Grosse Schanze
Modern glass structure with panoramic views of Bern and the Alps, offering casual food and drinks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Relaxed vibe, great sunset views
Grosse Schanze
Best Time
Relaxed vibe, great sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Modern glass structure with panoramic views of Bern and the Alps, offering casual food and drinks.
"Generous portions and a modern industrial chic aesthetic combine with moderate prices to create a pleasant dining experience."
🎯 University Student Discount
Bring your university ID for a discount on your meal during lunch hours. :moneywithwings:
☀️ Best for Sunset Drinks
The terrace offers incredible panoramic views, perfect for an after-work drink as the sun sets. :city_sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & Alpine Views
Terrace
Soak in breathtaking vistas of Bern and the distant Alps from this stunning vantage point.

Modern Industrial Chic Ambiance
Main dining area
Enjoy a contemporary setting with a light-filled glass structure and a stylish, industrial aesthetic.

Diverse Food & Drink Menu
Bar and food counter
From cocktail classics to hearty fondues and vegetarian options, there's something for every palate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Self-Service Vibe
Sunset Views & Evening Drinks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 University Student Discount
Bring your university ID for a discount on your meal during lunch hours. :moneywithwings:
☀️ Best for Sunset Drinks
The terrace offers incredible panoramic views, perfect for an after-work drink as the sun sets. :city_sunrise:
🍽️ Self-Service Lunch Rush
Expect a busy, self-service environment during weekday lunches. Order and pick up your food. :forkandknifewithplate:
🥂 Varied Drink Selection
From classic cocktails to aperitifs and prosecco, the drink menu is quite satisfactory. :champagne_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 University Student Discount
Bring your university ID for a discount on your meal during lunch hours. :moneywithwings:
☀️ Best for Sunset Drinks
The terrace offers incredible panoramic views, perfect for an after-work drink as the sun sets. :city_sunrise:
🍽️ Self-Service Lunch Rush
Expect a busy, self-service environment during weekday lunches. Order and pick up your food. :forkandknifewithplate:
🥂 Varied Drink Selection
From classic cocktails to aperitifs and prosecco, the drink menu is quite satisfactory. :champagne_glass:
🛋️ Finding a Table
It can be challenging to find a table, especially during peak times. Be patient or consider visiting during off-hours. :chair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Grosse Schanze for its stunning panoramic views of Bern and the Alps, its modern industrial-chic ambiance, and its diverse food and drink menu with generous portions. It's noted as a great spot for both casual lunches and evening drinks, though it can get quite crowded, especially during weekday lunchtimes, and seating can be challenging to find.
"We had a pleasant and relaxing time at Grosse Schanze🌅 We tried cocktail classics (Aperol Spritz and Hugo) and several aperitifs such as quesadillas, tarte flambée, corn dog with raclette and Schanze curry wurst 💫 Food was great as was the ambience ☀️🏔️"
Irina Filchenko
"Generous portions and a modern industrial chic aesthetic combine with moderate prices to create a pleasant dining experience. The food is quite nice, and they have interesting and varied options, including many for vegetarians. The restaurant can get pretty crowded, but it also has outdoor seating."
Hari Ganti
"Lunch was tasty. There is a huge crowd especially on the weekdays during lunchtime. if you have a university identity card then you will get a discount.
It's a self-service restaurant."
Ashish V Kulshreshtha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grosse Schanze is centrally located in Bern, easily accessible by public transport. You can take trams or buses to nearby stops. It's also a pleasant walk from the train station.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at Grosse Schanze, there are several public parking garages in the city center within walking distance. Consider public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, Grosse Schanze is very centrally located and a short, pleasant walk from Bern's main train station. It's a convenient option for day-trippers.
Several tram and bus lines stop near Grosse Schanze, making it easily accessible. Check the local Bern public transport (Bernmobil) schedule for the most up-to-date routes and times.
Cycling is a popular option in Bern. There are bike paths leading to the area, and you can often find bike racks nearby. It's a great way to enjoy the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Grosse Schanze is a public space and a restaurant/bar area, so there's no entry fee to access the grounds or enjoy the views. You only pay for food and drinks.
The opening hours can vary, especially between lunch and evening service, and seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information. It's generally open for lunch and then again in the evening.
There is no cover charge to sit on the terrace. It's a public area offering great views, and you can order food and drinks from the establishment.
While it's a self-service spot during lunch, reservations might be possible for larger groups or for their evening dining, especially for specific events like fondue nights. It's advisable to contact them directly.
Yes, students with a university identity card can receive a discount during lunchtime.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Grosse Schanze offers a diverse menu, including cocktail classics, aperitifs, quesadillas, tarte flambée, corn dogs, curry wurst, and lunch menus. In winter, they are known for fondues and raclettes.
Yes, the restaurant offers many interesting and varied options, including several choices for vegetarians.
Prices are considered moderate, with generous portions. Lunch menus are fairly priced, making it a good value for the central location and quality.
During lunchtime, it's described as a 'hip canteen' with delicious and fairly priced food, though it can be crowded. It's great for a casual, quick meal.
They have a satisfactory choice of drinks, including cocktail classics like Aperol Spritz and Hugo, as well as aperitifs and prosecco.
📸 📸 Photography
The terrace offers the most iconic photo opportunities with its panoramic views of Bern and the Alps. Capture the cityscape during the day or the sunset colors in the evening.
Absolutely! The western-facing terrace provides stunning sunset views over the city and mountains, making it a prime location for photographers.
Yes, the interior has a modern, industrial chic aesthetic with light-filled glass structures, which can also make for interesting interior shots.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other patrons and avoid intrusive photography.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon/evening, is ideal for capturing the best light on the city and mountains. Weekday evenings offer a good balance of light and fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting slightly before or after the peak lunch rush to avoid the most intense crowds. While not a dedicated playground, the open space and the novelty of the modern building can keep younger visitors entertained. The varied menu also means picky eaters might find something they like, and the student discount can help manage costs for larger families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Enjoying the panoramic views from the terrace is free, making it a fantastic spot to soak in the Bernese scenery without spending a franc. You can opt for just a drink or a more affordable menu item to experience the ambiance and the vista. It's a great way to enjoy a prime location and stunning views on a budget.
couples
Consider visiting during the winter months for a cozy fondue or raclette experience, which can be a fun and intimate dining option. The modern yet comfortable ambiance, combined with the stunning scenery, creates a memorable backdrop for a date night or a special occasion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grosse Schanze Experience: More Than Just a Meal
As the day transitions into evening, the atmosphere shifts. The terrace becomes a prime spot for enjoying drinks with friends, offering spectacular panoramic views of Bern and the surrounding Alps. This is when the 'hip' aspect truly shines, with a diverse mix of people enjoying the sunset. In winter, the focus turns to cozy, traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette, providing a warm contrast to the cooler weather.
The combination of its central location, stunning views, varied menu, and adaptable ambiance makes Grosse Schanze a versatile destination. Whether you're looking for a quick, affordable lunch, a relaxed evening drink with a view, or a hearty winter meal, it caters to a wide range of preferences and occasions.
Navigating the Views: Bern's Urban Panorama
Redditors often highlight this view as a key reason for visiting, suggesting it's an ideal spot for an after-work drink or a relaxed evening. The modern architecture of the establishment complements the natural beauty, creating a contemporary setting to appreciate the classic Bernese scenery. It’s a place where urban life meets natural grandeur, offering a unique perspective on the Swiss capital.
For photographers, the Grosse Schanze provides ample opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow across the city and mountains, especially during sunset, can result in stunning shots. Even without a professional camera, simply taking a moment to absorb the expansive view is a memorable experience, offering a sense of peace and perspective amidst the city buzz.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit