Recently, Bern has been attracting an increasing number of tourists because of its charm. Though not as big as Zurich and Geneva, the two cosmopolitan cities in Switzerland, Bern offers a lot to its visitors. In fact, Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved old town and long arcades. Tourists who need accommodations have plenty of hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals to choose from. What is it about Bern that makes you fall in love the moment you arrive? Check out the best things to do in Bern!
1. Go on a 120-Minute exclusive historical walk of Bern with a local (from USD 848.0)
What better way to experience the city of Bern other than going on a walk with a knowledgeable local? That’s precisely what this activity promises to its guests.
With this activity, you and seven other tourists will be accompanied by a passionate local who will inform you all about the historical and fun facts about Bern as you tour around the city. Your tour will start at Loebegge, a popular meeting place in Bern, and then you will stop by iconic places, such as Zytglogge (a medieval tower), Münsterplatz (the town square), the Einstein Museum on Helvetiaplatz, and Zentrum Paul Klee (the museum dedicated to the artist Paul Klee).
Bern Private Guided History Walking Tour With Local
Duration: 2 hours
2. Ride a private helicopter over the Swiss Alps for 42 minutes (from USD 2052.6)
The Alpine region of Switzerland, most commonly known as the Swiss Alps, is undoubtedly one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. For that reason, you shouldn’t miss your chance to see this beauty when you visit the country. Luckily, with this particular activity, you won’t have to.
By going on a private helicopter ride over the Swiss Alps, you’ll be able to get a bird’s eye view of the snow-capped mountains. In particular, the helicopter will fly by the Bernese Alps and the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains. After this thrilling helicopter ride, you’ll be brought back to the Bern airport, where you’ll receive a souvenir. You can also download pictures from the flight at no additional cost.
Bern: Private 42-Minute Swiss Alps Helicopter Flight
Duration: 42.0 minute
3. Meet bears at Bear Pit (Bärengraben)
If you see the flag of Bern, you’ll notice that the main subject in the flag is a bear. However, it is not just a bear, it is the iconic Bernese bear. That is why when you are in Bern, you have to go to the Bear Pit (Bärengraben). Bear Pit is very spacious and you will be able to see fierce bears playing and roaming the park as they wish because the park is dedicated to them.
Bear Pit
Address: Grosser Muristalden 6, 3006 Bern
Price: free
Opening Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
Contact: +41 313571525
Website: Bear Pit
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4. Marvel at Bern Minster
This stunning Gothic cathedral was built in the 15th century, and its spire still holds the record as the tallest in Switzerland. To admire the spectacular view of Bern, the Alps, and the Aare, you should climb the 254 steps to the very top. Though it may be a tiring climb, you will not regret it because the impressive views are worth your effort. A tour of the cathedral is available daily at certain operating times.
Bern Minster
Address: Münsterplatz 1, 3000 Bern
Contact: +41 313120462
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 compan... Read more
5. Take a stroll in the Rose Garden
For those looking for a relaxing and beautiful break, stop and smell the roses in Bern’s Rose Garden. This Rose Garden is home to 100s of rose, iris, and rhododendron varieties, so visitors who love flowers will certainly enjoy their time here. The Rose Garden opened in 1913 and provides stunning views of the old town. An interesting fact about the garden is that it used to be a cemetery. If you want to refresh your mind and relax, the rose garden, which is situated on Alter Aargauerstalden 31B, 3006 Bern, is definitely the best place for you.
6. Observe the medieval character of the old town
Sometimes the Swiss refer to Bern by its other names: the Old City, the Old Town, or Altstadt. The construction of the Old City began in the 12th century, and the layout has remained entirely the same. When you are in Bern, you will be able to observe its medieval character, which what makes Bern, Bern. The city is surrounded by the River Aare, which is famous for its clear, turquoise water. Other than the River Aare, you will also get the chance to see plenty of pretty bridges crossing the river.
Tip from tour guide
In 2008, Bern received a new striking entrance to the Old Town. With its 2,500 sq m (26,909.78 sq ft) area and 530 glass panels, the graceful curved canopy of the Baldachin enhances the impact of the Bern station square.
It has two functions: to protect from rain and snow and to allow you to admire the city.
7. Check out Bern’s clock tower, Zytglogge
Zytglogge is Bern’s oldest clock and is considered a structure of national and historic significance. It was first built in the 1200s but was initially used as a guard tower as well as a women’s prison, and the original structure was very different. In 1405, the tower burnt down but was rebuilt, although reconstruction was not 100% completed until 1983. Though remaining incomplete, a magnificent Baroque clock was added in the early 15th century.
Tip from tour guide
The ancient tower was built at the beginning of the 13th century. In 1405, after a fire, an astronomical clock with a musical mechanism was installed on it. Karl Brunn modernized the clock in 1530, and since then, they have been delighting the townspeople with an hourly show. It starts with a rooster that warns of the beginning of a new hour. A minute later, the figure of a jester rings the bells. At the same time, the symbols of the city, bears in armor, walk around in a circle. Another minute - and the rooster crows again. Then, Chronos turns over, and the hourglass and the knight strike the bell for the new time. The show closes with the third rooster crow.
8. Cool off in the River Aare
If you visit Bern in the summer, then there is one fun activity you must not miss — cooling off in the River Aare. Summer in Switzerland can sometimes get hot, so the best thing to do is to cool down in its refreshing water. There are outdoor baths at Marzili, which is the best starting point, as well as pools such as diving pools, lane pools, and paddling pools. Feel the flow of the water of the River Aare on your body. Other than for refreshing yourself, it is a great idea to blend with the locals and make some new friends.
9. See the historical collection at Kunstmuseum
You should spare some time to visit the Kunstmuseum in Bern as it is the oldest museum in Switzerland. There is a collection of over 4,000 paintings at the Kunstmuseum, which is also known as the Museum of Fine Arts. Apart from the 4,000 paintings, there are about 50,000 drawings, photos, films, and prints displayed in the museum. Some important artworks displayed in the museum include Pablo Picasso’s “The Sleepy Drinker,” “Vincent Van Gogh’s Head of A Peasant Woman with White Cap” and “Still Life with Two Sunflowers,” and Paul Gaugin’s “When Will You Marry?” After observing the artworks, you can unwind for a while at the museum’s cafe.
Kuntsmuseum
Address: Hodlerstrasse 8, 3011 Bern
Opening Hours: 10 am - 5 pm (Sunday - Monday). 10 am - 9 pm (Tuesday)
Contact: +41 313280944
Website: Kunstmuseum
10. Admire the famous paintings of Paul Klee, a German-Swiss painter
You may be wondering who Paul Klee is and why you should see his paintings while in Bern. Paul Klee was a painter born in 1879 to a Swiss mother and a German father. He was well known for his unique style, which transcended cubism, expressionism, abstract art, and surrealism. His works combine different mediums to produce superb pieces. The Paul Klee Center displays some of his most famous works including “Tod und Feuer” (Death and Fire) and “Dame mit Sonnenschirm” (Woman with Parasol).
Zentrum Paul Klee
Address: Monument im Fruchtland 3, 3000 Bern
Opening Hours: 10 am - 5 pm. Tuesday - Sunday.
Website: Zentrum Paul Klee
11. See Einstein-Haus: Einstein's home from 1903 to 1905
Yes, it’s true that Einstein spent about two years living in Bern. The apartment where Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905 is now called the Einstein-Haus, and it is located near the clock tower, Zytglogge. While Einstein lived in Bern, he produced the Annus Mirabilis, a piece of writing that contributed significantly to the world of modern physics. If you are a huge fan of Einstein, then Einstein-Haus, located on the 2nd floor, should be on the top of your must-visit attractions in Bern.
Einstein Haus
Address: Kramgasse 49, 3000 Bern 8
Opening Hours: 10 am - 5 pm. February to December
Contact: +41 313120091
Website: Einstein Haus
Bern is going to take your breath away!
Bern is a beautiful and tranquil city that offers fantastic things to do and places to stay. Due to its incredibly long history and the marvelous old town it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best way to get to Bern is by taking a direct flight. If you plan on visiting other cities in Switzerland, check out some day trips from Bern.
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