7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Bern

As a digital nomad living in Bern, you have the unique opportunity to blend the convenience of city life with the allure of the Swiss countryside and nearby European destinations. Bern's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring a variety of weekend getaways, ranging from popular tourist spots to hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a quiet place to relax, these seven destinations offer something for every type of traveler.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by the towering peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, this town is a hub for outdoor activities such as paragliding, skydiving, and hiking. In winter, it's a gateway to some of the best ski resorts in the Bernese Oberland. The town itself is charming, with beautiful parks and a variety of shops and restaurants.

How to Get There: Interlaken is easily accessible from Bern by train, with a journey time of just under an hour.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to take a scenic boat trip on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Where to Stay: Hotel Interlaken offers a comfortable stay with a beautiful garden, while the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa provides luxury accommodations with stunning views.

Where to Eat: For a unique dining experience, try the Restaurant Stadthaus where you can enjoy traditional Swiss dishes with a modern twist.

Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen, known for its stunning valley of 72 waterfalls, is a quieter alternative to the bustling Interlaken. This picturesque village is perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Hiking trails lead you to breathtaking vistas, and the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of waterfalls inside the mountain accessible by a funicular, is a must-see. Lauterbrunnen also serves as a starting point for excursions to the Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe."

How to Get There: Lauterbrunnen can be reached from Bern in about 1.5 hours by train.

Travel Tip: Visit the Staubbach Fall, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe, which is particularly impressive in spring when the snow melts.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Staubbach offers simple, cozy rooms with stunning views of the falls, while the Camping Jungfrau provides a unique experience for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

Where to Eat: The Airtime Café offers delicious pastries and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing break after a day of exploring.

Montreux

Montreux is a beautiful lakeside town on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its mild climate and the Montreux Jazz Festival. Stroll along the flower-lined promenade, visit the Chillon Castle, or take a steamboat cruise on the lake. The nearby vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer wine tastings with panoramic views.

How to Get There: The train ride from Bern to Montreux takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Travel Tip: For music lovers, time your visit with the Montreux Jazz Festival in July for an unforgettable experience.

Where to Stay: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace provides luxury accommodations with a spa and stunning lake views, while the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic offers Belle Époque charm.

Where to Eat: The Montreux Jazz Café is not only a great spot for food but also for soaking up the town's musical heritage.

Gruyères

The medieval town of Gruyères is famous for its namesake cheese, but it offers much more. Explore the cobbled streets, the impressive Gruyères Castle, and the HR Giger Museum, dedicated to the Swiss artist known for his work on the "Alien" movie series. The surrounding area is also great for hiking and enjoying the picturesque Swiss countryside.

How to Get There: Gruyères is about 1.5 hours from Bern by train, with a transfer at Bulle.

Travel Tip: Be sure to try the local meringue and double cream dessert, a specialty of the region.

Where to Stay: The Hostellerie Saint-Georges offers charming accommodations in the heart of the town, while La Fleur de Lys is a cozy guesthouse with a rustic feel.

Where to Eat: Le Chalet de Gruyères is an excellent choice for traditional Swiss fondue and raclette in a warm, alpine setting.

Creux du Van

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the natural rock arena of Creux du Van, a spectacular geological formation in the Jura Mountains. This massive amphitheater-like cliff face offers stunning views and is home to ibexes and other wildlife. It's a perfect spot for a day of hiking and nature photography.

How to Get There: The journey to Creux du Van from Bern involves a combination of train and bus rides, totaling around 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best chances to spot wildlife and to experience the site with fewer visitors.

Where to Stay: Nearby, the Hotel de l'Aigle in Couvet provides comfortable lodging in a quaint village setting.

Where to Eat: The Auberge du Prévoux offers a delightful menu with local specialties, set in a serene forest location.

Emmental

The Emmental region, home to the famous Emmentaler cheese, is a bucolic paradise with rolling hills and traditional Swiss farmhouses. Visit the Emmentaler Schaukäserei to see how the iconic cheese is made or take a bike tour through the scenic countryside. The area is also rich in hiking trails and offers a glimpse into rural Swiss life.

How to Get There: Emmental is easily reached by train from Bern in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your specific destination within the region.

Travel Tip: For a unique experience, book a cheese-making workshop at the Emmentaler Schaukäserei and take home your own handcrafted cheese.

Where to Stay: The Landgasthof Lueg offers a wellness area and a picturesque setting, while the Bären Dürrenroth provides historic accommodations in a beautifully restored property.

Where to Eat: The Gasthof zum Goldenen Löwen in Langnau offers hearty Swiss cuisine in a cozy, traditional setting.

Neuchâtel

The lakeside city of Neuchâtel combines a rich history with a vibrant cultural scene. Explore the old town with its yellow limestone buildings, visit the Neuchâtel Castle, and enjoy the views from the lakeside promenade. The Laténium, an archaeological museum and park, provides fascinating insights into the region's past.

How to Get There: Neuchâtel is about an hour's train ride from Bern.

Travel Tip: Take a boat trip on Lake Neuchâtel to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective and visit the picturesque wine-growing village of Auvernier.

Where to Stay: The Beau Rivage Hotel offers luxury lakeside accommodations, while the Hotel Alpes & Lac provides stunning views at a more moderate price point.

Where to Eat: The Brasserie Le Cardinal in the city center is known for its delicious seafood dishes and lively atmosphere.