Things to do in Bern
More than politics at play
Laid-back and little, Bern is Switzerland’s federal city, functioning as the capital of a country that doesn’t officially have one. While Swiss politicians had their own reasons for basing the country’s parliament here, the surrounding landscapes probably helped the decision. Set within a crook of the startling-blue Aare River and flanked by mountains, Bern is a stunner, made more so by the medieval, UNESCO-listed Old City where visitors will find no shortage of things to do. Sights aside, the city also rewards visitors with a multicultural vibe where German, French, and English are widely spoken.
Top 6 attractions in Bern
Kleine Scheidegg
Einstein House (Einsteinhaus)
Bern Cathedral (Bern Minster)
Thun Castle (Schloss Thun)
Gurten
Kambly Experience
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All about Bern
When to visit
Unless you’re pairing a trip to Bern with a ski trip in the Swiss Alps, it’s worth visiting in the summer as there’s more to do. From late spring to early fall, you can tour the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and have a better chance of seeing Bern’s bears at the famous Bear Park. You can also experience the city’s swimming culture. Strong swimmers can float down the Aare, propelled by the river’s natural currents, while sun-seekers can bask at one of the outdoor swimming pools—most of which are free.
Getting around
Most of Bern’s biggest tourist attractions are in the compact Old City. For this, you don’t need a car; it’s actually more annoying to have one, with limited parking and a somewhat confusing street layout. If you want to save your legs, the bus and tram system is easy to navigate—just buy your ticket at the automatic machines at each stop. Taxis are readily available, but they’re expensive even for short trips.
Traveler tips
If you speak to a Bern local, you’ll likely hear about their favorite viewpoints: The city has many. Set against the peaks of the Bernese Oberland, Bern itself is a mishmash of sandstone buildings, red-tiled roofs, and historic fountains, all set against a blue-green river. It’s a sight to behold from high up. You can pay to go up the Bern Minster (Berner Münster) and the Zytglogge, or you can visit terraces or parks like the Bundeshausterrasse or the rose garden (Rosengarten) for free.
People Also Ask
Yes, Bern is worth visiting. It attracts fewer tourist crowds than Zürich, which is surprising because this small yet significant Swiss city has lots to offer. Medieval architecture abounds in the Old City streets, quirky shops are spread under covered arcades, and the surrounding mountains and Emmental country villages beckon for day trips nearby.
...MoreWhile Switzerland has no formal capital city, many see Bern as its de facto capital as it’s home to the Swiss government and parliament. Political credentials aside, the city is also known for some of its famous inhabitants. Albert Einstein, Toblerone chocolate factories, and even brown bears are among Bern’s past-and-present residents.
...MoreTime a visit to the Zytglogge to arrive five minutes before the hour, and you’ll see the clock’s medieval figurines do their hourly dance. Cross the Nydegg bridge (Nydeggbrücke) to see Bern’s bears roaming in the bear pit (Bärengraben), then admire the best views in town from the Rosengarten—ideally with a picnic.
...MoreYes, although Bern’s an important city, it’s also kind of small. A day is enough to see the sights and browse the Old City streets. If you have more time to linger on a summer visit, you could dedicate an extra day to swimming in the Aare River or one of the outdoor pools.
...MoreYes, Bern is small and easy to explore on foot. If you want more guidance, it’s worth downloading the Swiss Travel Guide app for the city, which suggests a walking route. Or, you can grab a paper city map from the station’s tourist office, located near the Old City and BärenPark.
...MoreIt depends. Bern is smaller, and Zürich seems busier and maybe even buzzier in terms of nightlife. On the other hand, both cities have beautiful old towns, a similar mix of sights and culture, and easy transport links. Like all Swiss cities, both are clean, safe, and welcoming to outsiders.
...MoreBern information
Number of Attractions | 6 |
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Number of Tours | 67 |
Number of Reviews | 117 |
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