This Bern camping guide brings together the Aare river, Bern’s historic centre and a campsite at Eichholz. Use the authorized base below for a relaxed regional stay, with time for a nature outing, a local meal and a cultural visit. Camping costs are in Swiss francs (CHF); published prices were checked on 16 October 2026.

Bern camping guide: nature and routes

The Aare provides a rewarding outdoor route near the capital. Walk a short riverside section and keep time for the return, using the city’s green spaces as places to pause. River swimming is a separate activity requiring local knowledge and suitable conditions. For a view over the city, the Rose Garden offers a public park above the Old Town. This city itinerary does not cover the Bernese Oberland mountains; plan another base for those.

Authorized camping and verified price reference

Camping Eichholz, Strandweg 45, 3084 Wabern, lists adults at CHF 14 including taxes and the Bern Ticket, a small tent at CHF 10 and a motorhome at CHF 15 per night. Two adults with a motorhome therefore total CHF 43 before power and any other extras. Electricity is CHF 3.50 and a three-minute hot shower token CHF 1.50. A car is listed at CHF 4.50. Confirm how your equipment is classified and the date-specific total.

Request a complete quote for your dates, party and equipment. Confirm reception hours, vehicle limits, tent acceptance and seasonal services before travelling. The figures are planning references rather than a live booking offer.

Free overnight camping

No specific free authorized overnight site has been verified for this itinerary. Use the named campsite or obtain explicit permission from the relevant landowner and local authority. A lakeside car park or picnic area does not by itself establish permission to camp.

Restaurant and local food

Restaurant Rosengarten is a city outing option in the Rose Garden, with Old Town views. Check the current menu, prices and table availability directly. It is separate from the camping base; plan the return before making an evening reservation.

Culture beyond the campsite

Bern’s Old Town is the principal cultural focus of this short stay. Walk the historic streets slowly and select one museum or guided tour if you want more context. The city’s official tourism information identifies the UNESCO Old Town below the garden. Check any paid attraction directly rather than assuming access is included with the transport ticket.

Practical itinerary, season and access

The municipal camping information places the city centre around 30 minutes away on foot. Allow extra time for stops and check the path that suits your mobility. The campsite’s 2026 late-season information runs through 31 October, with pitch check-in 13:00–19:00. Confirm opening for other dates. Spend one day on the river and another on the Old Town; public transport can reduce parking needs.

Pack a waterproof layer, suitable walking shoes, drinking water, warm bedding and an offline map. Choose a marked route that matches your fitness and daylight; check local conditions before heading into higher terrain. Keep wastewater for designated facilities and follow current fire restrictions.

Explore the other cantons through our Switzerland camping guide and canton directory.