Leisure

Many residents in Canton Bern are members of a club. There are clubs for a wide range of interests. Even small communities have athletic, cultural, and other clubs which are an excellent way of meeting people. Most clubs are open for everyone. Information regarding clubs can be found on the community websites.

For young people in Canton Bern there are many recreational offers that give them a chance to meet their peers. Many communities have meeting points and various recreational activities. The young people are supervised, can contribute ideas, and realize projects (Jugendarbeit | animation de jeunesse). Most offers are free. Youth clubs are an opportunity to take part in outdoor activities with peers. The offers are provided by clubs, communities, or regional churches and are open for all young people. The community of residence will provide further information.

Canton Bern offers many excursions and a rich cultural life. The landscape is characterized by small towns, castles and cozy farmhouses. In addition, there are beautiful hiking and biking trails. Numerous museums hold exhibits on a wide variety of subjects. The Paul Klee Center and the Bern Art Museum are known throughout the country. The canton's tourist bureau, "Made in Bern," has information regarding excursions and events. Information on cultural events may also be found in local newspapers.

Volunteer work (Freiwilligenarbeit | bénévolat) is an unpaid contribution to society and the environment. In Switzerland many tasks are traditionally performed by volunteers. A large part of the work is done by clubs. Those wishing to get involved can join a club that is involved with culture, sports, social causes, education, animal and wildlife protection, health, or other causes. Information regarding volunteer work and volunteer opportunities is provided, for example, by the office for volunteer work Benevol, Caritas Bern, or the Swiss Red Cross Bern (SRK | CRS).
The canton's regional partners are responsible for voluntary work in the asylum and refugee sector. The addresses are linked below. More information is also available from the church center for refugees (KKF | OCA).

There are many sports, cultural and educational events in the canton of Bern. Information on these can be obtained from the municipality of residence or from the tourism organizations. Persons with limited financial means are offered discounts for athletic, cultural or educational events when using the Kulturlegi pass from Caritas. Applications for the pass are made through Caritas. Caritas will provide additional information and verify whether the requirements are met.