Bern Foxtrail Treasure Hunt

Foxtrail is a Swiss-born outdoor game that turns a city into a treasure hunt. Instead of following a guide, you use a clue booklet or a phone to solve riddles, find hidden markers and unlock a code that leads to a final treasure. The Bern trail takes players through the Old Town streets, past fountains, arcades, squares and viewpoints, and it is designed so that you notice details you would otherwise walk past. The tasks combine observation, logic and a little teamwork, and they suit a mixed group of children and adults, who can share the puzzles. The game runs at your own pace, usually taking around two hours, and you can start whenever you like during the day. Because the route is outside, it works best in dry weather, though the arcades offer shelter in light rain. It makes a fun alternative to a standard sightseeing walk for families who find museums and tours hard going.

The trail comes in different versions with different stories and levels of difficulty, so check which one you book. Some versions are better for younger children and others for teenagers or adults. You start from a meeting point and receive your materials, then set off in a team. The final solution is a code that opens a small treasure box, and the sense of achievement is part of the fun. Because the game uses public streets, keep an eye on traffic and stay with your group.

Planning is easy. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, a pen and a charged phone if the game uses one. The trail usually covers a few kilometres at an easy pace, with breaks for puzzles, so it is not tiring for children over six or seven. You can pause for ice cream or a drink and resume. Weekdays are quieter, and starting in the morning gives you the best light for photographs. The game can be played by groups of various sizes, so check the maximum when you book.

After the hunt, you will know the Old Town well, which makes it a good first activity on arrival. A visit to the Bear Park and the Rosengarten afterwards completes a family day. Combine it with a stop for chocolate or a picnic by the river for a relaxed itinerary. For a different style of city game, look for self-guided audio or detective games, but Foxtrail stands out for its physical treasure at the end. Language options are worth checking, since the story and clues are typically in several languages, including English.

The trail is also useful if you only have a few hours in Bern, because it takes you through the main streets and squares in a structured way, with a built-in reason to stop at each fountain, doorway or viewpoint. Players often say that they remember the city better after solving riddles in it than after a standard walk.

It works for birthday groups, school-age cousins and teams of adults who enjoy puzzles, and you can set your own pace with breaks for snacks. Weather is the main variable, so check the forecast, and consider an early start to avoid the busiest streets. Pack a small bag with water, a pen and sun cream.