Bern feeling: how to spend a wellness weekend in this laid-back Swiss city

Under the cloudless turquoise green sky, the water flowed at a pace I couldn’t match, walking by time and purpose.

Did he really intend to swim in the Aare River? Is this morning’s ritual, popular among the citizens of Bern, a baptism into Swiss life or a brush with a watery death?

My guide, Petra, warned me about the danger of underestimating the strength of the flow: if my life passed in front of me, I would sit out the last few days before repeating the weekend. I decided to look back. Berni…

According to the Swiss, the citizens of Bern walk, talk and live more slowly than other cantons. When you arrive in a Swiss city, it is clear that this is the case.

After the tremendous traffic of London, I soon realized that I had to adapt to the relaxed flow of Bern.

Perhaps it is based on the secure knowledge that public transport offers characteristic punctuality, frequency and reliability, so that there is no need to run to catch a bus, tram or train. calendar. Voluntary, but there are also taxis when needed.

A quick taxi ride from Bernhoff (central station) to the Swissôtel Kursaal near the Kornhalle brücke in Bern. I took a simple tram or bus (Route 10) and reached the main entrance of the Kursaal in a few minutes.

At Swissôtel Kursaal Bern, I was immediately immersed in a guest experience that reflected the attitude of the people, the atmosphere of the city and the way of thinking of the individual.

General Manager Karin Koons inspires and guides a team of staff who work seamlessly to create an atmosphere of generosity, elegance and luxury without being too over the top, formal and formal. She explained to me that the guest experience has always been at the forefront of his and his personal hearts.

The concept of happiness is incorporated into this guest experience.

Kursaal offers a comprehensive travel experience. Green bath products made with local ingredients. A smart color chart for every room. A hand-sized brochure showing nearby running routes.

The recently renovated Kursaal features beautiful sustainable furnishings and specially designed rooms.

A variety of ‘economy’ rooms have been created for business and conference guests (although they are ideal for leisure guests who wish to unwind quietly from the sights and sporting opportunities of the city and countryside).

At the next level of luxury, my double room has a balcony, a panoramic view of the city center centuries ago, a free mini fridge and a cup, mug, tea/coffee bag after the trip. -The cakes are stored in carefully designed trays.

The attention to detail and sustainability are remarkable. The circular motif reflects the traditional 17th century silhouette on the walls and coffee cups. The materials used for the furniture are recycled and ecological. Karin is currently working on a project to recycle used linens and towels into chef’s linens, staff uniforms and local school aprons.

I had the opportunity to do a private and quiet workout in one of the new innovative and luxurious suites. This can be reserved for guests who want a unique opportunity to stay at Kursar while fully devoting themselves to their own well-being.

Fully equipped with personal training equipment, Vitality Suites offers personal training through a selection of pre-scheduled virtual training sessions that allow you to coordinate your efforts.

Following instructions on the touch screen, guests can customize their workout with yoga and pilates equipment, Belgian bag-style weights, wall bars and resistance machines while gazing at the Swiss Alps from their room. – Instead of using the hotel gym or doing any of the itineraries offered by the hotel.

When you’re done with your workout and switch gears in a discreet locker, you can relieve sore muscles in the suite’s freestanding giant tub or cool off in the rain shower. After that, guests can change clothes in the restaurant. Choose a healthy, vitality-focused menu to burn calories or try something more luxurious for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Sustainability, avoiding food waste and the support of local producers underpin the approach of the Kursaal chefs and hotels that produce their own honey from the dust on the roofs. Dairy products from Bern producers, breads, fruit and vegetables from the local farmers’ market (visit the Saturday market in the streets and squares near the Bundesplatz).

The result is an innovative, light and healthy dish that actively complements the rich, traditional Swiss flavors.

Even sailing on the Aare there is a lot of ballast, you can eat well at the hotel and enjoy Eiswerkstatt’s famous black vanilla ice cream (near Bären Park, Altes Tramdepot Brauerei & Restaurant, gr. Muristalden 6). Not to mention a delicious dinner. Take a leisurely walk from the hotel in Kornhauskeller (known locally as “Chübu”) near the Kornhausbrücke.

But I lost a lot of calories. Bernie itself is compact and easy to explore on foot.

I visited Zentrum Paul Klee by bus (Monument im Fruchtland 3, used route 12 by car from Bären Park to the gallery), but the Zytglogge tour (see timetable and conditions for online reservation, but timetable) on the street ). For CHF 20, visitors can enjoy a one-hour tour of and around the UNESCO World Heritage Clock, Munster, the Matty district, and many shopping districts (designer brands, ice cream parlors, cafes, restaurants). There is a 6 km portico and vault on both sides)-All this was done on foot.

I visited Matt Jin Emporium. There, we tried gin and tonics from this small (probably any) gin distillery of unique gin in Bern and Bern.

From plumbers to ‘rock bars’, gin workshops and mixing sessions, to the Speakeasy scene, a popular and friendly place to enjoy a drink near Wassergasse on Matt Brenellay. I was fascinated by the story of evolution. .. Try mixing Fleur-de-Gin with the Brenerei tonic water mix. The color changes when you add a toner.

So I was there. Before I take a dip in the Aare River, I’ll rewind my spiritual log from the weekend in Bern… I take a deep breath… then I’ll think about the promised coffee…

And I did it! Nothing is more exciting than swimming in the Aare River. The citizens of Bern regularly consult the Aare Schwumm app (water temperature and safety tips) to understand why they participate.

There are alternatives in the form of four free open-air public pools on the banks of the river, but for an experience full of vitality, I can wholeheartedly recommend the river version of this ritual.

Petra, in-house expert at Swissôtel Kursaal, is delighted to introduce guests to the joy of Aare. Her enthusiasm is contagious. With her guidance and advice, it was a safe and completely enjoyable experience.

I will do it again.

In fact, I repeat the entire Bernie experience at least once. The Swiss who live in this quiet and beautiful small town in the Swiss capital deserve luxury.

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