Rosengarten (drink At Rosengarten With Awesome Views)

The Rosengarten is a hilltop park above the right bank of the Aare River, a few minutes’ walk uphill from the BärenPark, the Bear Park in Bern. The address is Alter Aargauerstalden, and the park sits on a terrace that looks straight across the river to the Old Town. Before it became a garden, the site was a burial ground, and the park was laid out in the early 20th century on the same hill. Today it is the best-known viewpoint for seeing Bern’s Old Town as a single composition, with the cathedral spire, the red roofs and the loop of the Aare all in one frame.

The garden is known for its roses, which grow in great number alongside irises and rhododendrons. The flowering seasons give the park colour from late spring into summer, and the rose beds are at their best around June. Wide lawns, old trees, fountains and sculptures make it a pleasant place to stroll or picnic, and paths wind between the beds with benches placed to face the view. A playground and open lawns make it easy for families to spend an hour or two.

A restaurant on the terrace offers an outlook that many locals and visitors consider the best in town. Sitting here with a coffee, a glass of wine or a simple Swiss meal, you can look over the rooftops of the Old Town and, on clear days, the Bernese Alps beyond. The terrace is a favourite for sunset, when the old town turns golden and the river reflects the sky. Opening times and the restaurant’s schedule vary, so check ahead if you plan a meal, particularly in colder months.

Getting there is simple. From the Old Town you can cross the Nydegg Bridge, walk past the BärenPark and climb the path up the hill, a walk of about 15 minutes that includes a fairly steep section. Bus and tram connections also run close to the entrance, which helps visitors with reduced mobility. Entry to the garden is free, and it can be visited at any time of day, though evenings are best for the light.

The Rosengarten suits couples, photographers, families and anyone who wants a quiet break away from the busy arcades. Many visitors combine it with a walk through the Old Town and the Aare riverside, and a late-afternoon visit gives the best chance of calm and good light. It is one of the spots in the city where you can see why the UNESCO-listed Old Town earned its status. The park is also a good place to see Bern’s relationship with the river.