The 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 Emmenthal). It’s home to the nation’s capital, the historic city of Bern, and a wonderful place to discover traditional food and drinks in charming villages, some only accessible by cable car or cogwheel train. Here are five reasons it’s one of my favourite areas to explore.
See Jungfraujoch
www.jungfrau.ch
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 to a viewing station with 360°views over the Aletsch Glacier and distant countryside, is a trip of a lifetime.
Stay Hotel Stadthaus, Burgdorf
www.stadthaus.ch
Once the town hall, this small refined hotel on a corner of the cobbled old town under the Medieval castle, is the perfect base for exploring. Rooms have views over the surrounding Emmenthal and Chef Christian Bolliger produces delicious traditional and innovative fare.
Eat Rösti in a Landgasthof
www.baeren-sumiswald.ch
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
www.food-wine-travel.com/kaffee-fertig
Swiss schnapps are clear, dry (never sweet) spirits traditionally distilled from excess fruit; in Canton Bern, apples and pears are used to make bätziwasser (or träsch). Finish a meal with one or add it to coffee at any time of day) for a warming kaffee fertig (see my recipe in the link above).
Do Schaukäserei, Affoltern
www.emmentaler-schaukaeserei.ch
Want to learn more about Swiss cheese? You’ll discover all you need to know at this Emmenthal dairy with farm tours, cheesemaking displays and hands-on sessions, as well as a great café, petting zoo and gift store. One of the best immersive food experiences I’ve seen.
Last updated 19 Jan 2020
