Bernese Lowlands

Sights & Activities

In the city of Bern, there are a lot of attractions that visitors shouldn’t miss. Such is the Berne Historical Museum, which showcases items related to the history and ethnography of the area and of the country. Art enthusiasts should also head out to the Kunstmuseum or the Museum of Fine Arts where works of Picasso, Klee, Hodler, and other known artists are displayed. It is also the oldest art museum in the country. Wandering the old town, visitors would also come upon the Clock Tower, which was constructed in the 13th century. Every hour, the clock puts on a mechanical show that locals and visitors flock to see. It is also possible to climb the tower with a guide to see the mechanism within. Bern is also well-known for its Bear Pits, which keep live bears to uphold the long association of the area with bears.

Bern is also the venue of several well-known social events such as the Gurtenfestival and the International Jazzfest.

Those interested in watch making should head out to the town of Beil, where most of the watch brands of the country originate. This industry and its products are wonderfully showcased at the Omega Museum. Biel also possesses its own unique cultural atmosphere, being the only town in the whole country to be bilingual. Residents speak both German and French in Biel. A lake is located near the town which provides opportunities for water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing.

One of the most prominent features of structures in Aarau is the presence of painted eaves, earning the moniker ‘town of beautiful gables’ for the town.

Other visitors also come to the area to experience thermal bathing at the Aquarena Bad Schinznach, where they can relax and enjoy its rejuvenating properties.

The town of Solothurn also boasts of several interesting attractions and one good example is the Kunstmuseum Solothurn or the Municipal Fine Arts Museum. This establishment houses several remarkable works of arts, including the Madonna of the Solothurn by Holbein the Younger. The town also boasts of a vibrant film making industry and plays host to the Solothurn Film Festival that focuses on the social and political influences of film.

In the town of Thun, visitors can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. During the summer season, there are several excellent hiking and mountain biking paths around it that visitors can take advantage of. In winter, the town experiences an influx of skiers from all over the region and the country who have come to know about Thun’s ideal skiing areas.

Weather

The Bernese Lowlands experiences summer during the months of June to August when it becomes quite warm with temperature averaging 22°C. During this time, the region becomes quite ideal for outdoor exploration and activities. However, visitors should come prepared with umbrellas and jackets, as rain have the possibility of occurring. Winter, on the other hand, ushers in during November and may well last until the month of March. Temperature may drop below freezing point, especially during nighttime. It rarely gets harsh, though, and winters in the Bernese Lowlands are generally considered to be mild.