Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Bern

Bern doesn't feel like a capital city so much as a very well-preserved secret, and the best way to unlock it is on two wheels. Pick up the keys, cross the Aare on the Nydeggbrücke for that first postcard view over the Old Town, then point yourself south toward Gurten for a quick climb and a skyline-and-Alps panorama that most visitors never bother to chase. From there the roads only get better — lakeside stretches, farm country, and mountain valleys are all within easy reach of the city centre.

Bern sits right where fast roads to the Emmental, the Bernese Oberland lakes, and Fribourg canton all meet, which makes a motorcycle the obvious choice here. A half-day errand turns into a full loop through cobbled old-town streets, open valley roads, and hill passes, and you skip the parking headaches that come with a car in the historic centre. Compact, connected, and built for riders who want variety without a long commitment.

Top 10 things to see in Bern by motorcycle

1. Bern Old Town (UNESCO) & Nydeggbrücke viewpoint — the compact historic core with the Zytglogge clock tower and the Aare river loop, a natural start or finish for any ride.
2. Gurten — Bern's own local hill just south of the city, a quick ride up for a skyline and Alps panorama.
3. Lake Thun (Thunersee) shoreline road — a scenic lakeside route from Bern via Thun with mountain backdrops, a favourite first-day loop.
4. Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) — turquoise water and a winding lakeside road, often paired with the Thun loop for a longer day out.
5. Emmental region — rolling hills and farm roads east of Bern, classic countryside touring territory (yes, the cheese country).
6. Gantrisch Nature Park — quiet pass roads and valleys south of Bern, good for tighter curves away from traffic.
7. Stockhorn — a cable-car-accessible viewpoint above the Simmental valley, reached by a scenic approach road.
8. Gruyères — a medieval hilltop town and castle in Fribourg canton, a well-known longer day trip from Bern.
9. Fribourg (Freiburg) Old Town — bridges and medieval streets over the Sarine gorge, an easy half-day ride west of Bern.
10. Simmental valley road — a long valley route toward the Bernese Oberland with steady curves and Alpine views opening up gradually.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Bern?

For anything up to 125cc you'll need category A1; larger machines call for category A, usually with a restricted period before full access. A foreign licence is accepted for your stay and an International Driving Permit isn't required, though it's never a bad idea to carry one. Rental companies typically set their own minimum age, often 18 to 25, and expect a credit-card deposit that scales with the size of the bike.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Bern?

Expect around 23-25 CHF per day in low season, rising to roughly 45-70 CHF per day at the summer peak for the same class. Larger-displacement or premium touring bikes run 90-150+ CHF per day regardless of the time of year.

• Prices climb from June through August, the busiest window for Alpine touring.
• November through March is the cheapest and quietest stretch for a rental.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Bern?

High season runs June to September, with prices at their steepest; low season stretches from November to March, when riding is less common in this climate but rates drop accordingly. If you're aiming for the high mountain passes, May to September is the reliable riding window, and June through early October is the safer bet for the highest routes, since many close under snow from late October until late spring. Book ahead for a summer weekend; off-season, availability is rarely an issue.

Local traffic rules in Bern

Switzerland drives on the right, and helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on any motorcycle or scooter. Daytime running lights must stay on at all times, even in bright sunshine. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, with plenty of 30 km/h zones inside the city. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, enforcement is strict, and fines are steep, so it's worth riding it safe. If you want to rent a motorcycle in Bern, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!