– What you can do over the holidays
Go skiing or would you rather be there feeding the animals in the Dählhölzli? Here is a selection of activities that are possible over the holidays.
Published today at 9:15 p.m
Ice skating in a prominent location: The ice rink on Bundesplatz is also open over Christmas.
Photo: Iris Andermatt
Animal feeding in the Dählhölzli
On December 24th there are animals in the Bern Zoo Dählhölzli, who are not in hibernation, a holiday feast. Visitors can watch the feeding. 9:15 a.m.: Seals; 10:15 a.m.: Leopards; 11 a.m.: Exuma whorl-tailed iguana; 12 p.m.: Wolves; 1:30 p.m.: Seals (plus training); 2.30 p.m.: Puffin; 3 p.m.: Squirrel monkeys; 4 p.m.: Ice Fox. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A rope park, protected from wind and weather
Instead of piling on kilos on your hips, lose kilos: Im Grindelwald sports center there is an indoor rope park. Over the Christmas period, as on weekdays, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sports center also has a bouldering room, an indoor swimming pool and an ice rink, which can also be used over the holidays.
A visit to the adventure pool
Relaxing in the sauna and steam bath or a thrilling ride on the water slide: that Bernaqua adventure pool at Westside operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day. The fitness area is also open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You can escape the festivities at the Bernaqua adventure pool.
Photo: Keystone Peter Klaunzer
Christmas hike
In Ochlenberg (near Madiswil) you can hike and experience the Christmas story. On the 1.5 kilometer long circular route there are eight illuminated and hand-designed wooden houses that show the Christmas story. The start and finish of the Christmas hike is the Jordihof. All information about the route and the opening times of the Hofbeizli is available with this link.
Jump as much as you can
You can jump for joy over all the great presents that were under the Christmas tree Trampolinhalle in Belp (Bounce Lab). The hall is open on December 24th and 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on December 26th and during the week from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
You can let off steam in the trampoline hall in Belp.
Photo: Iris Andermatt
A break from the holiday hustle and bustle
Enough of gifts and Güezi: Im Hammam and Spa Octagon In Bern you can find peace and relaxation. On Christmas Eve the facility is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on December 25th and 26th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Schlöfle” on Bundesplatz
Do pirouettes on the ice – or more precisely on plastic – in front of the Federal Palace: The Ice rink on Bundesplatz is also in operation during the Christmas period, daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For the second time in a row, the track is not made of artificial ice, but is instead covered with special plastic panels.
Cultural and historical events in the Chüechlihus
The regional museum Chüechlihus in Langnau shows cultural history from the Emmental. Topics include Alpine cheese making, traditional pottery, but also the SCL Tigers. The exhibition can also be visited during the Christmas period. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On the trail of speleologists
Die St.-Beatus-Höhlen on Lake Thun are among the few publicly accessible caves in Switzerland. 14 kilometers of the extensive cave system have already been explored and are accessible, even in winter and over the holidays. The path leads past gorges, waterfalls and stalactites. Opening times are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy a wonderful view
Off to nature! On the Ulmizberg (municipality of Köniz) you can enjoy the view far over Bern and all the way to the Jura chain. 68 steps lead to the 13.5 meter high tower with a viewing platform. The walk from Oberulmiz up to Ulmizberg takes 20 minutes.
Drink more mulled wine
The real Christmas atmosphere, with mulled wine and fairy lights, will last until December 30th Stärnemärit. The stands at the Kleine Schanze in Bern are open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Except on December 24th, when the market is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on December 25th. Note: You can only pay by card at the Star Market.
Our large overview of the Christmas markets in the canton of Bern can be found here.
The star market on the Kleine Schanze in Bern is still open after Christmas.
Photo: Iris Andermatt
Watching cheese making
Instead of filling your stomach with cheese fondue at home, watch the cheesemaker at work: The company in the “Schouchäsi” in Affoltern will also run as usual over the Christmas period, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Summer feelings in the Papiliorama
If you long for a warm climate, you will find this in Papillorama in Kerzers. Colorful butterflies fly by as you walk through the tropical garden, and nocturnal animals can be observed in the Noctorama. The facilities are open every day, except December 25th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where knights and lords of the castle lived
In 1190, Duke Berthold V of Zähringen had the first parts of what later became Thun Castle build. The Counts of Kyburg later took it over and expanded the building. The castle is actually a castle, but you can find out that – and more – on a tour of the castle museum. This is also possible on Christmas Day, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. These opening times also apply on weekdays.
The museum in Thun Castle shows the lives of the knights.
Photo: Franziska Scheidegger
Disco on the ice rink
The DJs Aspen and Speedy play hits for kids Ice field in Langnau. The children’s ice skating disco will take place on Wednesday, December 27th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On December 29th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., adults can do laps on the ice to the sound of DJ Röfe. The bar is also open until 2 a.m. The Langnau ice rink can also be used on December 24th and 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on December 26th from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. On weekdays the ice rink is open from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m.
Encounters with red deer and alpacas
Im Langenthal Zoo You won’t meet Rudolf, the reindeer with the red nose, but you will see red deer, sika deer, alpacas, dwarf goats, wild boars and ponies. The park is freely accessible all year round. The facility can be reached on foot in 20 minutes from Langenthal train station.
You can meet wild boars in Langenthal Zoo. (archive image)
Photo: BZ
High up in the climbing hall
Not in the mood for Christmas roast, but hungry for sport: the climbing hall O’Bloc in Ostermundigen is open on December 24th, 25th and 26th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Regular opening hours are: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Desire for culture
Whether dance, theater, concert or film: We provide information about the cultural offerings in our region over the festive season on our website.
Franziska Zaugg is an editor in the Desk/Interaction and Bern departments. Before training as a journalist, she completed an apprenticeship as a decoration designer.More information@franziska_zaugg
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2023-12-22 21:50:31
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