Bern is the capital of Switzerland and sits nestled in a twist of the Aare River. It is a fascinating city that traces its origins back to the 12 century and is rich with culture and history waiting to be explored.
Unlike other Swiss cities that claim predominantly French heritage, Bern has distinctly German roots which you will see reflected in the culture as well as the language. The local dialect has evolved into its own unique form, known as Bernese German.
If you’re thinking about a trip to Switzerland, Bern is a great choice and could be the perfect destination for you.
Here is a list of some of the most popular things to do…
The Old Town
This historic section of Bern is an absolute must-see. The Old Town is full of picturesque buildings, cobblestone paths, beautiful fountains, and a stunning backdrop of the Alps in the distance.
Visitors can enjoy exploring the charming old streets and getting a real sense of years past. There are plenty of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes to choose from. You’ll also find plenty of gorgeous photo locations to get the perfect shot for your holiday album.
Rosengarten – Rose Garden
The Rose Garden can be found at the top of a rather steep hill (you’ll want to wear comfy shoes!) but it is absolutely worth the effort to see the beautiful flowers and the spectacular views.
The Rose Garden is a small and colourful oasis far above the busy city center, and it’s without a doubt the best place for getting an ‘aerial’ view of the city below. Gardening enthusiasts will be delighted with the vibrant array of roses and rose bushes here. There’s also a restaurant beside the garden if you’re feeling peckish.
Aare River
The Aare River is one of Bern’s most scenic and photo-worthy spots. The water is crystal clear and the buildings that line the bank all have a nostalgic ambiance to them. Here you can enjoy a glass of rosé at one of the many cafes along the river and savor the beautiful views.
If you’re after a more adventurous time, you can hire some paddle boats and float down the Aare River instead. Beware that the water will most likely be very cold, so you’ll probably want to stay in your boat and avoid any impromptu swimming!
Enisteinhous – Einstein House
The Einstein House, located at Kramgasse No. 48, is a museum and the former residence of Albert Einstein, his wife Maria, and their son Hans, from 1903 to 1905.
Today, the apartment has been restored to reflect that time period and style, and visitors can learn all about Einstein’s history and life, complete with framed pictures of family members and friends, and even real letters that have been carefully preserved.
This rather humble dwelling makes for an interesting museum and is well worth a visit.
Kleine Schanze – Park
The Kleine Schanze Park is a lovely green space to explore if you’re tired of the city. You’ll find beautiful statues, ancient trees, and plenty of idyllic spots perfect for a picnic.
From the park, you’ll also have some wonderful views of the Aare River and the Federal Palace. Kleine Schanze is particularly popular in spring and summer, but it really is equally lovely in the winter when it turns into a frost-covered miniature wonderland.
Zentrum Paul Klee – Paul Klee Centre
The Paul Klee center is an intriguing and unusual building that was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano to mimic the surrounding hilly terrain and camouflage the man-made structure. Architecture and modern design fans are sure to find it interesting.
Inside, the center has an extensive collection of works by Paul Klee, as well as other frequently changing rotations of works from a variety of artists. The center is only a small distance away from the city and is easily accessible by bus.
Botanischer Garten – Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are part of the University of Bern and are listed as a ‘cultural property of national significance’, in other words, definitely worth a visit.
You’ll find beautifully landscaped gardens, each area designed in a slightly different way, with a variety of plants, shrubs, and every type of flower imaginable. There’s also a small onsite cafe where you can relax and look out onto the nearby river.
Museum fur Kommunikation – Museum of Communication
The Museum of Communication is a truly fascinating and unique exhibition. The displays here cover all types of communication, from the first ideas to the development and manufacturing process. From current technology to possible future inventions, this museum has it all.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy the interactive displays and cinematic experiences that bring the stories behind the technology we all take for granted to life. The museum was even awarded the European Counsel Museum Award in 2019 for its innovative approach and content.
Bundeshaus – Federal Palace
The Federal Palace Parliament Building is home to the Swiss government. Unlike some of the more modern governmental premises, the Federal Palace is a beautiful and historic building. Construction began in 1894 and the building was officially inaugurated in 1902. Since then, it has become the heart of Swiss political ventures.
Today, visitors can tour the impressive building, the stylish conference rooms, and the grand library. Tours are available to book whenever Parliament is not in session, and are a great way to learn more about Swiss history.
Berner Münster – Bern Cathedral
This Gothic Cathedral was first built in 1421, although the tower, which is over 100 meters tall, was only completed in 1893. Today, this impressive building is still the tallest Cathedral in all of Switzerland.
The Cathedral and tower are a very prominent part of the city skyline and are definitely worth visiting in person. The interior is ornate and fascinating, but the real attraction is climbing to the top of the tower to see one of the most impressive vistas in Bern. You’ll have a panoramic view of the city below, so be sure to bring your camera.
Swiss Alpine Museum
This museum is for anyone who loves mountains, climbing, and skiing – basically any outdoor enthusiast. Here you’ll find displays and exhibitions on mountains all around the world, as well as the Swiss Alps themselves.
There is also an Alpine Cafe and Restaurant, as well as guided tours and excursions of the nearby mountains that start from the museum. If you’re tired of sightseeing city landmarks, then this is the place for you.
Bärenpark
Bärenpark is located by the River Aare, only a short walk away from the Old Town. It’s not only a lovely park to walk around, but it is also a mini zoo. There is a large bear enclosure and pit with a family of three that always attracts a crowd.
A trip to Bärenpark makes for a fun family day out, especially in summer when the weather is pleasant and you can sit on one of the benches overlooking the river.
Kunstmuseum – Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see for any Paul Klee fans, as it contains the world’s largest collection of his works and is lauded for its extensive displays. As you may have gathered, Paul Klee is a big deal in Switzerland.
The museum also has a wide variety of exhibits devoted to different 20th-century artists on display, including Picasso, Kell, Monet, and Dali. When you finish perusing the artworks on display, there is an onsite cafe where you can enjoy tea or coffee afterward.
Zytglogge – Clock Tower
This iconic landmark is the oldest monument in Bern, and the astronomical clock has faithfully told the time for centuries.
The Zytglogge was first built in the early 13th century and has been a prison, a guard tower, a civic memorial, and a clock tower, and it is now a major tourist attraction. You can tour the inside of the clock tower, which is a great option for visitors, as long as you don’t mind heights!
Bernese Oberland Skiing
Of course, no list of Swiss attractions would be complete without mentioning the skiing opportunities. Although not as convenient as some of the mountain towns where you can just walk out of your hotel door and up a slope, Bern is still a great base if you’re planning a skiing holiday.
From the city center, it takes around an hour and ten minutes to get to the Bernese Oberland (Highlands) where you’ll find some of the best ski resorts and slopes. Many locals regularly make this trip, so if you don’t mind a bit of traveling it’s a great option.
