Bern Airport is not only the gateway to the Swiss capital but also to the canton of Bern with its dramatic scenery. Hiring a car direct from Bern Airport will get you to the stunning Bernese Oberland and such sights as the Reichenbach Falls, setting for the fictional final encounter between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty.
There too are other breathtaking waterfalls such as the Staubbachfall and the monumental Bernese Alps. Back in Berne itself you can get to experience why the city is regularly in the top ten cities for quality of life.
Bern Airport Mini Guide
The Airport
Bern airport is situated 9km southeast of the city of Bern, a 20 minute drive. It is known as Bern-Belp or simply Belp airport due to its close proximity to Belp town. It is Switzerland’s largest regional airport with 120,000 passengers passing through there per year. The flight timetables are published twice a year and there is a new Schengen Terminal opening in December 2011.
You can see the Biderhangar from an observation deck while in the airport. This brick uniquely shaped building was built by Swiss aviation pioneer Oscar Bider, it’s classified as a heritage site of national significance.
Getting There
9 airlines regularly operate from Bern airport: Darwin Airline, Helvetic Airways, InterSky, Air France, flyBE, Cirrus Airlines, Lufthansa, OLT, SkyWork flying to 28 worldwide destinations. There are winter and summer timetables. The airport is on junction 14 of the A6 motorway and is easily accessible from all adjoining countries.
Getting to Your Destination From Bern Airport
The airport hire car desk areas are easy to spot as the airport is situated on one level with large colourful signs. There are shuttle buses regularly leaving for the Bern and Belp railway stations with other bus services connecting the neighbouring towns and city areas. A taxi service with 10 bays can be found outside.
Facilities
Bern is a relatively small regional airport with great facilities. There are five check-in desks, three gates and one baggage reclaim belt. Check-in and baggage reclaim is renowned to be very quick here. There are ATMs at the airport, with a small duty free shop. The Bern Airport Hotel has the Sky Lounge which has direct views of the Bernese Alps and onto the runway. The airport also has a restaurant, café, bars, valet parking service, kiosk, first aid facilities, VIP lounge area above the departure gate and travel agent. The information desk can provide help and information on any aspect you require. You can now check in online also.
Disabled Access
Notify the airline while booking of any special requirements you may need while at the airport and during your flight, this ensures they can prepare for your arrival. Wheelchairs can be arranged for use when booking your flight, and personal wheelchairs will be taken to the hold as a free service with prior notice. Guide dogs are permitted but must be properly registered with the airline, contact them to arrange this provision. Further information can be found here -
http://www.flughafenbern.ch/index.php?page=437. Disabled access toilets are situated in the entry area and departure hall.
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