Travel Guide of Bern in Switzerland by Influencers and Travelers
Bern or Berne is the de facto capital of Switzerland, referred to by the Swiss as their "federal city", in German Bundesstadt, French ville fédérale, and Italian città federale.
Download the Travel Map of Switzerland on Google Maps here
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Bern
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Felsenau
The Felsenau power plant is a hydroelectric power plant located on the river Aar in Bern, Switzerland. It was built in 1909 by the city's utility company, Energie Wasser Bern. After a 1989 modernisation, the turbine hall is now used as a museum. The plant's current power output is 11.5 megawatts.
Learn more
2 - Bundesplatz Bern
The Bundesplatz is the Government Plaza in Bern, de facto the capital city of Switzerland. It is situated in the Old City of Bern, the medieval city center of Bern.
Learn more Book this experience
3 - Helicopter Tours in Bern
The longest Alpine helicopter flight brings you over mountain peaks and glaciers to the most famous of all mountains - the Matterhorn!This scenic flight starts at the Bern-Belp airport and takes you to the world-famous Matterhorn mountain. Our profes...
Book this experience
4 - Berne
Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland, referred to by the Swiss as their "federal city", in German: Bundesstadt, French: ville fédérale, and Italian: città federale.
Learn more
5 - Untertorbrücke
The Untertorbrücke is a stone arch bridge that spans the Aare at the easternmost point of the Enge peninsula in the city of Bern, Switzerland, connecting the Mattequartier in the Old City to the Schosshalde neighbourhood.
Learn more
6 - Rafting in Thun
20 km away
Do as the locals do and take part in an "Aareböötle" excursion! Rafting in Thun is a popular summer activity in Switzerland that's fun, festive and sporty all at the same time! It involves rafting down the country's longest rive...
Book this experience
7 - Federal Palace of Switzerland
Learn more
8 - Bärengraben
Learn more
9 - Helicopter tours in Bern
Scenic helicopter flight passing the Stockhorn mountain with a spectacular view of the BerneseOberland with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau! This scenic flight starts at the Bern-Belp airport and takes you across the turquoise blue Lake of Thun. ...
Book this experience
10 - The Cathedral of Bern
Learn more
11 - Bern, Dählhölzli + BärenPark Zoo
Learn more
12 - Kayaking in Thun
20 km away
If you're looking for a relaxing time on the river Aare and its turquoise waters, then go kayaking for a few hours in the middle of lush vegetation. Do as the locals do and drift down the river from Thun to Berne, the Swiss capital! Kayaks ...
Book this experience
13 - Glockenturm
Learn more
14 - Münsterplattform
Learn more
15 - Stand Up Paddling in Thun
20 km away
Fancy a cool SUP adventure to relax in a natural water environment? Then head to the Aare for a few hours of Stand Up Paddling from Uttigen!This SUP experience near Thun will give you a great memory of peace and tranquillity on the water. Let the cur...
Book this experience
16 - Rüeggisberg
14 km away
Rüeggisberg is a municipality in the Bern-Mittelland administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.
Learn more
17 - Gurnigel Pass
24 km away
Gurnigel Pass is a high mountain pass in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It connects Riggisberg and Zollhaus. The culminating point of the road lies on the eastern flank of the Selibüel. The pass is the venue for an annual cross-country skiing race.
Learn more Book this experience
18 - Thun
25 km away
Thun is a town and a municipality in the administrative district of Thun in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is located where the Aare flows out of Lake Thun, 30 kilometres southeast of Bern.
Learn more
19 - Fribourg
28 km away
Fribourg or Freiburg is the capital of the Swiss canton of Fribourg and the district La Sarine. It is located on both sides of the river Saane/Sarine, on the Swiss Plateau, and is a major economic, administrative and educational center on the cultural border between German and French Switzerland.
Learn more
20 - St. Ursen-Kathedrale
29 km away
The St. Ursus Cathedral or Solothurn Cathedral is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Basel in the city of Solothurn, Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
Learn more Book this experience
21 - Schloss Oberhofen
29 km away
Learn more
22 - Lake Thun
34 km away
Lake Thun is an Alpine lake in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland named after the city of Thun, on its northern shore. The lake was created after the last glacial period.
Learn more Book this experience
23 - Sigriswiler Rothorn
34 km away
The Sigriswiler Rothorn is a mountain of the Emmental Alps, located north of Sigriswil in the canton of Bern. With an elevation of 2,051 metres above sea level, it is the culminating point of the chain named Sigriswilergrat.
Learn more Book this experience
24 - Niesen
37 km away
The Niesen is a mountain peak of the Bernese Alps in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. The summit of the mountain is 2,362 metres in elevation.
Learn more Book this experience
25 - Jaun
40 km away
Jaun is a municipality in the district of Gruyère in the canton of Fribourg in Switzerland. It is the only German-speaking municipality in Gruyère.
Learn more
Disover the best Instagram Spots around Bern here
Book Tours and Activities in Bern
Discover the best tours and activities around Bern, Switzerland and book your travel experience today with our booking partners
Pictures and Stories of Bern from Influencers
20 pictures of Bern from Nicolas Jossi, Alexandre Perotto, Joel & Jasmin Førestbird and other travelers
- Bundeshaus on a hazy morning in Bern, Switzerland ...click to read more
- Experienced by @howling red | ©Unsplash
- Morning after a cold night in the mountains. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Yannick Pulver | ©Unsplash
- Bird in front of church in Bern ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Papatsara Harnmontree | ©Unsplash
- Old Town Of Bern ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Joel & Jasmin Førestbird | ©Unsplash
- Rooftops of Bern ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Joel & Jasmin Førestbird | ©Unsplash
Plan your trip in Bern with AI 🤖 🗺
Roadtrips.ai is a AI powered trip planner that you can use to generate a customized trip itinerary for any destination in Switzerland in just one clickJust write your activities preferences, budget and number of days travelling and our artificial intelligence will do the rest for you
👉 Use the AI Trip Planner
Why should you visit Bern ?
Travel to Bern if you like:
🗼 Landmark 🏘️ Town 🏞️ Waterfall ⛰️ Summit ⛰️ Highland 🐾 WildlifeHow to visit Bern ?
Why traveling there?
Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is a picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city's charming Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower. The stunning Aare River surrounds the city, and the nearby Bernese Alps provide a breathtaking backdrop for your visit. Travelers can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring museums to outdoor adventures like hiking and swimming.
How to get there?
Bern is easily accessible by train, car, or plane. The most convenient way to reach Bern is by train, as the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) connects the city to major Swiss and European cities. If you are flying into Switzerland, the nearest airport is Bern Airport (BRN), located just 10 kilometers from the city center. Alternatively, you can fly into Zurich or Geneva and then take a train to Bern. If you prefer to drive, Bern is well connected by highways from all directions.
What to book in advance?
It's a good idea to book your accommodation and any guided tours in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (June to September). If you plan on visiting popular attractions like the Einstein House or the Zentrum Paul Klee, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long queues. Also, consider buying a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited access to public transportation and discounts on various attractions throughout your stay.
What are the costs?
Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, and Bern is no exception. Expect to spend around CHF 100-200 per day, depending on your travel preferences. Accommodation can range from CHF 50 for budget options to CHF 300+ for luxury hotels. Meals at mid-range restaurants cost around CHF 20-40 per person. Public transportation is efficient and relatively affordable, especially with a Swiss Travel Pass.
What are the best things to do?
Some must-visit attractions in Bern include the Berner Münster (Bern Cathedral), the Einstein House, the Zentrum Paul Klee, and the Bear Park. Take a leisurely walk through the Old Town, visit the Federal Palace, and marvel at the intricate Zytglogge clock tower. For outdoor enthusiasts, consider a swim in the Aare River or a hike in the nearby Gurten mountain.
Where to eat?
1. Altes Tramdepot: Located near the Bear Park, this brewery and restaurant offers traditional Swiss dishes and a great selection of beers.
2. Kornhauskeller: Housed in a historic building, this elegant restaurant serves Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine in a unique atmosphere.
3. Klösterli Weincafe: A cozy café that offers delicious Swiss cheese fondue and a variety of local wines.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa: A luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, offering elegant rooms and a top-notch spa.
2. The Bristol: A stylish 4-star hotel located near the Old Town, with modern rooms and an English-style bar.
3. Hotel Savoy: A comfortable 3-star hotel within walking distance to major attractions, featuring contemporary rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
Off the beaten path
For a truly unique experience, visit the Emmental Valley, located just outside of Bern. This picturesque region is famous for its rolling hills, traditional Swiss farms, and of course, Emmental cheese. Enjoy a guided tour of a local cheese factory, where you can learn about the cheese-making process and taste some authentic Emmental cheese. To immerse yourself in the area's natural beauty, consider a leisurely hike or a bike ride through the scenic countryside.
Learn More about Bern
Bern, with its 135,000 inhabitants, is a city not to be missed for two reasons: it is the country's capital and, above all, its old town is a real architectural gem, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its six kilometers of arcades, one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe, Bern is a city where strolling is a pure pleasure.
The Swiss city of Bern has always been an extremely attractive destination for tourists who are passionate about peaceful life, passionate about discovering history through ancient architecturally designed houses. The best time to visit here is in the fall. In autumn, you will feel a more peaceful picture, because then the trees begin to change leaves, the cool air is a bit chilly.
In addition, when traveling to Bern, when coming to Switzerland in the 10th city, it starts to get chilly, you can walk around the old town and taste a cup of coffee. Or you can take a walk in the gentle sunset sunlight at the clock tower. The emotions will come to you very peacefully when you spend time enjoying the simple touches here.
Stroll the longest covered shopping aisle in Europe: The arched shops in the baroque-style buildings are the highlight of this area. Walking down these streets is an enjoyable Bern tourist experience! There are also subterranean shops with small wooden doors that open in the street for those who want to venture into the neat cave-like houses, which include all the shops, bars and cafes.
One of the interesting travel experiences in Bern is watching the old city from above from the Rose Garden. A verdant oasis high above, with over 200 varieties of roses, the area is an idyllic setting of the city. You can also climb Bern Münster's 222 steps for a 360-degree panoramic view.
Packed with history, culture and even mini-adventures to discover in a short amount of time... there's no reason not to visit Bern - the city that has broken the mold of European capitals Common European that you will be really impressed!
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Bern
You can stay at the city center, there are some high quality hotels:
Where to Stay in Bern
Discover the best hotels around Bern, Switzerland and book your stay today with our booking partner booking.com
More Travel spots to explore around Bern
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Bern
🗼 Landmark spots 🏘️ Town spots ⛰️ Hill station spots Skateboarding spots Norwegian forest cat spots ⛰️ Summit spots 🏞️ Waterfall spots 🌉 Bridge spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🌲 Forest spots ⛰️ Highland spots ⛰️ Hill spotsTravel map of Bern
Explore popular touristic places around Bern
Download On Google Maps 🗺️📲