Gurten Mountain | Bern

The Gurten is Bern’s local mountain (Hausberg), situated at an elevation of 858 meters above sea level south of the city center. It functions as a primary recreational zone for the metropolitan population.

Visual Characteristics

The mountain features a broad, grassy plateau with panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland peaks (including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) to the south and the city of Bern to the north. The landscape consists of open parkland, dense clusters of deciduous and coniferous forests, and a 25-meter-tall wooden observation tower.

Location & Access Logistics

The Gurten is located in the municipality of Köniz.

Public Transport: Tram line 9 from Bern Main Station to "Wabern, Gurtenbahn." From there, the Gurtenbahn funicular departs every 15–20 minutes, reaching the summit in approximately five minutes.

Vehicle Access: Private cars are prohibited on the mountain. A large multi-story parking garage is located at the valley station in Wabern.

Pedestrian: Several hiking trails ascend from Wabern and Kehrsatz, with an average hiking time of 40–60 minutes to the summit.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Gurten funicular began operation in 1899, marking its transition from agricultural land to a public excursion destination. Geologically, it is part of the Swiss Molasse basin, composed of sandstone and conglomerate layers shaped by the Aare glacier. Since 1999, the mountain has been managed by the Gurten-Park im Grünen foundation, supported by Migros.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation Tower: Provides a 360-degree view of the region.

Toboggan Run: A 500-meter paved summer bobsled track.

Miniature Railway: A ride-on scale train for children.

Gurtenfestival: A major four-day international music festival held annually in July.

Disc Golf: An 18-basket professional-grade course.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Dining: Features the "Tapis Rouge" self-service restaurant and the upscale "Gurtners" restaurant.

Facilities: Multiple public restroom blocks and a large children's playground. The summit is wheelchair and stroller accessible via the funicular and paved paths.

Events: A dedicated seminar and banquet center is located at the summit.

Digital: Strong 5G coverage is present across the plateau.

Best Time to Visit

The mountain is accessible year-round. Tuesday through Thursday mornings offer the lowest pedestrian density. For photography, the late afternoon provides optimal lighting for the Bernese Alps. In winter, if snow conditions permit, the hiking trails are used for traditional sledding.

Facts & Legends

The Gurten is a car-free zone, maintaining a specific ecological quietude. A verified technical detail: the Gurtenbahn funicular is fully automated and one of the steepest in the region.

Nearby Landmarks

Aare River – 1.5km North (at the base)

Bern Animal Park, Dahlhölzli – 2.0km North

Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) – 3.5km North

Wabern – 0.5km North (Valley station)