Dog Parks & Walks in Bern

Bern's largest urban forest — a hilly mixed woodland north of the city centre, crisscrossed by 30+ km of marked trails. Off-leash zones are signed in the less-frequented eastern sections; the popular Halenbrunnen entry to Brünnen route follows the Aare with shaded trails throughout. The 7 km loop from Neufeld to Brünnen is the classic Bern dog walk.

The flat 5 km Aare promenade follows the river from Dalmazi bridge through the Marzili, Matte, and Bärengraben districts to the Lorraine bridge. Dogs on lead are welcome the entire length, and several grass meadows along the way (Marzili, Schönausteg) make natural rest stops. The riverbank is open year-round and is the everyday morning and evening walk for thousands of Bern dog owners.

On the Gurten — Bern's signature hill, reached by a 5-minute funicular from Wabern — a marked Hundewald (dog forest) lets dogs roam off-leash through woodland and across meadows with views over the Bernese Alps on a clear day. The funicular accepts dogs (small in carrier free, larger at half fare). The summit also has a dog-friendly restaurant terrace.