If you want to explore Zollikofen on foot, the Landscape Trail is a good place to start: the easy walking trail is 4.3 kilometres long and takes about one hour and ten minutes. It leads through the local recreation areas of Buchrainwald, the Aare river area and Rütti. The 36 information boards cover the interplay between people and nature, geological history, Reichenbach’s rule, historic transport routes, waterways and their wildlife, hedgerows, plants and ecological agriculture. Distances and times may change; check the latest route information before setting off.

Hiking trails, forest and the Aare

Zollikofen is criss-crossed by the official hiking trail network and is well connected to neighbouring municipalities by hiking trails. Meielewald is part of a larger continuous forest area and has an extensive network of hiking and walking paths. The Aare river area offers a different setting: its network of paths follows the river bends, and the area is an important place for recreation. Two regional cycle routes connect Zollikofen with Bern in a north–south direction.

At the confluence of the Chräbsbach and the Aare, water-bearing sandstone walls and a rare spring fen protected under the Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Ordinance have developed. The spring fen is easy to observe near Restaurant Reichenbach; it extends beyond the grounds along the banks of the Aare. The Chräbsbach has very high habitat potential for various bird species and forms an important ecological corridor. Some sections are difficult to access and are therefore relatively undisturbed.

In May 1971, the Zollikofen Gymnastics Club built the Meielenwald Vitaparcours in Meielewald.

Culture and history

The Swiss Museum for the Blind, “anders sehen,” takes visitors on a journey through 200 years of education for the blind: collection objects are grouped by theme, alongside an exhibition, a completely darkened room with sound experiences and tactile stations, and a workshop for workshops and sensory experiences. Visitors may touch all the exhibits, and all rooms are wheelchair accessible. The standard guided tour is offered in German, French, English and Italian.

Reichenbach Castle is located in Zollikofen, right on the Aare, and is a Baroque castle dating from the 17th century. The present-day castle was built in 1688 for Beat Fischer, founder of the Bernese postal service. The hamlet of Bühlikofen stands out for its exposed position on a hilltop; at the same time, it is listed in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of National Importance.

For cheese lovers, Pfister’s Molki is a local destination: depending on the season, up to 150 varieties of cheese are available there.

Choose your arrival and accommodation based on your itinerary

Zollikofen is connected to the S-Bahn network towards Bern, Solothurn and Biel. Check the current timetable for your journey. The Reichenbach ferry connects Zollikofen with the Enge peninsula and has been operating for over 275 years. It is recommended as an idyllic way to arrive in summer; check the timetable for your planned travel date.

Compare the location of the accommodation you are considering with the trails or cultural destinations you plan to visit, and include the current train connection in your plans if travelling by rail.

Discover more destinations: Zimmerwald, Wohlen Bei Bern, Gasel, Le Fuet, Lengnau, Ostermundigen, Muri Bei Bern, Köniz

See the main travel overview: Bern.