Bern: The Complete Guide

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, remarkably preserves its historic features, including its UNESCO-listed old town. Known for its 6 kilometers of arcades, known locally as ‘Lauben,’ Bern offers one of Europe’s longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades. The city’s medieval ambiance is complemented by numerous fountains, sandstone facades, narrow streets, and historic towers. Noteworthy viewpoints include the elevated Rose Garden above the Bear Park and the 101-meter-high cathedral tower, offering panoramic views of the old town encircled by the River Aare.

The city’s vibrant old town is alive with boutiques, bars, cabaret stages, often in vaulted cellars, and quaint street cafes, drawing both locals and tourists. While Bern has an excellent public transport network, exploring the city center on foot is recommended. Cultural offerings include the Zentrum Paul Klee, which houses an extensive collection of works by Paul Klee, and the Albert Einstein House, reflecting his early 20th-century stay in Bern. Bern also features diverse museums like the History Museum, Art Museum, Swiss Alpine Museum, and Communication Museum.

As the seat of Switzerland’s government, the Houses of Parliament are a key attraction, closely situated to the railway station and often open to visitors. In summer, the clean Aare River invites experienced swimmers for a unique swimming experience with views of the Parliament.

Bern’s connection to bears is celebrated at the Bear Park, a must-visit attraction showcasing the city’s heraldic beasts. Seasonal markets, especially the Onion Market in November, offer a colourful array of local products.

History of Bern

The history of Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is rich and storied, characterized by its medieval origins and evolution into a cultural and political hub.

Foundation and Early Development

Bern was founded on the 12th of July, 1191, by Duke Berthold V of Zähringen. According to legend, the name was chosen after the first animal hunted in the area during a hunting expedition, which was a bear (“Bär” in German). This animal remains the symbol of the city today, depicted in its coat of arms. Bern was strategically located on a peninsula formed by the bends of the River Aare, making it easily defensible.

Expansion and Prosperity

After the extinction of the Zähringen dynasty, Bern became a Free Imperial City in 1218 under the Holy Roman Empire. Throughout the 13th to 15th centuries, Bern expanded its territory significantly, becoming one of the largest city-states north of the Alps. The city’s structure with its large sandstone buildings and arcades began to take shape during this period.

Membership in the Swiss Confederacy

In 1353, Bern joined the Swiss Confederacy, becoming one of the eight cantons. This alliance was crucial during the Burgundian Wars, where Bern played a significant role in defeating Charles the Bold of Burgundy, enhancing its influence and wealth.

Reformation and Culture

The Protestant Reformation reached Bern in the 16th century, led by reformers such as Berchtold Haller and Niklaus Manuel, which saw Bern adopting Protestantism and reforming its church and academic institutions. The city became a haven for refugees from religious persecution, enhancing its cultural diversity.

Modern Era Developments

In 1848, when the new Swiss Federal Constitution was adopted, Bern was chosen as the Federal Capital of Switzerland, a status that brought significant political and infrastructural development. The city saw the construction of the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), and it became the political center of Switzerland.

20th Century to Present

Bern continued to grow and modernize through the 20th century. It preserved its historical architecture, which led to the Old City of Bern being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Today, Bern is known for its high quality of life, cultural richness, and as a hub for diplomacy and international cooperation.

Bern’s historical journey from a medieval city to a modern capital reflects its resilience and strategic importance in Swiss and European history.

Visiting Bern for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Bern on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Bern not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Bern and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Zytglogge

The Zytglogge, literally “time bell”, is a medieval tower in Bern, Switzerland, renowned for its historical significance and its 15th-century astronomical clock. Constructed in the early 13th century, the Zytglogge has served multiple roles, including a guard tower, prison, clock tower, and civic memorial. Despite numerous renovations over its 800-year history, it remains one of […]

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Location: Zytglogge, Bim Zytglogge, Bern, Switzerland | Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Price: CHF 15.00 | Distance: 0.0km

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Visiting Zytglogge

Explore Bern yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Bern Fountains

Bern is home to an impressive 100 public fountains, many of which have fascinating histories and some that offer free, drinkable water to passers-by. Among these, the 11 Renaissance fountains in the city center are the most famous. Created by the Swiss sculptor Hans Gieng in the 16th century, these fountains feature polychrome sculptures on […]

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Location: Zähringerbrunnen, Kramgasse, Bern, Switzerland | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Bern Fountains

Einsteinhaus 

The Einsteinhaus (Einstein House) is a museum and former residence of Albert Einstein, located at Kramgasse No. 49 in Bern, Switzerland. Einstein, his wife Mileva Marić, and their son Hans Einstein lived in a flat on the second floor from 1903 to 1905. It was here that Einstein wrote the Annus Mirabilis papers, which introduced […]

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Location: Einsteinhaus, Kramgasse, Bern, Switzerland | Hours: Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Price: CHF 7 | Website | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Einsteinhaus 

Käfigturm

The Käfigturm is a Baroque tower in Bern, Switzerland. It is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of the Old City of Bern and is recognized as a Cultural Property of National Significance. The original tower was constructed as a gatehouse during Bern’s second expansion in 1256 but was demolished and completely rebuilt […]

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Location: Käfigturm, Marktgasse, Bern, Switzerland | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Käfigturm

Bundesplatz & Bundeshaus

The Parliament Building in Bern stands as the heart of Switzerland’s democracy. Under its grand dome, the parliament convenes, while the west and east wings house various federal government offices and administrative functions. The adjacent large Parliament Square and extensive terrace are lively meeting spots. Up until 2003, Parliament Square (“Bundesplatz”) was a dull, grey […]

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Location: Bundeshaus, Bundesplatz, Bern, Switzerland | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Bundesplatz & Bundeshaus

Münster of Bern

Bern Minster, the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, is a Swiss Reformed cathedral located in Bern’s old city. Constructed in the Gothic style, the cathedral began its initial construction phase in 1421. Its striking tower, which reaches a height of 100.6 meters (330 ft), wasn’t completed until 1893. The Minster is a Cultural Property of National […]

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Location: Munster of Berne, Münsterplatz, Bern, Switzerland | Hours: Church: Mon.–Sat.: 10.00 – 16.00, Su.: 11.30 – 16.00 Tower: Mon.–Sat.: 10.00 – 16.30*, Su.: 11.30 – 16.30* *last ascent | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Münster of Bern

Rathaus Bern

The Rathaus Bern or Bern Town Hall is a significant landmark in Bern, Switzerland, housing the Grand Council of Bern (German: Grosser Rat, French: Grand conseil), the Executive Council of Bern (German: Regierungsrat, French: Conseil-éxecutif), and the Grand Council of the City of Bern. This building is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of […]

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Location: Rathauspl. 2, 3011 Bern, Switzerland | Hours: 08:00-12:00 & 13:30-17:00 (Mon-Thur) & 08:00-12:00 (Fri) | Price: Public tours are free | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Rathaus Bern

Münsterplattform

The Münsterplattform (Bernese: Pläfe [ˈplæfə]) is a rectangular terrace located in front of the Bern Minster, sloping towards the Aare River. The terrace runs parallel to the nave of the Minster, with a depth ranging from 66 to 70 meters. It measures 85 meters wide at the northern end near the church wall and 86 […]

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Location: Münsterplattform, Bern, Switzerland | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Münsterplattform

Heiliggeistkirche

The Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is a Swiss Reformed Church located in the Old City of Bern. Recognized as a Swiss heritage site of national significance, it is one of the largest Swiss Reformed churches in the country. Historical Background The church’s origins trace back to a chapel first mentioned in 1228, built […]

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Location: Heiliggeistkirche, Spitalgasse, Bern, Switzerland | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Heiliggeistkirche

Bern Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden Bern, also known as BOGA, is an integral part of the University of Bern in Switzerland, serving as both a center for research and education and a green haven in the city. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to explore a diverse array of […]

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Location: Botanischer Garten der Universität Bern, Altenbergrain, Bern, Switzerland | Hours: April to October 08:00 – 21:00 November to March 08:00 - 17:00 | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Bern Botanical Garden

Einstein Museum and the Historical Museum of Bern

The Bern Historical Museum (German: Bernisches Historisches Museum, French: Musée d’Histoire de Berne) is Switzerland’s second-largest historical museum. Designed by Neuchâtel architect André Lambert and constructed in 1894, the museum’s architecture was inspired by 15th and 16th-century historic castles, initially intended to be the Swiss National Museum, which was later established in Zurich. The museum […]

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Location: Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum, Helvetiaplatz, Bern, Switzerland | Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10 am – 5 pm Monday closed | Price: CHF 16 | Website | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Einstein Museum and the Historical Museum of Bern

Nydeggkirche

The Reformed Nydeggkirche, whose name derives from the Bernese German term for “Lower Corner,” is situated on the eastern edge of Bern’s Old City, in the Nydegg area. The Nydegg Castle The Old Town of Bern is located on a peninsula formed by a loop of the Aare River and developed in several stages. The […]

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Location: Nydeggkirche, Nydeggasse, Bern, Switzerland | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Nydeggkirche

Untertorbrucke (Lower Gate Bridge)

The Lower Gate Bridge (Untertorbrücke) is a significant part of Bern, Switzerland’s architectural and historical heritage. This historic stone arch bridge, spanning the Aare River, was initially constructed in 1256, making it the oldest bridge in Bern. For centuries, it served as the sole connection between the Old City and the eastern bank of the […]

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Location: Untertorbrücke, Bern, Switzerland | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Untertorbrucke (Lower Gate Bridge)

Bärengraben

The Bärengraben, or Bear Pit, is a notable tourist attraction in Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. This bear enclosure is located at the eastern edge of Bern’s old city, adjacent to the Nydeggbrücke and the River Aar. Although the Bärengraben is still operational, it has been complemented since 2009 by the BärenPark, a larger […]

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Location: Bärengraben, Grosser Muristalden, Bern, Switzerland | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.9km

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Visiting Bärengraben

Rosengarten, Bern

Any lover of the great outdoors should not miss Rosengarten, Bern’s stunning Rose Garden. A visit to this Swiss city is worthwhile just to see the more than 400 varieties of roses and irises that adorn the park. In addition to roses, the garden boasts over 20 varieties of rhododendrons, a water lily pond, Japanese […]

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Location: Rosengarten, Alter Aargauerstalden, Bern, Switzerland | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Rosengarten, Bern

Zentrum Paul Klee

The Zentrum Paul Klee, located in Bern, Switzerland, is a museum dedicated to the renowned artist Paul Klee and was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. The museum houses approximately 40 percent of Klee’s entire pictorial oeuvre. In 1997, Livia Klee-Meyer, Paul Klee’s daughter-in-law, generously donated her inheritance of nearly 690 works to the […]

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Location: Zentrum Paul Klee, Monument im Fruchtland, Bern, Switzerland | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–17:00 | Price: CHF 20 | Website | Distance: 2.0km

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Visiting Zentrum Paul Klee

Reichenbach Falls

The Reichenbach Falls are a stunning cascade of seven steps on the Rychenbach stream in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. These waterfalls drop a total of about 250 meters (820 feet), with the upper falls, known as the Grand Reichenbach Fall (German: Grosser Reichenbachfall), being the tallest segment at 110 meters (360 feet). This […]

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Location: Reichenbachfall Reichenbach 3860 Meiringen Switzerland | Distance: 61.7km

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Visiting Reichenbach Falls