Best things to do in Bern
Find out more about those top places in Bern
Bern: Switzerland’s Underrated Gem That’s Just Waiting to Be Explored
Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Bern, the country's capital, is a city that often gets overshadowed by its flashier counterparts like Zurich and Geneva. But if you’re a fan of hidden gems, charming medieval streets, and breathtaking views, Bern should definitely be at the top of your places to visit list. With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Altstadt and a backdrop of glacial peaks, this city is practically a postcard come to life. In this travel guide, let’s explore the top attractions, quirky things to do, and some serious sightseeing in Bern that’ll make you wonder why more people aren’t talking about it.
Wander Through the Altstadt: A Time Capsule of History
The Altstadt (Old Town) of Bern is the city’s beating heart, and it’s more than just a pretty place to get lost in—it’s Switzerland’s best-preserved medieval town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, medieval sandstone tenements, and covered arcades that’ll make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of a fairytale. Wander down Spitalgasse and you’ll find yourself surrounded by flag-bedecked plazas and quaint cafés, perfect for sipping a hot chocolate while watching the world go by.
At the center of it all stands the Münster, Bern’s stunning 15th-century gothic cathedral. Its towering spire is the tallest in Switzerland, and climbing to the top rewards you with panoramic views of the city and the majestic Alps in the distance. It’s not just a church; it’s the beating heart of Bern’s historic core—and trust us, you’ll want to snap a selfie in front of it!
Visit the Zytglogge: A Clock Tower That Knows How to Put on a Show
If you’re looking for quirky things to do in Bern, you’ve got to stop by the Zytglogge, an iconic clock tower that dates back to the 13th century. But this isn’t just any ordinary clock. Every hour, the clock puts on a charming mechanical performance, with quirky figures emerging to entertain the crowds below. It’s one of those top attractions that never fails to surprise—and is probably the only clock in Europe that gets a round of applause every hour.
Bern’s Modern Side: Contemporary Art with a Swiss Twist
While Bern’s medieval charm is its biggest draw, the city is no slouch when it comes to the modern scene. Just a short hop from the old town, you’ll find the Zentrum Paul Klee, a stunning museum dedicated to the works of the Swiss artist Paul Klee. The building itself is an architectural marvel, and inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of Klee’s work—colorful, abstract, and completely mesmerizing. If you’re into contemporary art, it’s one of the best things to do in Bern, and the museum’s minimalist design offers a beautiful contrast to the city’s ancient charm.
Take a Stroll Along the Aare River: Perfect for Scenic Views and Relaxation
Bern is also blessed with natural beauty, and if you’re looking to escape the crowds (which, let’s face it, aren’t that big in Bern anyway), head to the Aare River. The crystal-clear waters wind their way through the city, and taking a stroll along its banks is one of the best ways to experience Bern’s tranquil charm. The rose garden on the hill offers fantastic views of the Altstadt and the snow-capped Alps in the distance—a perfect spot for some sightseeing with a side of serenity.
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try floating down the Aare? Yes, you read that right. Locals love to take a lazy float down the river on a hot summer day. Just grab a rubber ring, and you’re all set for an unconventional way to see the city. Who knew Bern had such cool hidden activities?
Bern’s Swiss Vibe: Public Transport, Chocolate, and Cheese
As you would expect from any Swiss city, Bern is an extremely efficient place to get around. The public transport system is top-notch, making it super easy to get from one top attraction to the next. Plus, there’s no shortage of local delicacies to indulge in. You can’t visit Bern without trying some Swiss chocolate, so make sure to stop by a local shop to stock up on delicious treats. Fondue? Of course, Bern has that too! You’ll find plenty of cozy spots where you can enjoy this quintessential Swiss dish, paired with a glass of wine or two.
Bern: A Hidden Swiss Treasure You Won’t Want to Miss
Bern is more than just a capital city—it’s a Swiss treasure that offers a delightful mix of history, art, and modern charm. Whether you’re wandering through the medieval streets, gazing at the Alps, or experiencing the quirky side of the city (hello, Zytglogge!), there’s something for every type of traveler here. So, the next time you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, don’t overlook this captivating city. It might just end up being your favorite destination in Europe—after all, there’s more to Switzerland than just chocolate and watches!
Add Bern to your travel itinerary, and get ready for an unforgettable mix of old-world charm and modern cool!
-
Altstadt
Bern’s UNESCO listed old town is one of the best preserved in Europe having scarcely changed since it was rebuilt in the 13th century following a devastating fire. To see the area’s historic sites, take a walking tour of its many cobbled streets, covered arcades and flag bedecked squares, where you will see the famed Zytglogge, one of Europe’s most iconic clock towers, and the decorative fountains erected in the 16th century.
-
Münster
The heart of the Altstadt is the 15th century Münster, which is Switzerland’s tallest cathedral. The gothic spire rises 100 meters above the city and for vertigo-free visitors a trip to the top provides impressive views of the not-so-distant Alps. The interior of the Münster is also spectacular with the highlight being The Last Judgement, which is located at the main portal.
-
Zentrum Paul Klee
Housed in one of Switzerland’s most daring pieces of modern architecture, the Zentrum Paul Klee is Bern’s standout museum. The gallery plays host to a rotating selection of the Swiss-born artist’s iconic works and details his prodigious life working with other masters at the Bauhaus School of Art. Guided tours of this remarkable museum are available throughout the day and are one of Bern’s most rewarding experiences.
-
Bären Park
It is popularly thought that the name Bern derives from the German word for bear (bär), as the Duke of Zähringen trapped one on a hunting trip near the location of the future city. Today, the Bären Park is home to three bears that roam the park’s wooded landscape freely and if you are lucky you will catch a glimpse of them from the observation deck.
-
Zermatt
One of the best day tours from the Swiss capital is to the picture-perfect resort town of Zermatt, which is famous the world over for glacier capped Matterhorn mountain. Once in the town you can immerse yourself in its glitzy atmosphere, soak up some history at the Matterhorn Museum or the Mountaineers’ Graveyard or go on an alpine adventure by taking the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable-car to nearly 4000 meters above sea level.
-
Einstein-Haus Bern
Housed in the famous physicists’ former apartment, the Einstein-Haus tells the often-poignant story of his personal and scientific lives through a number of permanent displays and temporary exhibitions. Most interesting are those detailing the development of Einstein’s famed E=mc² equation.
-
Museum für Kommunikation
Reopened in 2017 after extensive renovations, Bern’s Museum für Kommunikation is the city’s most hi-tech museum. With a plethora of hands-on exhibits that explore how and why humans communicate with one another and the role of technology in this process, you are sure to learn something new at this one of a kind museum.
-
Kunstmuseum
Bern’s museum of fine art is home to Switzerland’s most famed collection of works by great masters, including the world-famous Madonna and Child produced by Fra Angelico during the Renaissance. While the gallery does focus on the early modern period, it also encompasses 20th century works by Picasso and Monet that are not to be missed. For the best experience, book a guided tour that will take you to the gallery’s must-see pieces.
