Bern Botanical Garden

I was there a few years ago. It's not huge...Maybe an hour, hour and a half if you stop to sit in the garden or cafe. Possibly longer if you go into all the buildings (Palm house, orchids etc) and really want to look closely at each and every plant.
Very pleasant to visit on a warm day and there is a nice little cafe too. If you walk from the top (bridge entrance) down, you can end on the riverside path which you can then follow all the way to the Bear Park area.

Edited just to clarify that I agree with Maureen that it's not worth a special trip out of your way like Kew Gardens in London or anything, but I didn't want to discourage you from doing something different and following your own interests. I always check out the local bookstore when I visit places and can sometimes spend hours at museums or castle ruins that other people find dull and skippable - so you never know what people will find interesting! Anyway, it is by no means a 'must-see,' but it's free and a nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle, just enjoy a quiet moment and then combine with a walk along the river. And I'll add a second vote for visiting the Rose Garden as well!

Hi Miranda,

I don’t often disagree with hopper18, they give excellent advice based on their experience of living here, but this time I have a different opinion, so I will just share it.

I grew up in Vancouver, Canada and was used to seeing things like the gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park or the VanDusen Botanical Gardens, so I was sadly disappointed with the one in Bern. I think it depends on what your expectations are. I visited one time and have never gone back, despite living only about half an hour away.

I do agree that the walk along the river is very beautiful, would definitely recommend that. I personally return to the Bern Rose Garden again and again, as the entire experience of being there is very enjoyable. Beautiful flowers and a fantastic view.

I see from your other post that you will be in Lugano before Bern. Depending on the time of year you are traveling you will see a lot of natural floral beauty all around you at that location.

If you have lots of time in Bern, and a high interest, then for sure go to the botanical garden, but if it is one choice among many, I would give it a pass and go for something more unique to the area.

thank you!

I'm another fan of the Rose Garden, and its bench with the statue.