alpine Views
Observation Tower
Marvel at breathtaking vistas of Bern city and the majestic Swiss Alps from the observation tower.

Gurtenbahn Funicular Ride
Valley Station to Summit
Enjoy a scenic and convenient journey up the mountain on the charming Gurtenbahn funicular.

The Little Roller Coaster
Play Area
A funicular-powered roller coaster offers a thrilling ride with fantastic views for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views & Weather
Getting There & Guest Pass Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What to do traveling in Bern
☀️ Check the Weather First
Sunny days offer the best panoramic views of Bern and the Alps. Clouds can ruin the experience.
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
It's noticeably cooler and windier at the top due to the elevation. A light jacket is recommended.
First time in Bern!
Viewpoint Recommendations?
🎟️ Free Funicular with Guest Pass
If staying in a Bern hotel, your guest pass often covers the Gurtenbahn funicular ride for free.
🚶 Hike Up or Down
For a more active experience, consider walking up or down the mountain. The hike to Gurtendorf is lovely.
Favorite Activities in Bern
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Check the Weather First
Sunny days offer the best panoramic views of Bern and the Alps. Clouds can ruin the experience.
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
It's noticeably cooler and windier at the top due to the elevation. A light jacket is recommended.
🎟️ Free Funicular with Guest Pass
If staying in a Bern hotel, your guest pass often covers the Gurtenbahn funicular ride for free.
🚶 Hike Up or Down
For a more active experience, consider walking up or down the mountain. The hike to Gurtendorf is lovely.
🎢 Don't Miss the Roller Coaster
The little roller coaster is a highlight for many visitors, offering fun and views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gurten for its breathtaking panoramic views of Bern and the Alps, its peaceful atmosphere, and excellent accessibility via the funicular. Many highlight the fun roller coaster as a family favorite. While generally loved, some note that the toboggan ride can be closed, and clear weather is essential for the best experience.
"A place where you can indulge yourselves in serenity surrounding. Stunning views, fresh air to inhale, cleanliness that one can fall in love with the country. Because I do."
Wawa Willegers
"Gurten is a truly wonderful mountain with breathtaking views over Bern and the Alps. The atmosphere is peaceful, making it a perfect spot for hiking, relaxing, or simply enjoying nature."
Aliaksandr Shuster
"Everything is Great about the Place! The view, nature & accessibility makes the Gurten a wonderful destination for a day trip.
My personal highlight is the little roller coaster 🎢"
Carla Hilpert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Gurten is by taking the Gurtenbahn funicular from the valley station in Wabern. If you have a Bern Welcome Card or guest pass from your hotel, the funicular ride is often free.
Alternatively, you can hike up to the summit, which takes about 15-20 minutes from Gurtendorf.Yes, there is parking available near the Gurtenbahn valley station in Wabern, though it can fill up on busy days. Consider public transport if possible, especially if you have a guest pass.
You can certainly hike up to Gurten. There are well-marked trails, and the walk from Gurtendorf is a pleasant option for those who enjoy a bit of exercise.
The Gurtenbahn is a funicular railway that transports visitors from Wabern up to the Gurten mountain. It's a scenic and convenient way to ascend.
Absolutely! The Gurtenbahn funicular is easily reachable by public transport from Bern city center, making it a very accessible destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Gurten mountain itself is generally free. However, you will need a ticket for the Gurtenbahn funicular unless you have a guest pass from your Bern hotel.
The roller coaster and other attractions may have separate fees.The Gurten mountain is typically accessible year-round during daylight hours. The Gurtenbahn funicular operates on a schedule, usually from morning until early evening. It's best to check the official Gurten website for current operating times.
The observation tower is usually accessible as part of the general access to Gurten, and there isn't typically a separate fee to climb it. Enjoy the stunning views!
The Swiss Travel Pass often covers the Gurtenbahn funicular. It's always a good idea to verify coverage with the Swiss Travel System or the Gurtenbahn directly before your visit.
While entry to the mountain is free, the Gurtenbahn may offer family or group tickets. Check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and discount information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Gurten offers a variety of activities including enjoying panoramic views from the observation tower, riding the funicular, experiencing the roller coaster, hiking trails, playgrounds, and relaxing in nature. There are also restaurants and cafes.
Yes, Gurten is very family-friendly! It features playgrounds, the popular roller coaster, and plenty of open space for kids to run around. The scenic views are also a hit with all ages.
The observation tower provides the most iconic panoramic shots of Bern and the Alps. The funicular itself makes for great photos, as do the rolling green hills and any blooming flowers in season.
Absolutely! There are walking paths and hiking trails around Gurten, offering different perspectives of the landscape and opportunities to explore the natural beauty.
Yes, Gurten has excellent playground facilities, making it a fantastic destination for families with young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes on Gurten offering food and drinks with beautiful views. You can enjoy a meal or a snack while taking in the scenery.
Gurten is a great place for a picnic. There are plenty of open grassy areas where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy your own food while surrounded by nature.
The restaurants on Gurten typically offer Swiss cuisine, including local specialties, as well as international dishes. Expect options for casual dining and refreshments.
Dining prices at Gurten are generally in line with Swiss restaurant costs. While not budget-friendly, the experience and views can make it worthwhile.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is perfectly acceptable and a popular option for visitors looking to save money or enjoy a more casual meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Midday on a clear day is also good for capturing the sharp details of the Alps and city.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views of Bern and the Alps. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance sky and reduce glare.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check the latest rules and regulations for flying drones in Switzerland and specifically at Gurten before your visit to ensure compliance.
The observation tower offers the classic panoramic shot. The Gurtenbahn funicular itself, the rolling green hills, and the distant mountain ranges are all highly photogenic.
For safety reasons, it's generally not permitted to take photos or videos while riding the roller coaster. Enjoy the thrill and capture memories before or after your ride.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Gurtenbahn Funicular
Travelers often highlight the convenience and scenic nature of the Gurtenbahn. It's a particularly enjoyable ride for families, offering a sense of adventure for children. The funicular operates on a regular schedule, ensuring you can easily ascend and descend throughout the day. Remember to check the operating hours, especially if you plan to visit during off-peak seasons or on holidays, to ensure a seamless experience.
Capturing the Iconic Views
To make the most of your photography experience, aim for a sunny day; clouds can significantly obscure the views. The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape shots. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panoramas and a telephoto lens to zoom in on specific mountain features. Even with just a smartphone, the views from Gurten are guaranteed to produce memorable photos that showcase the beauty of Switzerland.
Family Fun on Gurten Mountain
Beyond the dedicated play areas, the open green spaces on Gurten are perfect for running, playing games, or simply enjoying a family picnic. The accessible trails also make it easy for families to explore the mountain at their own pace. The combination of fresh air, beautiful scenery, and dedicated children's activities ensures a memorable and enjoyable day out for the whole family.
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