1 - Altstadt and Spitalgasse
TheAltstadt is Bern's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within it are some of the Swiss capital's most important attractions, such as the clock tower or the Berner Münster, which we will have time to discover later. But not only monuments, the old town is in fact a real jewel: the streets are framed by many arcades and arcades dating back to the 15th century and the squares are full of elegant fountains. Every glimpse deserves a photo.
The Altstadt is criss-crossed by the Spittalgasse, one of the most important streets in the entire old town, which is lined with palaces, art galleries, boutiques, shops and numerous arcades. The arcades are also a great help when visiting the city on rainy days, as they allow you to get around without any problems.
The heart of Bern, divided from the more modern part by the river Aare. From the central train station 5 min walk. The area is served by several bus and tram lines and the Bern Münsterplattform cable car station is located here - Get directions
Look for the most unusual fountains: Bern's Old Town is full of wonderful fountains, and you will see some truly marvellous ones. Make sure you don't miss the most beautiful and special ones, including the Pfeiferbrunnen, the Kindlifresserbrunnen and the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnem!
During your exploration of the beautiful Bern, you'll most likely need a place to stay. Luckily, you can find some of the best accommodations in Switzerland at https://www.top-hotels-switzerland.com/. This website features top-rated hotels that ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay while you enjoy the city's attractions.
Another way to secure your accommodations is to book hotels at tophotels.com. Offering a wide range of hotels in Bern and other cities across Switzerland, you can ensure to find a suitable place that fits your budget and preference.
One of the highly recommended hotels would be the Hotel Savoy Bern. Conveniently located within the city limits, it offers all modern amenities and is just a few minutes away from the stunning Altstadt. This makes it a perfect choice for those who want to be close to the city's most popular attractions.
2 - Einstein Haus
Photo by Márcio Cabral de Moura. Between 1903 and 1905, the famous 'father' of the theory of relativity Albert Einstein stayed in the Swiss capital, in a small flat in Kramgasse. Today, the dwelling has become a small house-museum, full of information panels and equipped with a projector broadcasting a documentary on the life of the great genius.
It was here that Einstein developed his theory, overturning ideas on the study of time and space. On the second floor you can see period furniture, paintings and various objects belonging to the Einstein family, as well as texts written by Einstein himself. A very interesting visit to understand his daily life!
Practical information: directions, opening times and prices
Directions: Kramgasse 49, in the Altstadt. Easy walking distance to every point in the Old Town and to the railway station (1.1 km, 13 min). Reference bus stop Zytglogge - Get directions
Hours: daily 10:00-17:00
Ticket prices: full price CHF 6.00 (€5.60), students CHF 4.50 (€4.20), concessions up to 15 years CHF 3.00 (€2.80)
3 - Zytglogge
Switzerland is known for its punctuality, how often do you hear the expression'as punctual as a Swiss watch'. And the city's clock tower, the Zytglogge, is perhaps the epitome of the Helvetians' unbridled passion for clock precision.
This iconic tower can also be visited inside. As you enter, you will feel as if you are going back in time, with its wooden beams and stone walls. You can also see the mechanisms of the famous clock up close. Finally, you can reach the highest part of the tower by climbing 130 steps, thus admiring the entire old town from above.
Watch theclock show: at the stroke of every hour, the astronomical clock offers visitors a unique spectacle! The figurines of bears and humans move, dancing to the rhythm of the carousel.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: at Bim Zytglogge 1, in the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from all parts of the Old Town and the railway station (900 m, 11 min). Reference bus and tram stop Zytglogge - get directions
Hours: outside always accessible / inside only via guided tour, daily at 14:30
Ticket price: exterior and show free of charge / for guided tour see official website
4 - Kunstmuseum Bern
Photos of Kunstmuseum Bern. The Kunstmuseum Bern is Switzerland's oldest art museum and a vast "container" of paintings, sculptures and photographs, with styles ranging from the 14th century to the present day. The Kunstmuseum offers visitors a collection of more than 50,000 permanent works, as well as hosting various exhibitions throughout the year.
It is a world-famous museum with works by Picasso, Paul Klee, Ferdinan Hodler and Meret Oppenheim, but also many others. A true paradise for art lovers, but also for those who want to enjoy a few hours admiring some truly unique works.
Follow a tailor-made tour: the museum offers its visitors tours and experiences designed especially for each category. Not the usual guided tour, here you can choose the private or public tour, if you are in a family you will have the 'kids & family' tour and for the youngest visitors the 'Young people' tour.
Practical information: directions, times and prices
Directions: Hodlerstrasse 8, 3011 Bern, Switzerland, in the Altstadt. Easy walking distance to every point in the Old Town and to the railway station (850 m, 10 min). Bollwerk bus stop - get directions
Hours: Tue 10am-9pm, Wed-Sun 10am-5pm, Mon closed
Ticket prices: full price CHF 10.00 (€9.30), concessions CHF 7.00 (€6.50)
5 - Käfigturm Tower
The Käfigturm was the ancient gateway to the city and is located along Marktgasse. Over the centuries it has held various roles, for a time even as the Clock Tower when the Zytglogge was damaged in a fire. Its history in the past was rather troubled, but today it is a true symbol of democracy, sharing and exchange.
In the past this was a prison, so much so that Käfigturm actually means Prison Tower. Since 1999, however, it has become the centre and headquarters of the Political Forum of the Confederation and here political debates and numerous events, exhibitions and meetings are held, always about politics and everything that revolves around it. Today, it is possible to visit its interior during exhibitions and events and, despite the centuries that have passed and the various renovation or restoration works, on the walls you can still see the drawings of those who were imprisoned within these walls.
Discover its history through books: if you love history and in particular the stories and testimonies of those who experienced imprisonment first-hand, consult the Turmbücher, or Tower Books. Here are collected stories of murders, thefts and crimes of the imprisoned, as well as interrogations, sentences and confessions. All info on the official website.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: at Marktgasse 67, in the Altstadt. Easy walking distance to every point in the Old Town and to the railway station (600 m, 7 min). Reference bus and tram stop Bärenplatz - get directions
Hours: Mon 14:00-18:00, Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat (exhibitions only) 10:00-16:00
Ticket price: variable depending on exhibitions and events, see official website
6 - Bundeshaus
Located on the bustling Bundesplatz, the beating heart of the city, is the parliament building, the Bundeshaus. An imposing building, built in the Renaissance style, it houses the two chambers of the Swiss Parliament, the meeting places of the National Council and the Council of States, a federal library and the headquarters of several federal agencies.
But it is not only a political venue, because the Bundeshaus is also a meeting and entertainment place for the entire population! In fact, many events and happenings take place on the square, as well as the beautiful Christmas Markets, where you can shop and sample local specialities!
Organise your visit: you can also visit the interior, but as it is still a government palace, visits will obviously be guided and, above all, limited in number.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: Bundesplatz 3, in the Altstadt. Easy walking distance to every point in the Old Town and to the railway station (700 m, 9 min). Reference bus stop Bundesplatz - get directions
Hours: guided tours Tue-Sat, one or two shifts per day. In Italian on Saturdays. See official website
Ticket price: free. Booking via official website
7 - Munster Kirche
Towering over brilliant Bern is the Munster Kirche, the 15th-century Gothic cathedral whose construction was completed in the 19th century. It is the city's main evangelical Reformed building and was built over an earlier church according to the plans of engineer Matthaus Ensinger.
The first thing that will catch your eye is the large entrance portal, depicting the Last Judgement, on which 294 figures are carefully carved. The interior is just as majestic as the exterior, with three large naves and five wonderful stained glass windows, all carved by different authors. Finally, we find the bell tower, which houses the largest bell in Switzerland!
Climb up the bell tower: from the top you can admire the most beautiful view of the entire old town and the surroundings of Bern! So make sure you don't miss this part of the church: to reach the top you have to climb 312 steps, but the effort will be absolutely rewarded by the view.
Practical information: directions, times and prices
Directions: at Münsterplatz 1, in the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from every point in the old town, such as from the Zytglogge (350 m, 4 min) and the railway station (1.2 km, 14 min). Reference bus stop Rathaus - Get directions
Hours: varying times depending on day and season, Mon-Sat generally 10:00-15:30/17:00, Sun from 11:30
Ticket price: free
8 - Bernisches Historisches Museum and Einstein Museum
Just outside the city centre is the Bernisches Historisches Museum, or Bern's Historical Museum, which also incorporates theEinstein Museum, a museum dedicated to Albert Einstein.
The Bernisches Historisches Museum consists of no less than 10 permanent collections on history, archaeology and ethnography. From prehistory to Egypt, from Indian art to the Middle East: with around 500,000 objects, this museum is one of the most important in Switzerland. Of course, there is no lack of a section devoted exclusively to the city, starting with its birth and spanning all eras.
The Einstein Museum, on the other hand, is dedicated exclusively to the famous physicist, who lived in Berne for a period of his life. You can find out more about him thanks to animated films and interactive exhibits, which make this museum suitable even for children!
Practical information: directions, opening times and prices
How to get there: in Helvetiapl. 5, south of the Altstadt. Easily accessible by foot from the Old Town and the Zytglogge (550 m, 7 min). Reference bus and tram stop Helvetiaplatz - Get directions
Timetable: Bernisches Historisches Museum and Einstein Museum Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Mon closed
Admission: Bernisches Historisches Museum full price 13.00 CHF (€12.00), concessions 8.00 CHF (€7.40) / Einstein Museum full price 18.00 CHF (€16.70), concessions 13.00 CHF (€12.00) / Temporary exhibitions variable cost, see official website
9 - Rosengarten
Photo by Schofför. Originally conceived as a cemetery, today Rosengarten is a huge garden full of statues, roses and other floral species. An ideal place to relax, perhaps reading a good book by the pond that surrounds the area or enjoying the view of the medieval city. It is also the most beautiful park in the whole of Berne, both for its beauty and for the wonderful view it affords!
At the Rosengraten, every season is special: in spring you can watch the cherry trees blossom, in summer more than 250 species bloom, in autumn everything is tinged with warm colours and the foliage phenomenon begins, in winter you can stroll around and admire the snow-covered city. It is also a very romantic place, which is at its best at sunset!
It is located at Alter Aargauerstalden 32, on the opposite bank from the Altstadt. Easily accessible on foot from the Old Town (1.2 km, 17 min).Reference bus stop Rosengarten - Get directions
Enjoy lunch with aview: we recommend stopping for lunch or dinner at Restaurant Rosengarten, one of the city's best restaurants with a wonderful view of Bern and where you can sample local dishes, including an exceptional fondue.
10 - Bärenpark
Photo by Martin Abegglen. Just outside the city centre, there is an attraction that should not be missed: the bear pit, or BärenparkI. It is one of the obligatory stops on your stay in Berne. Four brown bears live here, going about their daily lives eating, playing with each other and resting, under the rapturous eyes of visitors. They are a real family, with their mother, father and two cubs born in 2009.
The Bärenpark is a kind of demonstration of love from the city of Elevetica to nature and the extraordinary wildlife that is too often threatened by human cruelty. The park is in fact a faithful reproduction of the bears' natural habitat, with a small forest, caves and a pond.
The area is always open and always visible from outside. It is located a stone's throw from the old town, at Grosser Muristalden 6. It is easily reached from Berner Münster (750 m, 9 min) by crossing the Nydeggbrücke. Reference bus stop Bärenpark - Get directions
Discover the symbol of Berne: the bear is very dear to the city and is the symbol of the Swiss capital. But have you ever wondered why? According to legend, Berthold V of Zahringen, the founder of the city, killed a bear here. And Bern is actually derived from Bär, which means 'bear' in German.
11 - Paul Klee Centre
Outside the centre, on the outskirts of Bern, you can visit the Paul Klee Centre, dedicated to Paul Klee, universally considered one of the sacred monsters and masters of European art and beyond. The museum that the city decided to dedicate to him, built in 2005, is as impressive externally (the architecture of the Paul Klee Center, designed by the Italian Renzo Piano, is reminiscent of a hill) as it is internally, with a vast collection of works by the Swiss-German painter, including the famous'Woman with a Parasol' and'Houses of St. Germain'.
But not only the interior, the exterior is also worth a leisurely visit: the museum is surrounded by a large park, ideal for strolling in fine weather. Here you will find several paths running all around, there are 18 of them and they are all named after one of Klee's masterpieces.
Find out about all the events: this is a real art centre, a meeting point and meeting place! The centre has a great programme with various music, literature and theatre events. Have a look at what's on during your stay on the official website.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: at Monument im Fruchtland 3, on the outskirts of Berne. Also accessible on foot from the Bear Pit (1.5 km, 22 min). Easier from the centre by direct bus line 12 to Zentrum Paul Klee stop (15 min) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Mon closed
Admission: full price CHF 20.00 (€18.60), seniors CHF 18.00 (€16.70), concessions up to 16 years CHF 7.00 (€6.50)
12 - Tierpark Dahlholzli
Photo by RicciSpeziari~commonswiki. The Swiss once again demonstrate their devotion to nature and the animal world with Tierpark Dahlholzli, a large zoo-park far removed from 'our' concept of a zoo. The area, designed for young and old, is home to many animal species.
It is worth diving into this little alternative world, where people can come into contact with the 'wildest' part of Berne, without giving up play areas and the inevitable little restaurant. This place focuses mainly on animals that live in Switzerland, or that have lived here over the centuries, giving you a broad overview of the local fauna.
Visit with children: here you can get close to the animals, stroke them and learn more about their lives. A true all-round experience for the whole family.
Practical information: directions, times and prices
How to get there: at Tierparkweg 1, south of the Altstadt, overlooking the river Aare. From the Old Town, direct bus line 19 to Ka-We-De stop (6 min), then 5 min walk to the entrance - Get directions
Hours: daily, March to October 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., November to February 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ticket prices: full price 10.00 CHF (€9.30), concessions 6.00 CHF (€5.60), family 24.00 CHF (€22.30)
13 - Gurten Mountain
Photo by MOs810. In addition to the wonderful attractions in the old town, Berne is also located in a unique and wonderful landscape, which deserves to be explored! Starting with the Gurten Mountain, the mountain south of the city, also called the Home Mountain by the people of Berne. A true paradise, as well as a place to escape for a day in nature.
There are plenty of activities to do here , both in summer and winter. In summer there are several hiking trails, lots of events and even a music festival, the Gurtenfestival, which attracts people from all over the country and is held in mid-July. In winter, needless to say, this place becomes a favourite skiing destination, with ski facilities and activities even for the little ones.
Theexperience is included in your stay: when you stay one night in Bern's hotels, you are entitled to the Bern Ticket, which allows free travel on trams and buses in zones 100 and 101, the most popular tourist areas. But that's not all: the Gurten funicular railway is also included in the ticket!
Practical information: directions, timetable and prices
How to get there: 3 km south of the city centre. Starting point is the Wabern cable car (Gurtenbahn), which can be reached from the centre by tram line 9 (10 min to Wabern stop). Then ascent by cable car or on foot (1 h to the top) - Get directions
Timetable: Gurten mountain always accessible / Gurtenbahn Mon-Sat 7:00-23:30, last descent 23:45 (every 15 min), Sun and holidays 7:00-20:00, last descent 20:15 (departures every 15 min)
Ticket price: Gurten mountain free of charge / Gurten cable car 6.00 CHF (€5.60), round trip 10.50 CHF (€9.70)
14 - Interlaken
Another place just a stone's throw from Bern that is not to be missed isInterlaken, which literally means'between the lakes'. This municipality is in fact located in a beautiful setting, between the Alpine lakes of Thun and Brienz. A wonderful landscape in every season, even in winter with snow.
Interlaken is located 60 km from Bern. Easily accessible by car via the A6 (45 min) or by public transport, with the direct train Interlaken Ost line (Bern-Interlaken-West, 47 min, each way CHF/€13.00) - Get directions
Other sights to visit
The excursions and attractions seen so far are the ones that absolutely must be included in an itinerary to discover Bern! But, in addition to these, there are various other activities to do, depending on your interests and time available.
For example, if you love nature, Berne is the right destination for you, not least because of its beautiful surroundings. Take advantage of a visit to the Botanischer Garten (free of charge) and the city's many parks, such as the Kleine Schanze or theEichholz, the latter of which is taken by locals in summer for a dip in the river. The city is also home to the museum dedicated to mountaineering, theAlpines Museum der Schweiz (all exhibitions CHF 18.00/€16.70).
History lovers can also visit the Berner Rathaus, the city's town hall, with part open to the public (opening times and costs vary depending on availability, see official website), or the Naturhistorisches Museum Bern, the natural history museum (CHF 10.00/€9.30). Close to the latter is the Museum für Kommunikation, the Museum of Communication (CHF 15.00/€13.90).
6 things to do in Bern
Restaurant Kornhauskeller
Restaurant Marzilibrucke on the Cable Car
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Relax at Freibad Marzili: if you visit Bern in fine weather, take an afternoon to relax at this public pool, which is accessible free of charge, surrounded by gardens and trees and with a beautiful view of the city. It is a favourite spot for locals
Dinner at Restaurant Kornhauskeller: fully decorated in Baroque style, it is one of the most luxurious and expensive restaurants in the city, but the cost is absolutely worth the experience
Selfie on the Lorrainebrücke: from the bridge you have a wonderful view of the river and the city! Incredible in every season, in winter covered in snow, in autumn with the trees completely red. Impossible not to take a selfie with your fellow travellers here
Taste the Fondue on the cable car: you cannot leave Bern without having tasted its Fondue, the city's winter dish par excellence! And the experience becomes even better if you dine in a cable car at the Marzilibrucke Restaurant. We recommend booking, as it is always in great demand
Selfie with Einstein: in the park of the Bern Historical Museum there is a bench with a life-size statue of Albert Einstein. Sit next to him and take a souvenir photo
Cafes and handicrafts in Münsterplattform: stop for a coffee at the Einstein au Jardin on the cathedral terrace. Also, every Saturday of the month there is a handicrafts market here, with over 100 stalls to wander among
Plan your stay in Bern: flights and hotels
Bern, like the whole of Switzerland, is not a cheap destination! But there are concessions not to be underestimated: for those who stay at least one night in the city, public transport is free! To reach the city, the best solution is to arrive by car if you are coming from northern Italy (Milan 350 km, 4 h 30 min; Turin 322 km, 3 h 45 min; Venice 612 km, 6 h 40 min). Alternatively, you will have to fly to Flughafen Bern.
The best area to stay in is the old town, with a wide range of options, although costs are not exactly cheap. If you arrive by car, you can decide to stay in the surrounding area. Staying in the historical centre, you can easily get around on foot most of the time and, among its streets, the nightlife is also concentrated, with numerous clubs where all the city's inhabitants meet.
If you are travelling with your family, Bern is a very suitable destination for the little ones, because of the large green areas and the many attractions for them, such as the Bärenpark or the Rosengarten. In summer, you can relax with the whole family in the large public area Freibad Marzili!