Bern
About Bern
Bern, the de facto capital of Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. Built on a peninsula formed by the turquoise Aare river, the city is famous for its 6 kilometers of covered arcades (Lauben), sandstone buildings, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower.
Despite being the seat of the Swiss federal government, Bern has a relaxed, almost village-like atmosphere. It was also home to Albert Einstein when he developed his theory of special relativity, and his former apartment is now a museum.
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Quick Tips
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Cards accepted almost everywhere. ATMs are plentiful. 1 CHF ≈ €1.
- Transport: The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. BERNMOBIL trams and buses cover the wider city. Buy a day pass if you plan to visit the outskirts.
- Tipping: Service is included. Rounding up is customary for good service.
- Aare swimming: In summer, locals float down the Aare river through the city — it's a must-do experience. Enter at Eichholz and exit at Marzili.
- Bears: Bern's symbol is the bear. Visit the BärenPark, a spacious riverside bear enclosure, for free.
Interesting Places to Visit
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
Bern's most iconic landmark — a medieval clock tower with an astronomical clock and animated figurines that perform every hour. Guided tours take you inside to see the 15th-century clockwork mechanism. The meeting point of the Old Town.
Bern Minster (Münster)
Switzerland's tallest cathedral with a 100-meter spire. Climb 344 steps to the viewing platform for breathtaking views of the Old Town, Aare river, and the Bernese Alps on clear days. The Gothic portal depicting the Last Judgment is remarkable.
Einstein House
The apartment at Kramgasse 49 where Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905 while working at the patent office. It was here that he wrote his groundbreaking papers on special relativity. Small but fascinating museum.
BärenPark (Bear Park)
A modern riverside park where Bern's heraldic bears live in a spacious natural environment. Connected to the Old Town by the Nydeggbrücke bridge. Free entry. Perfect combined with a walk along the Aare.
Zentrum Paul Klee
A stunning wave-shaped building designed by Renzo Piano housing the world's largest collection of works by Paul Klee. Over 4,000 works spanning the artist's career. Interactive children's museum too. About 10 minutes by bus from the center.
Rosengarten (Rose Garden)
A hillside park above the BärenPark with over 200 varieties of roses and stunning panoramic views of the Old Town. Free entry. The restaurant terrace here is one of the best viewpoints in Bern.
Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)
The seat of the Swiss government with a grand dome and Renaissance Revival architecture. Free guided tours when parliament is not in session. The terrace behind offers sweeping views toward the Alps. The 26 fountains in front represent each Swiss canton.
When to Visit
Bern has a moderate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters:
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Beautiful season. Mild (8–18°C), the Rosengarten starts blooming, and outdoor cafés reopen under the arcades. The Bernese Alps backdrop gets clearer as skies brighten.
- Rose Garden in bloom from May
- Zibelemärit (Onion Market) preparation
- Ideal for walking the Old Town
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Warm (18–28°C) and perfect for Aare river swimming. The Gurten Festival (mid-July) brings major music acts to the city's local mountain. Long daylight hours for sightseeing.
- Aare river swimming — a quintessential Bern experience
- Gurten Festival (July)
- Buskers Bern street music festival
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Crisp and colorful (5–15°C). The famous Zibelemärit (Onion Market) on the fourth Monday of November is a uniquely Bernese tradition with confetti battles and onion tarts.
- Zibelemärit onion market (November)
- Fall foliage along the Aare
- Museum season begins
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Cold (−2 to 4°C) with possible snow dusting the Old Town. Christmas markets in Münsterplatz and Waisenhausplatz create a festive atmosphere. Ice skating on Bundesplatz.
- Christmas markets across the Old Town
- Ice rink at Bundesplatz
- Fondue in the covered arcades
Where to Eat (Affordable & Good)
Bern offers hearty Swiss-German cuisine with some surprisingly affordable spots:
Lötschberg$ – $$
Popular local restaurant in the Old Town known for excellent fondue and Rösti variations. Try the "Lötschberg Rösti" with ham and egg. Mains 20–32 CHF (~€18–29). Relaxed atmosphere with locals and visitors.
Altes Tramdepot$ – $$
Brewpub in a converted tram depot next to BärenPark. House-brewed beers and Swiss dishes with a stunning Old Town view from the terrace. Mains 22–35 CHF (~€20–32). Great atmosphere.
Tibits Bern$ – $$
Vegetarian/vegan buffet at the train station. Pay by weight — a full plate costs around 18–25 CHF (~€16–23). Fresh, healthy, and quick. Perfect for a nourishing meal between trains.
Kornhauskeller$$ – $$$
A breathtaking baroque cellar restaurant in a former granary. Mediterranean-Swiss fusion cuisine. Mains 28–45 CHF (~€26–41). Worth visiting for the stunning vaulted ceiling alone. Book ahead for dinner.
Ringgenberg$
No-frills takeaway and small dine-in near the station. Excellent kebabs, falafel wraps, and daily specials for 10–16 CHF (~€9–15). One of the best budget options in the city center.
Restaurant Rosengarten$$
Perched in the Rose Garden with arguably the best view in Bern. Swiss and international dishes. Mains 25–38 CHF (~€23–35). Come for sunset drinks on the terrace even if you don't eat.
Sous le Pont$
Alternative cultural center restaurant under the Lorraine bridge. Creative daily menus with vegetarian options for 14–18 CHF (~€13–16). Eclectic vibe, live music nights, and very local.