Best Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland (Map & Tips)

Bern, the charming Swiss city nestled alongside the Aare River, is famous for its stunning views. The city offers numerous attractions and fascinating museums, making it a challenge to decide where to start exploring. It’s interesting to note that while Switzerland doesn’t officially designate a capital, Bern is home to the country’s parliament.

In this post, I’ll list the most popular places to visit during a weekend or vacation in Switzerland. I’ll show you the beauty of Bern and what’s worth seeing there. I hope the photos will illustrate why a trip to this Swiss city is worth considering.

Bern Attractions – Map

Let’s start with the essentials because, let’s face it, without a proper itinerary, navigating can be a real challenge. I’ve put together a map to assist you in navigating the city, planning your routes, and making the most of your trip. This map includes various intriguing spots and points of interest in Bern that I mention in this post.

You can easily incorporate it into the Google Maps app. Simply access the site through your phone, tap the map zoom icon [ ] in the upper right corner, and it will seamlessly launch the app with the map below.

How to Get to Bern?

Getting to Bern offers several options. During my Switzerland trip, I primarily relied on train travel, thanks to the Swiss Travel Pass, which conveniently covered most train routes, as well as boat journeys. Additionally, it provided complimentary access to numerous museums and tourist attractions.

By Train: I arrived in Zurich and hopped onto a train directly from the airport to Bern. It’s worth noting that there’s a direct train available approximately every 40 minutes, with some variations depending on the time of day. The train ride from Zurich to Bern typically takes around 1.5 hours.

By Car: While I won’t provide specific car routes, navigation systems can certainly assist better in this regard.

By Plane: Bern boasts an international airport located in the town of Belp, serving the city and offering flight options for travelers.

Bern Attractions – What’s Worth Seeing?

Bern is a city teeming with captivating places to explore, and in my opinion, the city’s main attractions are best experienced on foot. Leading the list of must-see landmarks is undoubtedly the Swiss Parliament building, known as the Bundeshaus. Comprising three interconnected structures blending arcade and neoclassical styles, the Bundeshaus is not only an architectural marvel on the outside but also offers the fascinating opportunity to explore its interior. You can easily book your visit online, and the admission is free. Interestingly, on select days, you can even witness political deliberations in action!

A leisurely stroll through Bern’s Old Town unveils a wealth of points of interest. Among them is the iconic clock tower known as Zytglogge. This tower is especially delightful to visit with children, as three minutes before each hour, instead of the chiming bells, a charming figurine performance takes place. While you can also explore the interior, I personally didn’t have the chance to do so. As you wander along Kramgasse, be sure to admire the picturesque fountains, which make for exceptionally photogenic subjects—I myself have captured more than a dozen photos with them! And while exploring the Old Town, don’t forget to pause by the Town Hall. In the summertime, the Little Rampage, now transformed into a park, offers a delightful spot to take a break from your sightseeing adventures.

My Favorite Spot in Bern – The Rosengarten

The Rosengarten, or rose garden, in Bern stole my heart as my favorite place in the city. This garden exudes an enchanting and idyllic charm that’s truly captivating. To top it off, there’s a delightful restaurant on-site, perfect for indulging in coffee and cake. But what truly makes the Rosengarten extraordinary is the unparalleled view it offers of the city skyline. Perched atop a hill, the vistas from here are nothing short of stunning.

So, how can you make your way to the Rosengarten? First and foremost, you can take a leisurely stroll on foot. As you cross the Nydeggbrücke bridge, keep an eye out for the former Lindt chocolate factory—it’s a memorable landmark! Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the uphill climb, you can hop on bus 10 heading towards Ostermundigen; it conveniently departs directly from beneath the Bärengraben. You can also catch the bus to Rosengarten from the train station.

Bärengraben

Bern, a city renowned for its symbol—the bear—whose legend is deeply ingrained in its identity. In Bern, we can do more than just admire bears in photos or artwork; we can witness them firsthand. Hence, another undeniable attraction in Bern is the Bärengraben, where we can observe these majestic creatures as they go about their activities, whether it’s sleeping, strolling, or even taking a refreshing bath (not in the river, of course!). For a closer encounter, you can observe them from the second, older enclosure.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Bern

Bern, much like any city, harbors several hidden gems and local favorites, known mostly to the city’s residents. While I’m not a Bern local myself, I had the pleasure of meeting Blanca, a Bern resident, who introduced me to some of these captivating spots. So, what are the intriguing places to discover in Bern, and what experiences should you consider?

Grand Casino Bern Observation Deck: Make sure to visit the observation deck at the Grand Casino Bern. The panoramic view is nothing short of breathtaking, and the best part is, you’ll find few tourists here. It’s the perfect locale for witnessing a stunning sunset.

Kornhauskeller: Another noteworthy destination is the Kornhauskeller, a stunning restaurant that boasts remarkable architecture. Even if it’s not mealtime, you can still get a sneak peek of its beautiful vaulted interiors.

Parliament Square: If you’re traveling with children, a visit to Parliament Square is a must. In the summer, kids can frolic in the fountains, making it a delightful stop for families. Interestingly, there are 26 fountains in total, symbolizing the 26 cantons of Switzerland.

What to Do in Bern?

I’m certainly not the only one who adores Bern for its Aare River, which boasts an extraordinary turquoise color. You can take a refreshing swim in it by bringing along a special buoy.

Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of coffee at the aforementioned Rosengarten, which offers an amazing view of the city.

For an evening drink with the sun setting, I recommend heading to the Münsterplattform.

If you’re in search of picturesque viewpoints, in addition to the rose garden, the Grand Casino Bern, and the Münsterplattform, I suggest visiting the terrace of the Parliament. In my opinion, the Parliament is one of the most picturesque places in Bern. Additionally, consider ascending the Great Rampart, conveniently located right next to the train station. The view from this point is entirely unique compared to the others, and it also holds a longer history, given that it served as a formidable fortification in the city’s past.

Museums in Bern

After you’ve explored Bern on foot, it’s time to dive into its rich museum scene. Personally, I had the pleasure of visiting the Einstein Museum and the Historical Museum, both housed in the same building, and I must say, it’s an experience worth your while. In Bern, you can immerse yourself in the history of Albert Einstein and his family. If your curiosity is still piqued after the museum visit, you can even explore his apartment in the Old Town, where he once lived.

But this is just the beginning. Thanks to the Swiss Travel Pass, you have access to a plethora of museums, and I’ll point out some noteworthy ones for you:

• Alpines Museum der Schweiz
• Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum
• Heilsarmee-Museum Klingende Sammlung
• Kornhausforum
• Kunstmuseum
• Museum Cerny
• Museum für Kommunikation
• Naturhistorisches Museum
• Psychiatrie-Museum
• Zentrum Paul Klee

Each of these museums offers a unique perspective and a fascinating journey into different aspects of Swiss culture, history, and art.

Where to Stay in Bern?

In Bern, the options for accommodations are truly abundant, catering to both business travelers and tourists, thanks to the city’s immense popularity. During my solo adventure, I sought a location near the Old Town and conveniently close to Bern’s train station. This led me to choose the Hotel National Bern, where I paid 100 Swiss francs for a night in 2021, and breakfast was included. The interior was clean and welcoming, and I was warmly received by Ms. Malwina at the reception desk.

You can find this lodging option here: Hotel National Bern

Ideas for Exploring Switzerland

Switzerland, though not vast in size, boasts an abundance of fascinating destinations. Notably, it is renowned for its charming towns set against breathtaking natural backdrops—nestled along lakeshores, riversides, or within valleys, often surrounded by picturesque mountains. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to explore several of these remarkable places.

How Long to Spend in Bern?

For the attractions I’ve listed in this post, you can comfortably cover them all in a single day, unless you plan to visit every museum or attend parliamentary proceedings. In that case, even a long weekend may not suffice to fully immerse yourself in Bern’s offerings.

For more insights and information about Switzerland, you can read further here:

Switzerland in a Week – What to Discover by Train?

Montreux – a Magical Place in Switzerland. What To Do There?

Appenzell: Journey through Alpine Splendor and Swiss Tradition

Gruyères, Switzerland: Explore the Cheese Capital in the Heart of the Alps

Hidden Gems of Switzerland: Must-Visit Lesser-Known Attractions