Gurten Park im Grünen — Attraction in Köniz

At 858 meters above sea level lies a paradise of green meadows and breathtaking views of the snowy caps of the Bernese Oberland region, the sparkling Aare river and the city of Bern. The hustle and bustle of everyday life is quickly forgotten when passing grazing cows, rattling hiking poles and playing children.

The “Güsche”, as locals call it, is not only a popular destination for nature-loving families and tourists who want to go hiking – it also has something to offer for gourmets, fans of open-air festivals and astronomy enthusiasts. On the Gurten, gourmet menus, a legendary music festival, yoga seminars and views of the night sky through a telescope await the visitors.

And as soon as there is enough snow in winter, the hill turns into a little ski resort with mini ski lifts, a sledding slope and tasty mulled wine.

The Gurtenbahn’s (funicular) valley station can be reached by streetcar no. 9 in around 15 minutes from Bern’s main station. From there, the top can be reached on foot, by bike or by the red funicular. Hiking to the top will take about one hour, and it’s about 30 minutes by bike. The “Gurtenbähnli”, the Gurten funicular, leaves every 15 minutes, beginning in the early morning.

Going downhill, there is an additional option: the downhill trail takes visitors into the city and the refreshing Aare river in an instant. Good to know: cars are not allowed on the Gurten. If travelling by car, it can be left in the car park by the Gurtenbahn...

We visited the park mid-week during school vacation in Bern. We didn't have to wait long for the "Bähnli". Got up to the Gurten around 11am and hit up the restaurant first to try and beat the lunch crowd. This turned out to be a good move because that place filled up and it filled up fast. By the time we wrapped up lunch it was stroller city in there and not an open table in sight. After lunch we hit up the park and playgrounds. They have toddler go-karts, which are pretty fun, it's just a "one man for himself" situation. You literally have to grab your kid and run as soon as you see an open go-kart and even so we came up empty a few times. Once we did get one, we had a blast. The kids also loved the mini steam-engine train ride (with two trains running we didn't wait long at all). I highly recommend visiting here!

Oh, bring snacks and make sure to check if the bathroom near the parks is open, because it's a decent jog back to...

Amazing place for kids and adults alike in Bern. Take funicular up from the Gurtenbahn station which was pretty cheap (6CHF with half fare card). Quick 10 mins ride up the mountain. So many activities at the top! There is a nice hotel/restaurant, a snack and souvenirs shop which serves nice ice creams. The miniature railways tracks and engines/trains were fantastic! You can buy tickets up there (2CHF for a ride). Such a lovely track which goes through the park. They had a cars racing track as well. Tiny cars operated by coins which kids can ride across a small track. Many other rides and other options for the kids like their ball run section for kids and adults was fascinating, mini pool where kids can play in the summer, etc. In other parts they also have toboggan run and frisbee track. The views of the city of Bern from here were amazing. Overall a fun way to spend a day or half a day with kids. Good weather required as mostly everything...