Ampler Bikes opens its doors in Switzerland. In addition to the grand opening and celebration of our first showroom in Zurich on 02 June, we’ll be visiting a wide range of cities and offering test rides at the Ampler Road Shows on our brand new e-bikes.
In addition to Winterthur, Lucerne and Basel, we’ll also be returning to Bern and it has been attracting positive attention for a long time – so positive that we couldn’t help but dedicate a blog article to the city.
Bern – A delight on two wheels
A lot has changed in the city in recent years – especially in terms of the number of bikes. The people and the local council have already committed themselves to many environmentally friendly policies and life choices. Reducing car traffic is a good way to bring back the beauty of the city and improve the quality of life for everyone.
At Ampler Bikes we are committed to this future of bringing light to the city with our lightweight e-bikes.
Bern for a brighter future: A paradise for e-bikes
At Ampler Bikes, we love Bern for its commitment to non-motorised transport. City residents have demanded that basic services and recreational activities as well as accommodation should also be accessible for non-motorised travel.
Switzerland Mobility has taken this mission to heart throughout Switzerland. The initiative works to create lasting changes in everyday transport. This urban transformation means that the most popular non-motorised modes of transport – cycling, walking, canoeing, skating and mountain biking – will take precedence over motorised vehicles.
Companies such as the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have also joined the movement. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have issued a statement explaining the need for urban change and their commitment to providing solutions for the future of public transport.
E-bikes play a key role in the missions of both activists and scientists. In a recent study published by IOPscience, researchers concluded that e-bikes offer the way to a better future. Nevertheless, a major hurdle exists in overcoming people’s pre-existing habits. An e-bike advertising trial showed that habits changed significantly for the better as soon as the test subjects were able to try out e-bikes for themselves for the first time.
It would seem, then, that the following is true: those who switch to an e-bike across Bern and beyond never want to drive a car again.
Why is Bern perfect for e-biking?
Bern is the perfect city for e-biking. In an interview, our ambassador Jeroen talked to us about how he uses his e-bike to pursue his hobbies as well as to enjoy the city. “With my Ampler Stout and my camera, I can combine two passions that go well together.”
Especially in the old town, the change to increased bicycle traffic instead of car traffic is very noticeable. “The old town has already advanced to the point where you are only allowed to park your car for loading or unloading. So things are moving forward.”
Bern proudly boasts that cyclists can travel out of the city centre to the beautiful nature in the surrounding areas in just ten minutes. Jeroen explained that he believes the city is an absolutely perfect place to ride a bike.
“I live 16 kilometres from Bern. The Ampler bikes are perfect for this route. Here in Bern, it’s great to ride at a relaxed 25 km/h through the partly very hilly city centre.”
In the city, it’s possible to use broad streets that are open and not blocked by countless vehicles. You can enjoy the magnificent views of the famous architecture and sights of the city. If you see something interesting, you can stop and explore the surroundings – without the hassle of looking for a parking space.
If you like to explore nature, Bern offers an endless landscape full of meadows, farms and hills. The cycle paths are wide enough for family cycling and extend through the countryside. Sports enthusiasts are also in the right place here in Bern. Bern has tracks and trails for cyclists of all experience levels.
E-bike highlights for sports enthusiasts in Bern
If you’ve never experienced riding an e-bike on a trail or track, you’re missing out. Bern offers many trails and tracks for all ages and experience levels. Whether you are mountain biking or city cycling, there’s something for you.
If you like mountain biking, there are countless trails that you can explore around Bern.
The most highly rated easy walking trails include:
- Schynige Platte Panorama Trail
- Bielersee (Lake Biel)
- Magglingen Twann Gorge
- Frutigen – Tellenburg
The most highly rated medium-difficulty trails include:
- Kandersteg – Lake Oeschinen
- Sunnbuel – Daubensee – Gemmi Pass
- Sigriswil Rothorn
- Thunersee (Lake Thuner) via Interlaken
The most highly rated challenging trails include:
- Muerren – Schilthorn – Grauseewli
- Grindelwald – Kleine Scheidegg – Lauterbrunnen – Interlaken
- Harder Kulm – Habkern via Augustmatthorn
- Hohgant Bike
All these trails allow you to experience the most wondrous landscapes and views around Bern. If you are not very familiar with mountain biking, you can try easier tracks instead. Cycling tracks are a great way to have a blast with the whole family for a day.
The celebrated Swiss Bike Park Oberried is only a 40-minute bike ride from the town. This large park includes many different tracks and trails suitable for all ages.
Not only does this park offer fun and education for bikers of all skill levels, but it also trains visitors on how to behave in cycling situations. This information can be used to improve road safety.
You might be thinking: “Wow, 40 minutes out of town and then a whole day of extreme sports on top of that? Doesn’t that sound a bit tough? I might not be able to get back again.” But don’t worry, e-bikes offer the solution. Unlike a normal bike, e-bikes are designed to give you the extra power to push your personal limits and also help you when you run out of energy.
Ride your e-bike through Bern if you like sightseeing.
If you’re not particularly interested in pushing your body to its limits, but instead want a touristy look at Bern, e-bikes are also great for sightseeing. First of all, congratulations on your decision to become a cycling tourist. By choosing to cycle, you are immersing yourself in Bern’s cycling culture and contributing to the city’s green mission.
You chose the perfect city! Bern has been designated a World Heritage Site. Bern is culturally rich thanks to the well-preserved historic quarter with its many churches, bridges and original Renaissance fountains.
Looking for inspiration? These are the highlights of Bern that you can now explore on your e-bike.
Start your e-bike tour in the old town
First stop: the Old Town
UNESCO has classified Bern’s Old Town as a valuable historical site. Old Town refers to the area of Bern that dates from the Middle Ages.
The city of Bern was originally founded in the 12th century. Originally, the townspeople constructed the area in such a way that it was surrounded by the Aare. The town planning was not random, but actually carefully designed.
As you cycle through the Old Town, you will be able to identify buildings from many different architectural eras. 15th-century archways line the streets and its fountains date back to the 16th century. In the 18th century, the city restored its medieval buildings, but preserved its architectural aesthetics.
One of the defining features of this site are the archways on the lower ground floor, stretching along six kilometres. You can explore these porticos and discover many cafés, bars, shops and more.
The Crazy Tourist suggests, as a fun idea, to find all 11 remaining Renaissance fountains that have been preserved in the Old Town on your way.
Travel to Einstein’s House
You can visit Albert Einstein’s flat on the second floor! Hop back on your e-bike and ride down the street for just a minute or two to this little attraction above the famous 15th century porticos.
The Einstein House is a popular attraction, as the place where Einstein and his wife lived from 1903 to 1905. During this time, Einstein worked for the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property.
Just two blocks from the science prodigy’s home is a massive hub of the Evangelical faith. If you’re an architectural enthusiast or a person of faith, you can’t miss the Bern Cathedral. This massive structure was built in the 15th and 16th centuries and is now the tallest cathedral in all of Switzerland.
To get a better idea of its height, the single biggest spire reaches more than 100 metres straight into the sky. Hard to imagine that completion of the building was delayed until 1893.
You can even experience the summit in person by climbing the 400 steps to the top. From there you can see the snow-covered Alps, too.
The interior of the cathedral is equally magnificent. Many great works of art line the walls of the massive structure. At the entrance is one of the largest examples of Late Gothic sculpture in Europe: that of the Last Judgement.
Escape the city to visit the Paul Klee Centre
After you’ve enjoyed the many attractions in the city, and if you feel like exploring some of the artistic treasures, you can visit the Paul Klee Centre. Head south across the river Aare and cycle for about 13 minutes to the eastern outskirts of Bern. This building houses a museum dedicated to the famous artist Paul Klee, who was active here in the early 20th century.
Travelling further south, we reach the BärenPark, named after the three brown bears that live there. They constitute the city’s living landmark.
Bern has kept bears in the area since the 16th century, and a park has now been created for them. The bears are free to roam the park and enjoy the river.
You can take your e-bike out to visit them. Summer to late autumn is a great time to see them, as they will be busy building up calories for the winter and bathing in the river.
The park is free of charge and open 24/7. If you would like to be there during the time when the zoo keepers are on duty, you can drop in between 8 am to 5 pm. It’s a great opportunity to cycle around on your e-bike and maybe spot a bear.
Enjoy the panoramic views of the Rose Garden
While you’re on this side of the river, a 17-minute bike ride north-east will take you to a destination called the Rose Garden. Cycle to this sightseeing hotspot on your e-bike for a panoramic view of Bern and the surrounding countryside. Spend some time on the bank of the Aare River and enjoy a great view over the Old Town.
Originally, the Rose Garden was a cemetery up until 1913. It is now named for its rambling rose trees, which were planted over a hundred years ago. The best time to visit is late spring and early summer, when the roses are in full bloom.
Some rhododendrons bloom in May and lilies flower in July as well. Groups of friends, couples and families often visit the site for picnics and to take amazing photos.
Don’t miss the chance to ride your e-bike in this beautiful environment!
Not a tourist? Here are some e-bike ideas for locals
If you live in Bern or the surrounding areas, there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying the impressive sights and landmarks of your own home town. Using an e-bike instead of a car can help you explore your neighbourhood more leisurely and with a wider perspective.
Riding through Bern on an e-bike, you can take a more detailed look at Bern and enjoy the fresh air along the Aare. The river flows along three sides of your city and is known for its turquoise waters. You can even swim in this sparkling water!
If you’re cycling, you don’t have to worry about parking. You can hop off at any time and any place, simply enjoy the moment or quickly get to your destination.
There are many lakes in the Berger region. Head out of the city limits on your e-bike and enjoy Lake Thun, Lake Arnen, the Kandergrund in the Blausee Nature Park and the romantic Gantrischsee.
Why should you choose Ampler Bikes in Bern?
Ampler Bikes prides itself on developing lightweight e-bikes and improving urban lifestyles. The benefits of swapping your car for an Ampler e-bike are numerous and include improving your quality of life, avoiding traffic jams and the search for parking spaces, and even allowing you to bond in more ways with family and friends.
10 reasons to choose an e-bike from Ampler
- Riding a lightweight e-bike is effortless because it is easy to transport and offers you power while riding.
- Riding long distances is easier and less stressful because the e-bike provides assistance but can still be pedalled if the battery dies. You don’t believe us? Book a test ride and see for yourself!
- Ampler e-bikes are much cheaper than cars because they don’t cost tens of thousands of euros to buy and they don’t need any fuel.
- Cycling instead of driving keeps you fit and helps reverse the adverse health effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
- And by riding an Ampler, you are protecting the environment, including that of your own city.
- Riding an e-bike also means not being late for work because of heavy traffic. Or have you ever been stuck in a bicycle traffic jam?
- Buying e-bikes for the whole family means opening the door to countless new activities and places to explore with your family.
- Cycling through your neighbourhood means experiencing city life up close and having greater interaction with your community.
- Keeping Track of Your Activities. Every ride is automatically recorded and you can view the distance travelled and your average speed at a glance.
- Watch out, thieves! If someone tries to tamper with your Ampler, you’ll be notified on your smartphone. But if the bike is stolen, the authorities can use the GPS function to track down the location of your Ampler and solve the crime.
Explore Bern with an Ampler e-bike
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Bern has a lot to offer and it’s worth exploring the city by e-bike. Ampler e-bikes get you everywhere quickly and easily. You can also be sure that you are doing your bit to help the environment and rid the streets of unnecessary car traffic.
Next to our new Showroom in Zurich, you will also have the opportunity to discover all our models at the next Ampler Road Shows at the weekend: Bern on 04 June and Basel on 05 June 2022.
If you want to stay up to date with this and other events, you are welcome to subscribe to our newsletter.