As the historical pivot point of Switzerland, Bern has frequently able to dictate the course of events in the country’s populous west-central heartland, also known as the Mittelland. This arc of terrain extending from Lake Geneva to Zürich has historically been home to Switzerland’s most fertile land, highest population density, and greatest riches. Every Swiss person places the utmost importance on his or her native canton above all others, but the people of Berne draw from an especially robust reservoir of nationalistic pride.
People from Bern, Switzerland, speak a slow and meticulous variety of Swiss German called Bernese. Their methodical pace has earned them a reputation for being cautious.
The steep banks of the river and the surrounding hills still have their original forest cover. The Alps may be seen in the distance, and the view over the tightly packed roofs of the Old Town is stunning. While traveling from Zürich or Geneva, it can be easy to forget that the nation’s capital is the diminutive city of Bern, which previously awarded Europe’s most flowery city.
What is Bern?
Bern has a population of less than 140,000 people and manages to keep the laid-back attitude that comes with being a tiny town despite its political preeminence. Old Town is pedestrian-only, so you can spend hours just exploring the surrounding alleys and lanes, bouncing from one café to another, and, if the weather is nice enough, swimming in the river alongside the residents.
Bern selected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its well-preserved medieval architecture, which includes arcades, towers, and street fountains. It is difficult to imagine anything that might push Bern down to the position of second place in a competition to determine which capital city in the world is the most beautiful and pleasant. Our list of the best things to do in Switzerland this summer includes Bern, which just so happens to be on the list.
Popular tourist destinations and activities in Bern, Switzerland
The Ancient Town
Few cities in Europe are so visibly linked to their ancient past, with architecture and a street network that has remained basically unchanged since medieval times. The Old Town of Bern, which is protected by UNESCO, can be a magnificent experience if you take the time to explore it. See the city’s rich history while being led through Bern by a knowledgeable local tour guide, and then treat yourself to a relaxing session in the Hamman & Spa afterward. Taking the kids on vacation? Make a memorable experience out of your trip to Bern by signing up for a walking tour that is suitable for families.
The Münster
It is impossible to miss Bern’s late Gothic Münster with its feathery spire, which is the highest in Switzerland, towering over the Old Town, and its loud bells, which dominate the otherwise peaceful city.
Zentrum Paul Klee
The excellent Museum Zentrum found in a structure and constructed by Renzo Piano and is quite stunning. The collection of well-known Swiss painters that Paul Klee possesses is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind anywhere in the world. Klee was a teacher as well as a musician, and this building, which has a steel roof that undulates in the shape of three graceful waves or “hills,” bears his name on one of the “hills” on the northern side of the structure. The “hill” in the south focuses on Klee’s work as a researcher and mathematician.
The Emmentaler (German)
Just beyond the eastern city boundaries of Bern is where you’ll find the 947-meter-high Bantiger mountain, and beyond it is where you’ll find the Emmental, which is the valley of the Emme River. It is a truly Swiss setting: tranquil, rolling hills that are a vivid shade of green, populated with contented brown cows nibbling on grass, sleepy rustic hamlets, and isolated timber-built dairies.
This is the region that gives its name to the most famous cheese produced in Switzerland, and you probably already knew that.
Kemmeriboden
This hamlet at the end of the road is situated at an elevation of 976 meters, and it is cut in half by the raging torrent that runs through the Emme mountain range. This is the location to go to obtain the best meringue in all of Switzerland, and it is also the starting point for numerous excursions through the Swiss wilderness, most notably the challenging route over the mountains that leads to the 2350-meter-high Brienzer Rothorn (7hr).
Where should you go when you’re in Bern, and why?
Located due east of the train station, the Old Town is on a long, finger-like peninsula.
Shopping is at its busiest in the western half of the Old Town, especially on Marktgasse and Spitalgasse; in contrast, the eastern half of the Old Town is more traditional and has a more sedate atmosphere. The famed arcades, which can be seen on both sides of every street in the Old Town, are referred to as “the longest covered shopping promenade in the world” by the tourism office. This is not without reason.
Bern’s bear is as iconic as the Zytglogge clock tower in the Old Town. The canton’s distance measurement point, the heart of public transit and walking routes in the Old Town, and Bern’s time standard.
Baren park
Bear Park—BarenPark—is east. Three shaggy brown bears live on a steep slope with a riverside pool below. Despite the park’s 2009 founding, the small Barengraben had bears here since the early 1600s (Bear Pits).
The top hotels and other accommodations in Bern
Bern’s accommodations offer good value: it is simple to select an affordable hotel and still find yourself in a tasteful and tranquil room overlooking historic cobblestone streets, with only voices and church bells in the background. Bern is a city that is rich in history, and its accommodations reflect this.
Even within ancient structures, the standards are high; the only drawback is the requirement to make reservations in advance.
Best for couples: Baren am Bundesplatz
This is located in a convenient central position, and it is only a short walk away from the train station. The common areas and many of the guest rooms include contemporary furnishings and additional comfort.
Best for luxury lovers: Innere Enge.
This lovely ancient palace, which hosted Empress Josephine in 1810, offers great Art Nouveau styling and is located on the edge of wide parkland around five minutes by bus from the center of town.
The Hotel Landhaus is the best option for history enthusiasts. The most charming low-cost rooms in town, located in a historic building that has been recently renovated (and features winding wooden staircases but no lift), and offers views of a bend in the river. Hotel Marthahaus is the best in terms of character.
A warm and inviting hotel pension that is professionally managed and located on a peaceful cul-de-sac just outside of the Old Town. The majority of the rooms include private bathrooms and are immaculate, as well as fresh and airy.
Best for budget travelers: Bern Backpackers/Hotel Glocke
This Old Town institution offers comfortable dorms as well as first-rate amenities, such as a high-quality kitchen and a laundry room, in addition to its unbeatable central position.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bern:
The tiny Old Town of Bern is bursting at the seams with dining options; vegetarians and vegans in particular will have no trouble finding something to eat. The bustling Barenplatz surrounds cafés and restaurants, but many of the greatest venues are nestled away in the cobblestone pathways. These places offer al fresco eating during the summer and firelit warmth during the winter months.
Best restaurants in Bern
Outside of one of the most important streets in the Old Town is where you’ll find the excellent traditional restaurant known as Klotzlikeller. It’s been there since the seventeenth century. Postgasse is a little ancient den on the quietest lane in the city, and it boasts an intimate ambience thanks to its barrel-vaulted interior, which is a fantastic location to bite into substantial Swiss cookery. The cuisine is varied and delicious, with a selection of robust Swiss dishes, pasta, and, when in season, moules frites. The prices are reasonable.
Schwellenmatteli is a chic restaurant on the riverbank that serves simple foods from the Mediterranean region to a clientele that is aware of the latest fashion trends. The patio boasts a breathtaking elevated position above the river.
Best cafés in Bern
Adrianos Bar & Café is a coffee and cocktail bar that is conveniently placed in the middle of the city. They have a wide selection of sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and freshly made croissants. Café des Pyrénées is a convivial and simple gathering spot frequented by people in their twenties and forties in almost equal numbers. A hip café-bar located behind the station and close to the university called Sattler. Due to the relaxed nature of the environment, it is an ideal spot to linger over a cup of coffee or a beer while sitting out on the terrace.
Best bars in Bern
In the heart of the Old Town, beneath the arcades, you’ll find Drei Eidgenossen, a quaint little tavern with unadorned wooden chairs and tables, as well as a patio that overflows onto the street.
Turnhalle, a place in the city formerly used as a school gymnasium but has now been transformed into a trendy hangout hosting concerts, DJ nights, and cultural activities. The drink selection on the shady patio is excellent during the summer.
Top entertainment places in Bern
The renowned Marian’s Jazzroom is located in the cozy basement of the hotel Innere Enge, located outside of town. It is the site of Bern’s International Jazz Festival, which lasts for 10 weeks (March–May). The Reitschule, which commonly referred to as the Reithalle, is the epicenter of the underground scene in Bern. Amenities include the city’s largest music arena in addition to a movie theater.
The Casino Bern is the name of this concert hall, which built at the start of the 20th century. It is the main place where the Bern Symphony Orchestra plays, and it has a wide range of classical music from the past and the present.
Often, these shows take place in its beautiful main auditorium. At Licht Spiel, you can watch great art house movies in their original language and have a drink at the cozy, small bar next to the theater. As soon as you walk in, you can’t help but notice the huge number of old projectors stacked on the racks.
How to navigate your way around Bern
The city center of Bern is compact enough that getting anywhere is as simple as taking a walk; for example, it takes only around twenty minutes to walk from the train to the BarenPark, and along the route, you get to see the entirety of the Old Town.
Transportation inside Bern is provided by bus and tram
The Bernese system of public transportation, comprised of buses and trams, is extensive. Almost every route passes via Bahnhofplatz, but the electric bus number 12 is Bern’s most convenient public transportation option (every 6min).
This is the sole form of public transportation that operates through the Old Town, with the exception of the trams that run along Marktgasse. The bus departs from the train station in the direction of the Zentrum Paul Klee, travels to the Zytglogge, continues along the picturesque Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse, and then crosses the Nydeggbrücke to the BarenPark before arriving at its final destination, the Zentrum Paul Klee gallery, which is located in the eastern suburbs. Taking a tram ride in Bern is an enjoyable way to take in the city’s beautiful scenery.
Cycling one’s way around Bern and its environs
The station offers the standard paid bike rental services (daily 8.30am–7pm), and there is also the Velo Bern bike-sharing network, which consists of over 200 stations located all throughout the city.
Traveling around Bern via means of taxis
Taxis in Bern are so expensive that the city is competing with London for the title of having the most expensive cabs in Europe. In the train station, the Casinoplatz, and the Waisenhausplatz, there are public ranks available. Baren is a business that you could try.