The Swiss Canton of Bern is a beautifully diverse region of lakes, snow-covered craggy peaks (including the famous Eiger and Jungfrau), winding Alpine passes and lush valleys, such as the cheese-rich Emmenthal.
It’s home to the nation’s capital, the historic city of Bern, and a wonderful place to discover traditional Swiss food and drinks in charming villages, some only accessible by cable car or cogwheel train. Here are five reasons Bern is one of my favourite areas to explore on a Swiss food & wine tour.
Stay Hotel Stadthaus
Once the town hall, this small refined hotel on a corner of the cobbled old town of Burgdorf under the Medieval castle, is the perfect base for exploring Canton Bern. Rooms have views over the surrounding Emmenthal and Chef Christian Bolliger produces delicious traditional and innovative fare. I love the breakfast buffet too!
Eat Rösti in a Landgasthof
My most memorable Swiss meals have been in traditional wooden landgasthofs, the equivalent of country pubs, most of which are called Bären (bear) or Kreuz (cross). Whatever else you order, have some rösti (grated potato cake), especially at the Bären in the village of Sumiswald.
Drink Bätzi Schnapps
Swiss schnapps are clear, dry spirits (never sweet). They’re traditionally distilled from excess fruit, and in Canton Bern that’s apples and pears used to make bätziwasser (or träsch). Finish a meal with a bätzi schnapps or add it to your coffee at any time of day) for a warming kaffee fertig.
Do Emmentaler Schaukäserei
No Swiss food tour is complete without a visit to a käserei to learn more about Swiss cheese. This Emmenthal dairy offers farm tours, cheesemaking displays and hands-on sessions. They have a great café, petting zoo and gift store too. One of the best immersive food experiences I’ve seen.
See Jungfraujoch
At 3454m, the saddle between the towering peaks of the Jungfrau and Mönch is the highest accessible point in Europe. The train journey through winter wonderland scenery is a trip of a lifetime. Then at the top you sit back with a glass of Swiss white wine and wonder at the 360°views over the Aletsch Glacier and distant countryside.
Updated 20 Feb 2024
