Things to do in Bern, Switzerland
Historical UNESCO Old Town Aare River BearPark Switzerland Capital Bernese Oberland Zytglogge Clock Tower
Things to do in Bern, Switzerland
Bern was founded in 1191 and strategically built on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the winding Aare River. With its remarkably preserved medieval Old Town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will discover great things to do while walking across narrow cobblestone streets and admiring sandstone facades and historic towers complementing the numerous 16th-century fountains adorned with unique sculptures. An iconic attraction is the Zytglogge, a 16th-century astronomical clock tower that performs a unique spectacle of moving figures every hour.
Bern serves as Switzerland's political center with the Parliament Building (Bundeshaus), open for public tours. Thanks to its central position and extensive rail network, Bern is an exceptional hub for day tours and serves as a natural gateway to the breathtaking Swiss Alps. If you want to go shopping in Bern, Kramgasse offers a variety of upscale boutiques, art galleries, and chocolate shops. Additionally, the city's local markets can be found on Bärenplatz and Bundesplatz on Tuesdays and Saturdays, featuring fresh produce and other goods.
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Travel Guide For Bern Attractions & Activities
Visit the Old Town
This is the heart of Bern, a beautifully preserved medieval town with many things to do and see. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, you can wander among 6 km of limestone buildings and medieval architecture, admire Renaissance fountains with colorful figures, and see its beautiful cathedral surrounded by picturesque rooftops.
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
This medieval clock tower dates to the 13th century and features a fascinating astronomical clock. Every hour on the hour, a fascinating show takes place with animated figures putting on a mini-performance. The dancing bear train, the cheeky jester and the crowing rooster are a delight to watch.
Bern Cathedral
As the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, the Bern Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece. With a 100-meter spire, it dominates the Bern skyline. You can admire the "Last Judgement" sculpture on the main portal, and visiting the top of the cathedral for breathtaking panoramic views of the city is an exciting thing to do.
BärenPark (Bear Park)
The bear is the symbol of Bern, Switzerland, and this modern enclosed park along the Aare River is home to several brown bears. The best thing to do is to watch them roam freely in their natural habitat, catching fish and playing around.
Bundeshaus (Swiss Parliament Building)
The Bundeshaus, home to the Swiss government, is a vibrant public space that you can visit and find out about the history of the building and how the Parliament works. The Bundesplatz, located in front of the Bundenhaus, features 26 fountains representing the 26 cantons of Switzerland. During the winter months, it transforms into a light show and ice rink. The square also hosts various events and traditional Bernese markets, such as the Zibelemärit (Onion market) and Christmas markets. At the north end of the square lies Bärenplatz, a lively spot bustling with restaurants and cafes.
Rosengarten "The Rose Garden"
This beautiful park is stunning in every season but especially lovely during the warmer months when its 250 varieties of roses are in bloom. From here you can admire the views of the city and the Aare River.
Einstein House (Einsteinhaus)
Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1902 to 1909 and developed his theory of relativity here. You can tour his former apartment, which is now a museum offering insights into his life and work. The Einstein Museum, a permanent exhibition within the historical museum, delves deeper into Einstein's life and his scientific contributions.
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Best Bern Tours & Day Trips
Aare River
The turquoise Aare River is the central part of town and local life. In warmer months, locals and visitors enjoy swimming and floating activities. You'll see everything from inflatable boats and inner tubes to stand-up paddleboards. During winter, the Aare maintains its allure providing a stunning backdrop for scenic walks, making for a truly memorable experience.
A day in Thun
Visit the old town of Thun and its historic 12th-century castle, perched high above the town, offering incredible views of the city and the Bernese Alps. Tour the castle, which now serves as a museum showcasing fascinating prehistoric and medieval artifacts. Afterward travel to Lake Thun for a different perspective. This beautiful alpine lake is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and dotted with charming towns. A boat cruise is the perfect way to take in the views and visit other lakeside gems like the idyllic village of Spiez.
Jungfrau Region
The Jungfrau region in the Swiss Alps is a spectacular destination, with a major highlight being Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet). To get there, travelers can take the historic Jungfrau Railway, which includes a remarkable journey through a 7-kilometer (4-mile) tunnel and offers spectacular views of the Eiger North Face.
A great summit to explore in this region is the Schilthorn, located between Stechelberg and Mürren. The summit is home to the world’s steepest new cable car, which passes by waterfalls and rugged rock faces. Once at the top, you'll be treated to an unforgettable view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
The Jungfrau region is easily accessible from several towns. The journey to Jungfraujoch typically begins in Grindelwald, which is located an hour south of Bern by train. You can also start your adventure from Interlaken, a picturesque town situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Interlaken serves as a year-round base for exploring the stunning peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains which, during winter, turn into a winter wonderland.
Mt. Niesen
A trip to the Niesen is another great thing to do in Bernese Oberland. Standing at an elevation of 2,362 meters (7,749 feet), the summit provides incredible panoramic views of Lake Thun and the surrounding Alps, including the famous peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. To reach the top, you can ride the historic Niesenbahn funicular, which holds the record as the longest continuous-cable funicular in the world. For a more active experience, you can get off at the middle station and hike the rest of the way to the summit, a journey that typically takes about 2–3 hours. Once you arrive, you can enjoy a meal at the mountaintop restaurant while taking in the stunning scenery.
Gruyères
Gruyères is a medieval town known for the production of the cheese of the same name. The 13th-century Château de Gruyères is a hilltop fortress where inside, you will find the small St. Germain Castle and garden. Visitors can stroll through the traffic-free streets of the small town. The Fondue Academy will give you the opportunity to gain an insight into the art of fondue preparation by master cheesemakers, and chocolate fans can reserve a place at the Chocolaterie de Gruyères workshop to learn about the history of this world-renowned confectionery.
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
From the Metropolis of Zurich to the top of the mountains in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Experience the real Swiss adventure by traveling on scenic trains.
Where is Bern Located? + Map
Bern is situated in the central part of Switzerland, on the Swiss Plateau. The city is built on a hilly peninsula surrounded by a loop of the Aare River, and it is bordered by the Bernese Alps to the south and the Jura Mountains to the north. Bern has convenient train access to major cities, making it an excellent transportation hub and a great base for exploring both the Alps and major cities. It offers excellent rail and road connections to the entire country. Bern is approximately one hour away by train from Lucerne , Zurich and Interlaken. The Zurich International Airport is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes away.
Bern Switzerland
Central Switzerland
Population: 448,150
Elevation: 674 m / 2,211 ft
FAQs About Visiting Bern
Best time to travel to Bern, Switzerland?
The best time to visit Bern depends on your preferences. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-early October) are ideal for mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery. Summer (July-August) is the peak season with warm weather but more tourists, while winter (December-February) offers festive events and snow for winter sports in nearby Bernese Oberland.
Where to stay in Bern, Switzerland?
The best area to stay for most visitors is Bern's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many things to do and see such as medieval architecture, charming streets and arcades. Many major attractions are in walking distance from Bern Old Town.
What to do in Bern, Switzerland?
Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of historic landmarks and museums as well as natural beauty. Visitors can tour around the well-preserved medieval Old Town, float down the Aare River, or take in panoramic views from the Gurten or Rosengarten.
Is Bern located in the Alps?
No, Bern is not in the Alps, but it's on the Swiss plateau with a view of the Bernese Alps on clear days. You can reach the mountains by train in about an hour.
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