Bern, Switzerland: travel guide
A medieval old town wrapped in a bend of the Aare
Switzerland's federal city, wrapped in a bend of the Aare — a UNESCO-listed old town since 1983 with six kilometres of arcades among Europe's longest, the Zytglogge clock tower, and a bear pit kept since the 16th century.
About Bern
Bern is Switzerland's federal city, and its old town sits inside a tight bend of the Aare river. Long arcades, sandstone façades and fountains give the centre an unhurried, easygoing character.
Walk under the arcades to the Zytglogge clock tower, follow the fountains and visit the Bear Park by the river. The Zentrum Paul Klee at the edge of town shows modern art, and the Emmental region is an easy day trip for cheese and countryside. Locals float down the Aare in summer.
Bern suits history lovers and relaxed city breaks. Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit Bern, with the river and terraces open, while the Christmas market is a winter draw.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.
- Country
- Switzerland
- Currency
- CHF
- Time zone
- Europe/Zurich
- Nearest airport
- BRN
Last updated
Top places to visit in Bern
Bern Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage)
Old Town · 4.8 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Switzerland's finest medieval city centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Six kilometres of arcaded walkways (Lauben) allow you to shop and stroll in all weathers, while the sandstone towers, fountains, and the…
Zytglogge Clock Tower
Clock Tower · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · entry CHF 22 (≈ ₹2,520)
Bern's iconic 13th-century clock tower — one of the oldest mechanised clocks in the world still in regular use. The animated figure procession begins 4 minutes before each hour, mesmerising onlookers since 1530. Einstein lived in the…
Bear Park (Bärenpark)
Animal Park · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · free entry
Bern's famous Bear Park on the Aare riverbank, home to European brown bears — Bern's heraldic animal since the 12th century. The 6,000 m² semi-wild habitat with a stream and forest directly connects to the Rosen Garden viewpoint above.
Rosengarten (Rose Garden & Viewpoint)
Garden & Viewpoint · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Bern's most spectacular free viewpoint, a hilltop rose garden overlooking the UNESCO Old Town, the Zytglogge, the Aare river loop, and the Alps. 220 rose varieties bloom May–October. The restaurant terrace is famous for its panoramic views.
Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)
Government Building · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Switzerland's Federal Parliament building, the nerve centre of Swiss democracy since 1902. Free guided tours take visitors through the grand central hall, the two chambers of parliament, and the Bundesplatz — a water fountain plaza with a…
Bern Lauterbrunnen Day
alpine-valley · 4.9 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Bern to Lauterbrunnen — the spectacular Bernese Oberland valley with 72 waterfalls cascading down the dramatic cliffs, the famous Staubbach Falls, and the iconic Swiss alpine landscape.
Bern Christmas Market
christmas-market · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Bern Christmas Markets — the magical festive markets at Münsterplatz and Waisenhausplatz, with the historic wooden chalets, the famous Berner Lebkuchen, and the spectacular UNESCO Old Town setting.
Bern Münster Platform
cathedral-terrace · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Münster Platform — the spectacular terrace next to Bern Cathedral, with the panoramic views over the Aare River bend, the Bear Park, and the most photographed Bern viewpoint.
Bern Federal Square
federal-square · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Bundesplatz (Federal Square) — Bern's spectacular main square with the famous 26 fountains (one for each Swiss canton), the historic Saturday market, and the iconic Bundeshaus parliament.
Bern Aare River Swimming
river-swimming · 4.9 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Aare River swimming experience — Bern's iconic summer tradition of swimming in the turquoise Aare River, with the famous current ride downstream, and the unique alpine river experience in a capital city.
Bern Zentrum Paul Klee
paul-klee · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · entry CHF 20 (≈ ₹2,290)
The Zentrum Paul Klee — the spectacular Renzo Piano-designed museum with the world's largest Paul Klee collection (4,000 works), the iconic three undulating hill-shaped buildings, and the rich Swiss art heritage.
Bern Gurten Mountain
local-mountain · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The Gurten Mountain — Bern's spectacular 858m local mountain accessible by funicular, with the panoramic views over Bern, the Aare River bend, the Alps, and the famous Gurtenfestival music festival in July.
Things to do
- Aare River Swimming at Marzili Outdoor · 1.5 h
- Zytglogge Clock Tower Guided Tour City Tour · 1 h · from CHF 24 per person
- Bern Old Town Guided Walking Tour Walking Tour · 1.5 h · from CHF 30 per person
- Bundeshaus Parliament Building Guided Tour City Tour · 1 h
- Bern Cathedral (Münster) Tower Climb Attraction Ticket · 0.8 h · from CHF 5 per person
- Einstein House Guided Visit Museum · 0.8 h · from CHF 8 per person
- Bern Hidden Chocolate Tradition Tasting Tour Food Tour · 2 h · from CHF 55 per person
- Gruyères Cheese and Cailler Chocolate Day Trip from Bern Day Trip · 7.5 h · from CHF 165 per person
Where to stay in Bern
- Altstadt (Bern Old City) about CHF 450 per night
Bern's UNESCO-listed medieval old city — the only place to stay for a full Bern experience. The arcades, clock tower, bear park, and Bundeshaus are all within a 10-minute walk. Bellevue Palace and Hotel Schweizerhof are…
- Matte & Aare Quarter about CHF 240 per night
The charming riverside lower town below the old city — accessed by a free public lift from the Altstadt. Traditional neighbourhood with excellent local restaurants, jazz hotel (Innere Enge), and the finest Aare river…
Hotels
- Bellevue Palace Bern 5-star · CHF 550 to CHF 1,600 per night
- Hotel Schweizerhof Bern 5-star · CHF 450 to CHF 1,200 per night
- Hotel Innere Enge Bern 4-star · CHF 220 to CHF 420 per night
- Hotel Savoy Bern 4.6-star · CHF 200 to CHF 380 per night
- Hotel City am Bahnhof 3-star · CHF 100 to CHF 190 per night
- National Bern AG 3.5-star · CHF 130 to CHF 240 per night
Where to eat
- Kornhauskeller Bern Mediterranean, Swiss, Italian · about CHF 70 per person
- Restaurant Rosengarten Bern Swiss, Café · about CHF 45 per person
- Tibits Bern Vegetarian, Vegan, International · about CHF 35 per person
- Altes Tramdepot Brauerei und Restaurant Swiss, Brewery · about CHF 55 per person
- Jack's Brasserie French · about CHF 150 per person
- Restaurant Essort Swiss, French, Italian · about CHF 150 per person
- Della Casa Swiss · about CHF 150 per person
- Casa Novo Italian, Mediterranean · about CHF 150 per person
Getting to Bern
Airport: Bern (BRN)
How visitors arrive in Bern
- Train from Swiss cities By train from Zurich / Geneva / Basel · common
Bern is a hub of the Swiss rail network with express trains to Zurich, Geneva, Basel and most other cities. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Fly to Zurich or Geneva, then train By air from Zurich / Geneva · common
Wikivoyage advises flying into Geneva, Zurich or Basel and continuing by train. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Bern-Belp Airport By air from Bern-Belp · possible
A small regional airport south of the city, reached by bus and local train. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Motorway By road from Rest of Switzerland · possible
Bern is reached from all directions by the national motorway network. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Bern Airport bus to Belp station
From Bern-Belp Airport take bus 334 or 160 to Belp railway station, then a local S-Bahn train into Bern main station. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Train from Zurich or Geneva airport
Most international visitors fly into Zurich or Geneva and take an InterCity train direct to Bern main station. Source: gva.ch
From the railway station to the centre
- Bern main station
Bern main station is the arrival point for trains; the info kiosk and ticket machines are at the back beneath the departures board. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Tram
Bernmobil operates the city's trams, trolleybuses and buses, with several regular tram lines.
- Transit Pass
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Distraction Team in Arcades
Kramgasse and arcaded walkways, Bern
In the crowded arcades of Bern's old town, a team operates: one distracts you (asking directions, spilling something) while an accomplice pickpockets your bag or jacket. Rare but documented.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables in a front-zippered bag or money belt under clothes when in crowded market areas. Be alert to anyone who suddenly requires your full attention on the street.
Best time to visit Bern
- Jan 3°C
- Feb 5°C
- Mar 10°C
- Apr 15°C
- May 19°C
- Jun 23°C
- Jul 25°C
- Aug 24°C
- Sep 19°C
- Oct 14°C
- Nov 8°C
- Dec 4°C
More in Switzerland
Frequently asked questions about Bern
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Bern?
- The highest-rated places in our Bern guide are Bern Lauterbrunnen Day, Bern Aare River Swimming, Bern Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage), Rosengarten (Rose Garden & Viewpoint), Zytglogge Clock Tower.
- Where should I stay in Bern?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Bern: Altstadt (Bern Old City), Matte & Aare Quarter.
- How do I get around Bern?
- Ways to get around Bern covered in our guide: Tram, Transit pass, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Bern?
- Scams reported to us for Bern include Distraction Team in Arcades. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Bern?
- Average daytime highs in Bern run from 3°C in Jan to 25°C in Jul.
- Which airport is nearest to Bern?
- The nearest airport to Bern has the code BRN.