In Ostermundigen, sandstone quarries, art and hiking trails reveal different sides of the area. The quarries on Ostermundigenberg shaped its reputation; they also provide the setting for the “Ways to Klee” themed trail. The local history museum, Kulturbahnhof cultural venue and parks offer further topics to consider when planning a trip. You can therefore plan your stay around a specific hike or include culture and green spaces alongside the trail.

Sandstone quarries and their history

Sandstone quarried in Ostermundigen was used for most of the buildings in Bern’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The quarries are also associated with two artists: Ferdinand Hodler found the models for his painting “The Retreat of the Swiss after the Battle of Marignano” there. Paul Klee drew great inspiration from the Ostermundigen quarries. These connections link local sandstone to works of art and artists, though they describe different relationships with the area: Hodler’s connection was the models for a specific painting, while Klee’s was a broader source of inspiration.

“Ways to Klee”: art and hiking

The “Ways to Klee” themed trail introduces visitors to Paul Klee’s life and work through information panels, reproductions of his work, historical photographs and quotations. It leads to a viewpoint and information point in the Ostermundigen quarries. There you will find reproductions of Klee’s paintings and a rest area with a covered shelter. In the Ostermundigen section, the route also passes the old stonemasons’ site in Waldeck and Ostermundigen railway station. Along the way, specific stops bring both the history of the quarries and the artistic engagement with the area into view.

The trail is listed as 6.5 kilometres long and taking at least two hours, which can help with planning your time. If you want to choose a hike with a clearly stated duration, “Ways to Klee” offers a specific point of reference. Its focus is on combining physical activity with art history; the stops and reproductions are as much a part of the trail’s theme as the views of the quarries.

Other routes towards Bern and through the forest

A walking hike from the Ostermundigen quarry to Bern begins at the terminus of bus route 10 in Ostermundigen-Rüti. It goes through the forest on Ostermundigeberg and includes a detour along a small road into the quarry. From its edge, you can take in a view of the site. Another hiking route from Ostermundigen to Bern passes several other named stops: Schosshalden Cemetery, the Zentrum Paul Klee, Egelsee and the BearPark, before reaching Bern’s Old Town. The two descriptions focus on different things—one on forest and quarry, the other on a series of places along the way to the Old Town.

The Helsana Trail runs through the Ostermundigenberg forest, mostly along well-maintained forest paths. Marked access points are located at the Ostermundigen outdoor pool, at the kindergarten in Rüti and west of the shooting range in Gümligen. This trail can therefore be distinguished from “Ways to Klee” by its forest paths and access points; the latter focuses on art and the history of the quarries.

Local history, culture and parks

The Ostermundigen local history museum tells the story of the area and collects objects, pictures and postcards that reflect local life. Topics covered include trades, schools, transport and clubs. This complements the focus on the quarries with everyday and local history: alongside the importance of sandstone, it also explores aspects of life such as school, work and club activities.

Kulturbahnhof Ostermundigen is located in the railway station building. Its programme includes exhibitions and openings, as well as theatre, readings, installations, music and video screenings, workshops and courses. It therefore ranges from exhibitions to events and hands-on activities. When planning your trip, you can think of the local history museum as a way to explore local history and Kulturbahnhof as a broader cultural offering.

The parks also differ in their described features. The public Seepark is open around the clock, 365 days a year. Its naturally landscaped pond is an important habitat for animals and plants. Rütipark was created in 2025 as part of an ecological improvement project; it includes a wetland habitat and is freely accessible all year round. If you are including parks in your trip plans, Seepark offers a naturally landscaped pond, while Rütipark has a wetland habitat as its distinctive feature.

When choosing what to do during your stay, you can weigh up the different options: the Klee-themed trail combines artistic connections with a specified length and minimum duration, while the other routes highlight the forest, the quarry or stops along the way to Bern. The local history museum, Kulturbahnhof and parks complement these hiking options with history, culture and nature.

Discover more destinations: Bern, Stettlen, Köniz, Gasel, Bolligen, Zimmerwald, Zollikofen.

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