Updated on 28th July 2020
Although the mountains are already covered by snow, in mid-November we haven’t been yet in the mood to go skiing. Instead, we headed towards Papiliorama which is close to the town Kerzers. “Papillon” means butterfly in French, so you can probably guess what I’m writing about today. And if not, read on …
Getting there
Kerzers is about a 25-minute drive west of Bern. From Bern, take the A1 motorway, take the Kerzers exit. Then the direction to Papiliorama is very well marked by brown signs. There is a large car park by the complex, a parking fee of 4 francs is paid at the box office when buying tickets.
Opening hours and admission fees
Papiliorama is open in summer from 9:00 to 18:00, in winter (from 25.10.2020) from 10:00 to 17:00 (closed on December 25 and January 1)
Admission for adults is 19 francs, for children from 4 to 15 years 9.50 francs (children under 3 years are free).
Before visiting Papiliorama I recommend checking their website. When I had been looking for the admission fees before our first visit, a little window popped up with an offer that I can get a free ticket for one child, if I enter my e-mail address. I had filled it in and in a few seconds, I received a voucher in my mailbox. It is possible to either print it or download an electronic version on your phone and then show it at the ticket office.
Before entering the pavilion of butterflies (resp. all indoor pavilions), I suggest to take off your coat and leave them on hangers near the restaurant. Inside it is very hot and especially humid. (And that’s one of the things I love about Switzerland – you can leave your personal belongings unattended and nothing happens to them!).
Papiliorama
Nocturama
Jungle Trek
And what about watching it! Have you ever experienced that roseate spoonbill (don’t even ask me how long I had to google the name of this bird) tried to peck your child’s head? What an experience! Wow! On our second visit, however, he was quite defenseless and willingly posed for my camera 🙂
Outdoor activities
I dare say that this has at least doubled the time of the visit compared to the past. Because in addition to the mini-zoo, there is a beautiful playground in the pleasant shade of trees and also a great “monkey course”.
Facilities
In conclusion…
- The website says among other things that Papiliorama is 100% accessible for wheelchair users, respectively for strollers. With this point, I may slightly disagree and I don’t recommend taking your stroller with you: paths especially in the butterfly pavilion are quite narrow, plus there are walkways on which you can get only by stairs. Of course, you don’t have to necessarily go there, but you would deprive of interesting views.
- I also don’t recommend the visit to those who don’t like really warm and humid environs (just like in the laundry room) and find breathing in such a space rather discomforting.
- But despite all this above is Papiliorama a great trip destination for your family and I heartily recommend a visit!