Habkern, Bern
In the Habkern project, volunteers are actively working in one of Switzerland’s most biodiverse regions. They perform manual labor in forest and agricultural landscapes, maintain wetland habitats, and help preserve unique ecosystems. In this way, they contribute to the preservation of the Wäder, biodiversity, and the safety of the region—all amidst spectacular mountain scenery.
Forest and cultural landscape
Habkern is located above Interlaken, surrounded by striking peaks and the large Grünenbergpass forest reserve. Spanning approximately 45 km², it protects valuable moorland habitats and open pine forests, which are home to rare species such as the capercaillie. The diversity of both calcareous and non-calcareous habitats makes Habkern unique. This landscape requires targeted management: grazing, brush clearing, and clearing of fallen trees ensure the openness of the forests and moorlands and preserve biodiversity despite wildlife browsing and climate change.
Idea and goals
The goal of the project is the long-term protection and management of the unique forest and moorland landscapes around Habkern. Wald & Holz Beatenberg-Habkern AG coordinates extensive management work as part of a 10-year action plan. The Bergwaldprojekt supports these efforts through volunteer work, including clearing logging sites, planting, brush removal, and the protection of rare habitats.
Project partnerships: Together with Wald & Holz Beatenberg-Habkern AG and local farmers, the Bergwaldprojekt implements long-term maintenance measures.
What you can expect
The work will be flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and may vary. The main focus of the work in the Habkern project is on targeted clearing of logging sites, planting, and protecting young trees from wildlife browsing. In addition, bog areas will be maintained and cleared of brush, trails will be maintained, and cultural landscapes will be kept open. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
We kick off on Sunday with an introduction to the Mountain Forest Project and the week’s schedule. Days start early: breakfast is at 6:30 a.m., followed by work. A highlight is the weekly forestry excursion in the surrounding area. In addition to forestry work, volunteers also take on simple household tasks at the accommodation, such as tidying up or doing the dishes.
Check out more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Alpenruh Vacation Home at 1,100 meters above sea level
- Dormitory
- Shower/toilet
- Running hot water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping not permitted
Breakfast and dinner at the accommodation, lunch in the forest
- Whole-food
- regional
- seasonal
- organic
- Low meat content (vegetarian alternative available)
- Sturdy, high-top hiking boots (above the ankle) with a treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothing (we’ll be in the mountains)
- Slippers
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Daypack, pocket knife, water bottle (thermos recommended)
- Hand towel/shower towel
- Personal items
- Sleeping bag
- Luggage: Travel with a suitcase or bag is possible
- Good physical condition and sure-footedness. The work may take place on steep terrain.
- Please arrive at the meeting point on time. Late arrival or early departure is not permitted.
- Participants must follow the instructions of the project staff.
- Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
- Photos will be taken during the project week and may be published in our publications. Please contact the project leadership if you do not consent to this.
For environmental reasons, please use public transportation or carpool to the event—parking is not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 5:18 p.m., PostBus stop “Habkern, Post”
The accommodation is located right next to the meeting point.
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. from the meeting point.
Registration is binding. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration immediately by calling +41 (0)81 650 40 40 or emailing info@bergwaldprojekt.ch. We will be available on
the day of arrival in case of emergencies. The relevant phone number will be posted in the project information section of your profile shortly before the project begins.