Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a fascinating city. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the River Aare. It is a perfect medieval centre with cobbled streets and grey sandstone buildings. Bern is an excellent base for exploring more of Switzerland. If you love lakes, rivers and snow-capped mountains, then Bern would be a paradise for you. Its prime location and impressive railway links make it extremely easy to explore the surrounding areas from your accommodation. Whether you’re staying in an Airbnb vacation rental or laying your head down in a nice and comfortable hotel in Bern, it’s easy to have access to essential establishments. During your visit to this city, you can make the most of your time by exploring the surrounding towns and cities. So, check out our list of the top day trips from Bern, Switzerland.
1. Zurich
Zurich’s scenic beauty and artistic treasures have made the city perfectly fit for sightseeing in Switzerland. The city is organised, clean and easy to explore. You can have a glimpse at Europe’s most important artworks in ‘Landesmuseum’. Or, you can visit Zoo Zürich, which is a popular attraction. You can wander for hours through the winding streets of the historic old town. The city has an outstanding public transportation system, which makes it an incredible base for excursions.
2. Zermatt
Zermatt is a perfect place if you are looking to splurge on a European ski weekend. The mighty Matterhorn dominates the skyline, and it gives rise to a beautiful landscape that you can ever witness. Skiing in Zermatt mostly lasts through early summer, but the warmer weather makes a perfect time to hike. The village of Zermatt is beautiful and traffic-free. It has old-fashioned brown chalets and winding streets. There cannot be any place as beautiful as Zermatt.
3. Lucerne
Located at the foot of the Alps in central Switzerland, Lucerne’s lake reflects the beautiful snowy peaks of Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis. Mount Pilatus has the sobriquet “Dragon Mountain” after a medieval legend claimed it to be a home of dragons with healing powers. A trip to the top of the mountain is always adventurous and exciting. Lake Lucerne is an incredible water body, with an uneven shape that tempts you to explore. It is a very popular day-trip destination.
Tip from tour guide
Lake Lucerne is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is a must-see when you're in Lucerne. It is best to take a ride and admire them (in the summer, you can also swim in a place you like) on a water limousine. It is designed for 12 people + the captain.
In 1980, Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip were in Switzerland for four days. Naturally, they visited the most beautiful city in the country and the lake, the place where the Swiss Confederation was born 731 years ago.
Royal cruises are available all year!
Visited this place?4. Interlaken
Interlaken is a wonderful base for catching a glimpse of the spectacular scenery in Central Switzerland, while rejoicing in the comforts of a beautiful lakeside resort. Tourist attractions like Harder Kulm, Hohematte park, Schynige Platte, and Interlaken Monastery and Castle are worth a visit. You can enjoy boat rides on Lakes Thun and Brienz. Interlaken is one of the oldest and most famous day trip spots in Switzerland. Outdoor activities like climbs, walks, and adventure tours are available for enthusiastic travellers.
Visited this place?Bern (Canton) Tour Guide
Iuliia Solodenko
Learned to read at the age of five. Loved fairy tales. For 11 years I studied the cello at the school that Oistrakh graduated from ( I am from Ukraine). My favorite lesson at school is history, it is my only passion. I dreamed to became an archaeologist, but I graduated from the acting faculty and worked as an actress in the theater. In 2008 I moved to Venice. Experience since 2011 in travel... Read more
5. Grindelwald
Source: NeedpixLocated at the heart of the Lütschen Valley, Grindelwald is a must for any travel itinerary in Switzerland. It is a wonderful location for mountaineers, hikers, and skiers of all levels. If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere in Grindelwald. The mountain scenery of the Jungfraujoch region is breathtaking.
Grindelwald also offers world-class skiing, fantastic day hikes, great accommodation, delicious food and excellent hospitality. You can just cosy up by a bonfire and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. It is truly a mountaineer’s paradise.
Visited this place?6. Schilthorn
Schilthorn lures visitors with a fascinating view of the beautiful Swiss skyline. The summit reaches 2970 m (9744 ft) above sea level and is located near Mürren and Lauterbrunnen. Once you reach the top, you will be able to have a glimpse of the three famous mountain ranges in the region - Mönch, Jungfrau and Eiger. It is one of the most popular places to visit while exploring the Jungfrau Region. It is an incredible opportunity to spend a remarkable day at the peak of a mountain. You can also have a delicious meal in the “Revolving Restaurant”. It is the same spot where James Bond 007 was filmed in 1969.
Visited this place?7. Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular attractions in Bernese Oberland. It is located at one of the highest points in Swiss Alps. The cogwheel train is the only way to get to the top. The train station is located at the highest point in Europe. The views from the Jungfraujoch are completely incredible, and the trip up there is totally worth it. You can go out in the snow and admire the view of the Grosser Aletsch glacier. In summer, you can do many fun activities like skiing, sledging and snowboarding in the Snow Fun Park.
Visited this place?8. Montreux
Source: PixabayMontreux is a magical place that has lured so many artists and travellers in search of natural beauty, serenity and motivation. Every year, Montreux hosts the famous Montreux Jazz Festival. The wineries here are world famous. The Chateau de Chillon is a remarkable example of a medieval castle, which makes you feel like it has come out of a fairytale. The views of the Dents-du-Midi are incredible. You can walk on the lake Promenade and ride the cogwheel train or just mill around Old Montreux.
Visited this place?9. Vevey
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, in the middle of the Vaud Canton, Vevey is a mesmerising city. It is famously named as one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera” because of its perfectly mild climate and the beautiful alpine panorama. Vevey is a perfect place for a memorable day trip as it offers numerous things starting from the cultural amenities, leisure activities and museums. Lake Geneva offers a beautiful panoramic view, which makes it a perfect place for taking a relaxing walk on the lakeside.
Visited this place?10. Lausanne
Source: PexelsThe location of Lausanne is extremely beautiful. It is the second-largest city on Lake Geneva. The beautiful town is car-free. It has small streets with cafes and boutiques, which gives it a medieval outlook. The Olympic Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Some other famous attractions are the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Place de la Palud, Sauvabelin Tower and Musee des Beaux-Arts. You can just roam in the parks and gardens, relax by the lakeside, or get engaged in sporting and cultural activities. Lausanne has everything that makes it a great place for a day trip.
Visited this place?11. Gruyères
Known for its captivating charm and delectable cheese, Gruyères is a destination that will transport you to a fairytale-like setting. Wander through the cobblestone streets and be captivated by the picturesque medieval architecture adoring this idyllic village. Gruyères is also home to the magnificent Gruyères Castle, a well-preserved fortress that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Step inside and immerse yourself in the tales of knights and nobles that once roamed its halls.
However, the true star of Gruyères is its world-renowned cheese. Visit La Maison du Gruyère, where you can witness the art of cheese-making firsthand and sample the creamy, flavorful Gruyère cheese. Indulge in a traditional fondue or raclette, savoring the melt-in-your-mouth goodness that will leave you craving more.
Tip from Content Creator
The castle in Gruyères is a great rainy day activity and is incredibly well restored. There are also some things we didn’t do but wish we would have:
- There are a ton of cheese stops, allegedly a cheese hike, and a cheese museum
- There is an alien museum with art and sculptures from the artist who worked on the Alien movie
Visited this place?12. Chur
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and captivating natural surroundings, Chur is a destination that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. As you stroll through the charming Old Town, you’ll be enchanted by the medieval atmosphere, characterized by narrow alleyways, well-preserved buildings, and quaint squares.
Chur is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine landscapes. Embark on a scenic hike or mountain bike ride, exploring the idyllic trails that lead to panoramic vistas and hidden alpine lakes. In winter, the nearby ski resorts offer thrilling slopes for skiing and snowboarding. For hassle-free travel in Churr, enjoy a day trip from Bern by train through this tour package.
Visited this place?Visit the paradise today
Is Bern, Switzerland, worth visiting? With these day trip destinations in the region, Bern is absolutely a must-visit. There are so many lakes, rivers and snow-capped mountains that provide endless beauty and charm, which makes these destinations a paradise. It is very easy to take these day trips from Bern. Just plan everything in advance to make your trip hassle-free.
Frequently asked questions about the day trips from Bern, Switzerland
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.
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Hi, my name is Shivam Pandey, and I’m a certified freelance content writer from New Delhi, India. I specialize in writing on travel, technology, lifestyle, etc.
