First of all, Lindt chocolate was created here! So it automatically is a must-visit in our book! Bern is the capital city of Switzerland. It is small and charming, with cobblestone streets and beautiful medieval architecture. It’s set along the Aare River and has a ton of awesome historic and cultural attractions, such as the famous Berner Münster Cathedral or the Zytglogge (time-bell). Use this complete travel guide to start planning your trip to Bern!
The Insider’s Map of
Bern, Switzerland
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Getting to Bern
By plane:
Bern does have its own airport, however if you’re flying internationally you’ll most likely want to fly into Zürich Airport. From there it’s just a little over an hour train ride to get to Bern.
The train station at Zürich Airport is conveniently located in the airport itself, right below the ticketing center so once you get your luggage you’ll be on your way in no time.
By train:
By car:
The city is easily accessible by car from neighboring countries like France, Germany, and Italy. Follow the freeway (Autobahn) signs for ‘Bern’ and you can’t miss it!
Getting Around Bern
Walking:
Bern is very compact so you can easily walk around the city on foot.
Public Transportation:
The public transportation in Bern is efficient and reliable. The trams, buses, and trains, are all operated by the same company, Bernmobil. You can purchase single tickets, day passes, or multi-day passes to use on all modes of transportation.
Best Areas To Stay In Bern
Old City:
As the heart of Bern, the Old City (aka Old Town) is known for its medieval architecture, charming streets, and historic buildings. By staying here, you have easy access to attractions like the Berner Münster Cathedral, Zytglogge clock tower, and the Einstein Museum.
Länggasse/Felsenau neighborhood:
North of the city center. This area is known for its 19th-century architecture, parks, and gardens. Staying in Länggasse/Felsenau also gives you easy access to the city center, as well as the Bern Zoo and the Paul Klee Museum.
Breitenrain neighborhood:
This is a good choice if you are looking for a more modern and vibrant atmosphere. Located northwest of the city center. Breitenrain is known for its trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as its lively street art scene.
Best Hotels In Bern
Hotel Bellevue Palace: $$$
Located in the heart of the city with stunning views of the Bernese Alps. This historic hotel has large rooms, a range of dining options, and a spa.
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern: $$$
Beautiful hotel with spacious rooms. If you stay here, you should definitely check out the spa!
Hotel Waldhorn: $$
Affordable, clean, and charming. This hotel has comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a bar and restaurant.
Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke: $
A popular choice if you’re on a tight budget. It offers shared and private rooms for quite cheap.
Best Restaurants In Bern
Kornhauskeller Restaurant:
Beautiful restaurant in a vaulted cellar serving Bernese classics and specialties.
Altes Tramdepot:
If you’re looking for a more casual meal, this place is great. They also serve craft beers. Sit on the terrace for spectacular views of the city!
Restaurant Rosengarten:
Located on a hill in the Rose Garden park with beautiful views!
Restaurant Harmonie:
This charming restaurant, located in the Länggasse/Felsenau neighborhood, is known for its elegant atmosphere and creative cuisine. The menu features a bunch of seasonal dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
On Tap:
Located in the Breitenrain neighborhood, it’s known for its creative cocktails and delicious tapas-style dishes. The menu includes a range of international flavors, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Things To Do In Bern
SHOPPING
Bern's Old City:
One of the main attractions in Bern is the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features many medieval buildings, narrow streets, and small squares. More specifically, you should check out Kramgasse – a historic cobblestone street. It’s home to a variety of shops and boutiques. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to high-end fashion. If you’re looking for luxury brands, head to the Spitalgasse. It’s a pedestrian-only street that’s home to stores like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Local Markets:
Bern has tons of fun outdoor and indoor markets year-round with local farmers and vendors selling their goods. You’ll find everything from fresh produce, cheeses, and flowers to art and furniture. It’s really fun to even just walk around also a great place to pick up local Swiss souvenirs and gifts.
Bern has tons of fun outdoor and indoor markets year-round with local farmers and vendors selling their goods. You’ll find
You can check out the different markets and their schedules here.
everything from fresh produce, cheeses, and flowers to art and furniture. It’s really fun to even just walk around also a great place to pick up local Swiss souvenirs and gifts.
You can check out the different markets and their schedules here.
SIGHTSEEING/ACTIVITIES
Aare River:
Another must-see attraction in Bern is the Aare River, which flows through the heart of the city. You can take a nice walk along the riverbank or even go for a swim. There are also opportunities for kayaking and rafting.
Zytglogge Clock Tower:
A landmark tower built in the 13th century where it served as a guard tower, clock, and prison.
The Cathedral of Bern:
The tallest cathedral in Switzerland and was built from 1421-1893 (yep, it took a really long time).
Hiking:
There are lots of trails for all levels so you can take in the incredible nature!
The Bern Zoo:
Great place to visit if you’re traveling with kids! It’s home to over 3,000 animals and also has a playground, petting zoo, and a mini train.
Bärenpark:
The Bear Pit of Bern is an enclosure along the river Aare, housing several brown bears in the middle of the city. You can see the bears from a viewing platform year-round. This is a historical site for the city and the bear also happens to be the symbol of Bern.
Gurten Park:
A hill located on the outskirts of the city with amazing views. There are a lot of fun activities for children (so you should definitely check it out if you’re traveling with kids). It also has a bunch of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and even a toboggan run from March to November! Take a ride on the funicular railway to the top of the hill and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside. This site also happens to be the venue for the Gurten Festival, one of Switzerland’s most popular music festivals which takes place every Summer.
Gurten Park:
A hill located on the outskirts of the city with amazing views. There are a lot of fun activities for children (so you should definitely check it out if you’re traveling with kids). It also has a bunch of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and even a toboggan run from March to November! Take a ride on the funicular railway to the top of the hill and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside. This site also happens to be the venue for the Gurten Festival, one of Switzerland’s most popular music festivals which takes place every Summer.
CULTURE
Kunstmuseum Bern:
One of the oldest art museums in Switzerland. It features a collection of over 50,000 works of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. It also has a collection of Swiss and international art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee.
Bern Historical Museum:
The second largest historical museum in Switzerland.
Einstein Museum:
Part of the Bern Historical Museum – Dedicated to the life and work of Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern for several years. The museum features interactive exhibits, including a replica of Einstein’s office and a collection of his personal letters and manuscripts.
HOT TIP: Purchase the Bern Ticket City Card – It’s a museum card that gives you access to all the museums in the area.
Hidden Gems In Bern
Breitenrain:
A neighborhood located just a short walk from the city center, but it feels like a world away from the bustling tourist crowds. It gives off those hipster vibes with its street art murals, thrift stores, book stores, record shops, and cozy cafés.
Botanical Garden:
Tucked away on the outskirts of the city. You can wander the paths and admire the colorful flowers and plants. It’s very peaceful.
Rosengarten:
Located on a hill overlooking the city, the Rosengarten is a beautiful park with panoramic views of the Bern skyline.
Zentrum Paul Klee:
This modern art museum is dedicated to the works of Swiss artist Paul Klee and features a large collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
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FAQ
How many days should you spend in Bern?
While Bern itself isn’t a big city, there are many day-trips / destinations you can reach from here. We recommend about 2 days for Bern itself but you could easily make this the hub for a longer stay.
How expensive is Bern?
Being one of Switzerland’s more well-known and most frequently visited cities, Bern is definitely up there in terms of pricing with the rest of the country. However, Bern is known more as a hub for arts, culture and education than it is for tourism and therefore has a lot to offer for any budget.
When is the best time to visit Bern?
In our opinion, there is no WRONG time to visit Bern. It just all depends on your preference.
Summer (June-August) is definitely the most popular time to visit Bern because the weather is warm and sunny, and the city really comes alive during this time with loads of outdoor events and concerts.
Fall (September-November) If you’re more of a fan of cooler weather and autumn colors, then visiting during autumn might be your jam. You can take scenic hikes and enjoy warm drinks at cozy cafés.
Winter (December-February) For those who love winter sports and festive vibes, winter is a great time to visit Bern. The city’s proximity to the Alps means that you can easily access ski resorts and enjoy snowboarding, skiing, and other winter activities. The city also has several Christmas markets and holiday events that add to its charm.
Spring (March-May) If you prefer milder temperatures and blooming flowers, then spring is the way to go. The city’s gardens and parks come to life, and you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. We are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, so we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
About Us
We are Sandro & Juli! Sandro is a Swiss native and Juli was born and raised in California. We LOVE to travel - especially to Sandro's home country. We are often asked by friends and acquaintances where to visit in Switzerland, so we decided to dedicate a place where our knowledge of all things Switzerland can live. We are always adding to our travels, so follow along as we share all our best tips, hidden gems, travel guides and everything in-between.
Happy travels!
