Jogging and running in Bern

The Swiss capital doesn't only offer plenty of culture, places of interest and wining and dining options – it's also a great place for joggers. From jogs along the river Aare to spectacular runs up the nearby Gurten mountain, we've put together a selection of Bern's best running routes for you..

City Run – explore Bern's old town in your running shoes

Do you want to get some exercise while taking in Bern's top sights?

On both City Run routes, you can jog right through the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town of Bern. The shorter route is 4.17 kilometres long and starts at Bundesplatz. Heading past the Zytglogge clock tower, the cathedral and BearPark, you can take a delightful circular route through the old town that's sure to be memorable. If you have a little more time, we recommend going for the longer option of around 7 kilometres: Head up to the Rose Garden (Rosengarten) and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the old town of Bern.

Runs in Bern: the Gurten Trails

You have a choice of routes up to the summit. Bern's nearest mountain, the Gurten, is one of the best-known jogging destinations in the capital. Choose from a variety of routes through the forest from the base station of the Gurtenbahn funicular to the top of the mountain. The base station is around 15 minutes' tram ride from Bern railway station (tram number 9).

In hot weather, the cool and shady forest trail (Wald-Trail, 5.7 kilometres) is particularly popular. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy unique panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland mountains on clear days or marvel at the distinctive buildings of the old town.

Aare Run – jogging in Bern for all levels of fitness

Bern is renowned as one of the top 10 greenest cities in the world. Just a few minutes from the Hotel Savoy and the city centre, the turquoise waters of the Aare attract countless enthusiastic joggers every day. Whether you feel like a quick jog or a longer run, the paths along the Aare are ideal for all abilities and make for fabulous moments surrounded by nature.

A quick tip: In the hot summer months, locals enjoy strolling along the Aare and the paths soon become crowded. We recommend running early in the morning or taking a detour from the Marzili to Eichholz.

The popular Aare Run routes offer various options:

Aare Run 5.41 Kilometer

This quick circular route takes you through a short section of forest from Dählhölzli Zoo via the Schwellenmätteli district to the BearPark. The roughly 5.41-kilometre route is perfect for newcomers to the sport who want to see Bern at its most beautiful.

Aare Run 7.98 Kilometer

This running route through Bern starts off at the famous Marzili pool and leads through the green Elfenau park to Dählhölzli Zoo. Take in views of the river Aare and the Gurten and enjoy some attractive forest sections.

Aare Run 10.96 Kilometer

This 10.96-kilometre route gives you an overall look at the Swiss capital: Run past the Marzili and along the Aare to Dählhölzli Zoo and the BearPark, as well as downriver to the Lorrainebad pool and on to Engelhalde. During the straight sections of this jog through Bern, you can also add in some quick interval training. The way back heads through the Matte district where locals speak their own secret language: "Mattenenglisch".

Aare Run 15.91 Kilometer

A run for nature lovers in Bern: The 15.91-kilometre Aare Run takes you from Eichholz to the covered Auguet bridge through stunning natural scenery. On the way back, you'll head past the BearPark, Untertor bridge and the delightful Matte district.