Active Pursuits

The people of Bern are not particularly addicted to spectator sports, but they're very fond of recreational sports. The vast playground of Europe, the Bernese Oberland, is at their doorstep, and they tend to take full advantage of it.

Biking -- There are approximately 3,000km (1,860 miles) of roadway in the Bernese Oberland around Bern. Pick up a bicycle map that outlines the routes at the tourist office, then rent a bike at the Bahnhof and set off on your adventure.

Fitness, Sauna & Solarium -- Go to the STB Training Center, Seilerstrasse 21 (tel. 031/381-02-03), where full facilities are available to keep you in shape.

Golf -- If you're a member of a golf club back home and have your membership card, you can patronize the Golf and Country Club in Blumisberg (tel. 026/496-34-38), 18km (11 miles) west of Bern near Flamatt (on the road to Fribourg).

Hiking -- There are an estimated 250km (155 miles) of marked walking trails in the area surrounding Bern. You can pick up a rambling map at the tourist office.

Swimming -- The city's best indoor pool, along with a Turkish bath and sauna, is the Hirschengraben Indoor Pool, Maulbeerstrasse 14 (tel. 031/381-36-56). The pool is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8am to 8:45pm. Admission is 7F to the pool and 17F to the sauna. The pool is closed July and August.

Tennis -- Courts are available at Thalmatt, Mettlenwaldweg 19, Herren-schwanden (tel. 031/307-33-33; www.thalmattsport.ch).