Köniz: Castle Grounds, Plant Trail and Parks

Köniz combines historic castle grounds with cultural offerings, green spaces and a plant trail. For your stay, you can choose between different interests: architecture and events, information about nature along the plant trail, public parks or the seasonal swimming pool. The places appeal to different interests—from cultural history to outdoor activities.

Castle Grounds: Architecture and Culture

The Köniz castle complex and its farmyard still bear witness to the architectural character of a Teutonic Order commandery. For travellers interested in historic architecture, it is worth looking at both parts of the ensemble: the farmyard also contributes to this architectural heritage.

The castle grounds are a recognised cultural and meeting centre. The municipality offers guided tours of the grounds, tailored to visitors’ needs. This means you can explore the cultural offerings not only through the architecture, but also by considering a guided tour.

The prominent church stands on the castle grounds. Services and concerts are held there regularly. If you would like to plan around a specific date, check the latest event information in advance.

The castle park is located on the site of a former cemetery and is now a popular local spot for recreation and relaxation. Its current role as an open space offers a different focus from the architecture and cultural offerings of the castle grounds.

Plant Trail and Landscape

The Köniz plant trail runs from the “Köniz Schloss” bus stop on line 10 through the castle park and the adjoining cemetery into the Köniz Valley, then via Margeltäli to the “Köniz Schliern” bus stop, also on line 10. The route connects these landscapes along a single trail; check the latest information about the line and stops before setting out.

At selected locations, an online map complements the trail with information about habitats and the plant species found there. Photos from different stages of vegetation show the plants at various points in their development. This lets you explore selected species alongside the habitats described, rather than experiencing the route only as a sequence of stops.

Parks and Swimming Pool

Köniz’s public Liebefeld Park is a place for leisure and recreation and covers 36,000 square metres. Its features include trees, meadows, promenades, and play and sports facilities. A large pond is located at the northern end of the park. The combination of these features makes the park a distinct option if you would like to include a public open space in your stay.

From Bern station, take bus 10 towards “Köniz/Schliern” to the “Liebefeld Park” stop. Alternatively, take the S6 suburban train towards “Schwarzenburg” to the “Liebefeld” station. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Köniz Weiermatt swimming pool has a 50-metre swimming pool and a children’s pool. It also has water attractions and a separate diving facility with 10-metre and 7.5-metre diving towers. The swimming pool is open seasonally; check the current opening hours before your visit. Individual attractions may have their own operating restrictions.

Castle Garden and Dining

Anyone interested in gardening and food can take part in the community-maintained Köniz Castle Garden. The garden is cultivated according to organic farming guidelines and incorporates aspects of permaculture. The neighbouring Restaurant zum Schloss serves vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers from the castle garden. If this offering is important to your plans, check the restaurant’s current menu in advance.

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