After experiencing the elegance and luxury of Geneva, we made our way to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Bern is a city rich in history and according to local legend, the city was named after the first animal the duke (who founded Bern in 1911) hunted in the area – a bear. With its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town and vibrant turquoise waters, Bern offers a perfect blend of history and architectural charm at every turn. Over the centuries, it has served as both a political and cultural hub, playing a significant role in Switzerland’s history. Unlike the larger Geneva, Bern is much more compact and easier to navigate, making it a wonderfully walkable city to explore, and I found that 2 days was the perfect amount of time to soak in the city’s highlights!
How To Get Around Bern, Switzerland
As mentioned, Bern is a compact and walkable city, making it easy to explore on foot – and with so many attractions, you won’t get too tired from the walk either. For longer distances, the public transportation (operated by Bernmobil) available is pretty efficient and it includes trams, buses, and even a funicular (a type of cable railway to transport passengers up a steeper area). If you’re staying at a hotel, you’ll be provided with a Bern Ticket which provides free use of public transport within the city and certain discounts on local attractions.
Where To Stay In Bern, Switzerland
The best area to stay in Bern is the Old Town (Altstadt), as it is the heart of the city. It is also within walking distance of the main attractions and plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés. It is the perfect location for visitors who want to be in the middle of everything and get easy access to historic landmarks and other key points of interest.
I stayed in Bern City at the Prize by Radisson, about a 10-minute walk from the city center and a 20-minute walk to the Old Town. Since we weren’t spending much time in Bern, it was a convenient choice – right in front of the bus stop that took us to and from the train station where we arrived from Geneva and to our next destination in Lucern. The walk into town was easy and absolutely worth it, thanks to the scenic views along the way. It was during this walk that I also discovered a stunning panoramic view of the city from above.
Top 12 Must-Visit Attractions In Bern, Switzerland
Although Bern is a small city, it is packed with history and charm, making it easy to highlight the must-visit attractions during your time here. Below is a quick, 2-day itinerary to help you explore the best of what this Swiss capital has to offer.
1 – Rosengarten
Time Spent – 30 to 45 minutes
Why You Should Visit – You can see panoramic views of the city, Aare River, and Old Town’s rooftops from this beautiful rose garden and get a stunning perspective of Bern. There are also over 200 varieties of roses in this peaceful park.
2 – Bear Park
Time Spent – 30 to 60 minutes
Why You Should Visit – Bear Park honors Bern’s namesake by observing Bernese bears in their natural habitat along the Aare River. Brown bears are the largest land predators living in Europe and it’s a unique way to experience the city’s history and connection to its symbol – the bear.
3 – Nydeggbrücke (Nydegg Bridge) / Aare River
Time Spent – 20 to 30 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This was the most captivating area when entering Bern with its beautiful turquoise waters that flow through the city. The serene riverside setting is perfect for a peaceful stroll. At around 5 to 6 PM when locals end work, you can see them jump into the river in bathing suits and dry bags to float down the river to get home – a unique and fascinating Bernese tradition. I personally would love to be able to relax in the water on my way home! You may even catch people jumping off the Untertorbrücke (Bern’s oldest bridge that dates back to the 13th century) for fun too.
4 – Kramgasse City Centre
Time Spent – 30 to 60 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This is the lively main street connecting Bern City to Old Town and it is full of shops and restaurants along the way. This street is ideal for shopping, dining, or simply soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the 6 kilometers of covered arcades, known as “Lauben”, which offers a comfortable shopping experience, especially in bad weather.
5 – Bern’s Minster (Cathedral of Bern)
Time Spent – 30 to 45 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This cathedral is home to the highest church spire in Switzerland and you can get breathtaking views of Bern, the Aare River, and even the Alps on a clear day for those who climb to the top. The cathedral also showcases stunning Gothic architecture with intricate interior details including stained-glass windows of course, and beautifully carved choir stalls. You’ll also be stopped in your tracks (at least I did) upon entering the cathedral as the Last Judgment Portal features over 200 detailed sculptures depicting biblical scenes.
6 – Altstadt (Old Town)
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours
Why You Should Visit – Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is a beautifully preserved medieval area where you can wander through cobblestone streets, admire landmarks, and discover hidden gems around every corner. Old Town is steeped in history
Zähringerbrunnen – Fountain
Time Spent – 5 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This historic fountain is a reminder of Vern’s medieval past as it is one of the many Renaissance-style fountains scattered throughout Bern, each with its own story. This one in particular was built in 1535 to honor the city’s founder with a bear statue.
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
Time Spent – 15 to 20 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This iconic landmark is at the heart of Old Town is one of Bern’s most recognizable symbols. You can watch the animated figures on this clock perform when it strikes every hour. The tower was originally built as a city gate and later became a clock tower in the 13th century, showcasing a masterpiece of medieval engineering.
Käfigturm
Time Spent – 10 to 15 minutes
Why You Should Visit – Once a prison, this 13th-century tower is another historic treasure in Old Town. It is also a part of Bern’s medieval fortifications as it played a crucial role in the defense of Bern during the Middle Ages. The name “Käfigturm” translates to “Cage Tower,” referencing the cells that once housed prisoners.
7 – Bundeshaus (Parliament Building)
Time Spent – 5 minutes on the outside or 30 to 45 minutes if touring the inside
Why You Should Visit – You can take a guided tour of the political heart of Switzerland at the Parliament Building, which was constructed in the early 20th century, to explore the impressive interiors where key decisions shaping the country are made, or simply admire the grand architecture from the outside. The Bundesplatz (square) in front of the building offers beautiful views of the Parliament Building and often hosts fesitvals and events, bringing the area to life with food vendors, music, and a very lively atmosphere.
8 – Williams Butcherstable
Time Spent – 1 to 1.5 hours
Why You Should Visit – This restaurant is famous for offering some of the best steaks in the world (number 51 to be exact), and the best steakhouse in Switzerland. You get to customize your dining experience by choosing your own cut of steak and how much of it you want. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the selection process and ensure you get the perfect steak, cooked to your liking. This restaurant also features a market where you can shop for high-quality meats, local product, and other gourmet foods to take home. Remember to make a reservation and plan ahead for restaurants, especially if it’s a popular spot like this one. Many Swiss restaurants close after lunch and reopen for dinner. Other foods you can try are the Bernese Rösti, Nidelkuchen (a caramel cream cake), or Toblerone chocolate (which originated in Bern).
9 – Hammam & Spa Oktogon Bern
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Why You Should Visit – Reserve ahead of time and get a pampering session in at this luxurious spa that offers traditional hammam treatments. This is a perfect way to relax and recharge exploring the beautiful city and gets your ready for more on your trip to this gorgeous country. This spa is housed in a historic octagonal building, which once stood as Switzerland’s first gas boiler from the 19th century – hence the name “Oktogon.” You can choose from a variety of spa packages tailored to your needs, and enjoy a unique bathing experience across four beautifully designed floors.
10 – Swiss Alpine Museum
Time Spent – 1 hour
Why You Should Visit – This museum is an immersive journey into the culture, history, and geography of the Alpine region and gives visitors an understanding of Switzerland’s natural and cultural heritage. You’ll be able to browse through more than 4,000 objects, 1,000 written documents, 13,000 pieces of artwork, and 500,000 photographs in its extensive Alps collection. The museum was founded in 1856, making it one of the oldest museums dedicated to the Alpine culture and it played a key role in preserving and showcasing the rich traditions of Switzerland’s mountainous regions.
11 – Historical Museum Of Bern – Einstein Museum
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours
Why You Should Visit – At the Historical Museum, you can learn about the fascinating blend of science and history, with a special focus on Albert Einstein’s time in Bern. You can dive into the life and work of this genius physicist who lived in the city while developing his Theory of Relativity. The museum houses a dedicated Einstein exhibit where you can explore original documents, personal items, and interactive displays that give insight into his ground-breaking contributions to modern physics. Beyond the Einstein exhibit, the museum showcases Switzerland’s cultural history, with collections ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art.
12 – Marzilibad (Marzili Bath)
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours
Why You Should Visit – In the summer, Marzilibad is the perfect spot to cool off and unwind along the Aare River. This free outdoor public bath offers a refreshing experience with separate sections for Paradiesli (women) and Männerbad (men), where visitors can sunbathe unclothed in a relaxed environment. The bath features a sports pool with 8 50-meter lanes, a non-swimmer pool, a diving pool with 1 and 3-meter platforms, and a paddling pool for younger guests. Spanning over 10,000 square meters, it also offers plenty of space for lounging with stunning views of the Swiss Parliament and the Cathedral of Bern. Often regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful river baths, Marzilibad was first opened in 1782, with admission originally costing 5 cents (today it is free!). Over time, it has expanded, adding an oval swimming pool in 1822, a green area in 1957, and a 50-meter pool in 1968.
Planning your trip to Switzerland? Check out all my Switzerland blog posts for all the tips!
For more tips on visiting Switzerland in general and everything you need to know before your trip, make sure to read A Complete Guide To Exploring Geneva And Tips For Visiting Switzerland!