Out and about ‒ excursions in the Bernese Oberland

The funicular on the Niesen, the pyramid-shaped, mystical mountain at the foot of Lake Thun, celebrated its 100 year anniversary last summer. Much has occurred on the mountain in recent years in terms of construction, cooking and culture. The railway and the restaurant with its grand sun terrace have been lavishly renovated. As in recent years, renowned artists will perform during the summer of 2011. The Niesen is of course also the start point for mountain walks with astounding views.

Small, close and wildly romantic: The Oeschinensee and Blausee lakes near Kandersteg. A wonderful natural paradise ideal for hiking, relaxing, swimming, rowing and fishing surrounds the Oeschinensee, which is easily accessible by cable car from Kandersteg. The Blausee is in the midst of tamer surroundings: the 20 hectare nature park of Kandersteg. The freshly-caught Blausee trout from the alpine organic fish farm served on the surrounding terraces are the best.

A classic not to be missed: a ship outing on the gleaming turquoise waters of Lake Brienz from Interlaken to the misty Giessbach Falls. The sight enchanted Haller, Rousseau and later Goethe when they travelled through Switzerland during its touristic beginnings. You will also be delighted by an outing on the impressive Blüemlisalp, the restored historic steamship on Lake Thun.

Ballenberg create a vivid impression of rural life in days gone by with more than one hundred century-old buildings from all over Switzerland, 250 farmyard animals, traditional, old-time gardens and fields, demonstrations of local crafts and many special events.

When touring the exhibition of the Frutigen Tropical House, visitors are given insight into such topics as the mountains, energy, fish farming and the tropics in a very attractive manner. The Tropical House, opened in autumn 2009, is the first alpine sturgeon farm. 10,000 sturgeons live in 40 basins and tropical fruits bloom in the greenhouse. The reason that this major project is even possible is a thermal spring in the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, whose 20° C water creates the living conditions necessary for the sturgeons. Open daily from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. Public tours (90 minutes) with prior notice.

Works by Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Hodler and Meret Oppenheim have made the Museum of Fine Arts Bern an institution with an international reputation. The Museum of Fine Arts Bern is the oldest art museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection and houses works covering eight centuries.

With around 4,000 in it's depot works the Zentrum Paul Klee boasts the world’s most important collection of paintings, watercolours and drawings as well as archives and biographical material from all the creative periods of Paul Klee’s life.

The Bernisches Historisches Museum is one of the most important Museums of cultural history in Switzerland. Our collections of archaeology, history and ethnography include approximately 500,000 objects dating from the Stone Age to the present and representing cultures from all over the world. The hydria from Grächwil, the Burgundian tapestries, the diptych from Königsfelden and a series of ethnographical objects as well as coins and medals are all internationally renowned. The integrated Einstein Museum offers an account of the life and work of the physicist and places it in a fascinating manner in the context of world history.

Aside from the world-famous rescue dog Barry, the giant Planggenstock crystals and the collection of over 200 dioramas, the NMBE is well known for outstanding contemporary exhibitions such as the prize-winning «c’est la vie». Appealing family offers as well as various unconventional cultural events, belonging to the series titled «Help, it's alive!», are considered main attractions for visitors of all ages.

The only museum in Switzerland dedicated to every aspect of mountain life is the Swiss Alpine Museum in Bern. It deals with current issues facing the alpine region in a contemporary manner and offers a view of its history.

The Kunstmuseum Thun presents mainly contemporary art in five to six large exhibitions per year. At the close of each year the "Hofstettenstrasse" exhibition represents a survey of regional art. This annual presentation of existing and new art reflects the cultural life of the region.