ViaBerna - Entire Route

In 20 scenic stages, the Via Berna runs from the Bernese Jura through the Mittelland to the Bernese Oberland. Jura heights and pastures are crossed on the 300-kilometer long-distance hiking trail, mysterious moorlands explored, wild valleys and gorges traversed, and lovely floodplain landscapes skimmed. On high-altitude trails, breathtaking panoramas await, the mountain giants of the Bernese Alps are within reach, and a rich flora and fauna can delight.

Water is a constant companion on the Via Berna, sometimes rushing and hissing, sometimes lovely and beautiful. The federal capital Bern lies on the way, the pretty Kyburg town of Thun as well, and the cozy bay of Spiez must not be missed. In contrast stand the quiet mountain villages and airy ridge paths.

History and Stories

History and stories can be discovered along the Via Berna: You learn how the famous "Tête de Moine" was invented, what the watchmaking villages have in common, how Mont Soleil really became the sun mountain, whether St. Nicholas really lives in the Combe Grède, and where the Taubenloch Gorge gets its name. Mysterious witnesses of long-past times appear, no one gets past the Jura water correction, the green of the Aare delights not only singer-songwriters, the bear feels at home in Bern, the wine from Spiezberg tastes alpine, golden eagles circle in the sky, and the longer you are on the Via Berna, the closer you get to them: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau!

Leading Quality Trail

The certification according to the Leading Quality Trails (LQT) standard guarantees that the hiking trails of the Via Berna meet the highest demands. The Via Berna is the first LQT offer in Switzerland. A rich gastronomy with high-quality regional products, special accommodation options partly with exclusive historical roots, and luggage transport along the route complete the versatile offer of the Via Berna. The Via Berna partially runs on mountain hiking trails. With a total of around 14,000 meters of ascent and 12,500 meters of descent, good fitness, surefootedness, and in some sections a lack of fear of heights are required.

An Offer of the Bernese Hiking Trails

The Via Berna is supported by the Bernese Hiking Trails together with various partner organizations. The Bernese Hiking Trails association, with around 14,500 members, is the largest association in the Canton of Bern and the largest professional organization in Switzerland in the field of hiking. The Bernese Hiking Trails have been committed for almost 100 years to developing and securing a high-quality route network.