Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland with around 135,000 residents, set on a dramatic peninsula formed by a loop of the Aare River. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its 6 kilometers of arcaded walkways, sits above the turquoise Aare — a river clean enough for swimming that also provides spectacular walking routes along its banks. Bern is home to the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern, one of Europe's leading veterinary schools, ensuring world-class animal care. The city has no general leash requirement under cantonal law, though dogs must be leashed in specific areas such as playgrounds, sports fields, and public transport. The Bärenpark (Bear Park), Tierpark Dählhölzli, and the Gurten hill provide excellent destinations for walks with dogs. Swiss animal welfare standards are among the strictest globally, and Bern residents take responsible pet ownership seriously.
Veterinary Clinics
Kleintierklinik — Vetsuisse Fakultät Bern
Länggasse (university quarter)
DUOVet Tierarztpraxis
Säriswil (10 minutes from Bern center)
VetTrust Kleintierpraxis Gümligen
Gümligen / Muri bei Bern
Pet-Friendly Parks
Aare River Walks
Off-leash OKThe Aare River loops around Bern's Old Town, and its banks offer extensive walking paths through wooded areas and open meadows. Dogs can access the river for swimming at several points — the turquoise water is clean and inviting in summer. The Marzili area below the Federal Palace is a popular starting point. Paths extend for kilometers in both directions.
Aare-Uferweg, 3005 Bern
Gurten
Off-leash OKBern's local mountain (858m) accessible by funicular from Wabern. The summit plateau offers panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, walking trails through meadows and forest, and a playground. Dogs are welcome and can walk freely on many trails. A popular weekend destination for Bern families and dog owners.
Gurten, 3084 Wabern
Bremgartenwald
Off-leash OKA large forest on the western edge of Bern with extensive trail networks through mixed woodland. Popular with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers. Dogs should be leashed near wildlife areas but can walk freely on many forest paths. Cooler temperatures in summer make it ideal for longer walks.
Bremgartenwald, 3012 Bern
BärenPark
Leash requiredThe iconic Bear Park at the foot of the Old Town, where Bern's heraldic bears live in a spacious riverside enclosure. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in this area. The park is free and open 24/7, and the surrounding paths along the Aare offer pleasant walks with views of the bears and the Old Town above.
Grosser Muristalden 6, 3006 Bern
Local Pet Regulations
No General Leash Requirement
The Canton of Bern has no general leash requirement for dogs. However, dogs must be leashed on school grounds, playgrounds, sports fields, public transport, train stations, bus stops, and in pastures with livestock. Dogs should also be leashed in nature reserves where signage is posted.
Source: Kanton Bern Hundegesetzgebung
Dog Tax (Hundesteuer)
Dog owners in Bern must pay an annual cantonal dog tax. The exact amount varies by municipality. Registration and tax payment are handled through the local municipal administration (Einwohnergemeinde).
AMICUS Registration
All dogs in Switzerland must be microchipped and registered in the national AMICUS database. Registration must be completed within 10 days of acquiring a dog. The microchip is implanted by a veterinarian and linked to the owner's contact information.
Source: AMICUS
Public Transport (Bernmobil / BLS)
Dogs must be leashed on all Bernmobil trams and buses. Small dogs in carriers ride free. Larger dogs require a half-fare ticket. On BLS regional trains, dogs also need a half-fare ticket. The Gurten funicular welcomes dogs.
For nationwide regulations, see our Switzerland pet care guide.
Best Neighborhoods for Pets
Länggasse
The university quarter west of the Old Town with student cafés, bookshops, and the Vetsuisse Faculty nearby. Tree-lined streets and proximity to the Bremgartenwald forest make it ideal for dog owners. A lively neighborhood with a young, international community.
Kirchenfeld
An elegant residential district south of the Aare with embassies, museums, and the Tierpark Dählhölzli zoo. Wide streets with gardens, direct access to the Aare riverbank, and a quiet atmosphere. The BärenPark is within walking distance across the Nydeggbrücke.
Mattenhof
A residential area south of the city center near the Gurten funicular station. More affordable than central Bern with good public transport connections. The Gurten mountain is directly accessible for daily walks with dogs in alpine meadows and forest.