Bern, western Switzerland · Switzerland
The Swiss capital, a UNESCO-listed medieval old town of sandstone arcades and fountains on a river loop, with a clock tower, bears and Einstein.
Photo: Daniel Kraft · CC BY-SA 3.0
Bern is the capital of Switzerland, or more precisely its 'federal city', since the Swiss constitution does not name a capital. It is a small city of about 140,000 people, set on a hill in a tight loop of the Aare river, and it is much calmer than Zurich or Geneva. The old town was founded in 1191 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with about six kilometres of covered arcades lined with shops, cellars and cafés.
Its landmarks are easy to find. The Zytglogge is a medieval clock tower with an astronomical clock that performs a small show every hour, the Münster is Switzerland's tallest cathedral, and the Bundeshaus, the Federal Palace, is open for tours. Along the streets, colourful fountains from the 16th century carry statues, and the Bear Park by the river keeps bears, the city's symbol.
In summer, locals jump in the Aare and drift downstream to the pools, a joyful and unusual ritual. Bern is also where Albert Einstein developed his theory of relativity while working in a patent office, and his apartment on Kramgasse is a small museum. A day covers the old town, and it makes a good stop between Zurich and the mountains.
Why visit
Bern is a calm, beautiful capital with a well preserved medieval centre.
Sandstone arcades and fountains.
A medieval astronomical clock.
Float on the Aare in summer.
His apartment is open to visitors.
Small, quiet and walkable.
Main attractions
The old town is compact and walkable.
A medieval clock tower with an astronomical clock from 1530, which puts on a show four minutes before each hour.
Tip Watch from Kramgasse.
The Swiss Federal Palace, home to parliament, open for free guided tours when not in session.
Tip Book and bring ID.
A hillside garden above the river with the best view of the old town.
Tip Go at sunset.
Six kilometres of covered arcades, with shops, cellar bars and fountains.
Tip Wander Marktgasse and Kramgasse.
A late-Gothic cathedral with Switzerland's highest church tower, at 100 metres.
Tip Climb the tower.
The apartment where Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905.
Tip Small, cheap and quick.
Things to do
Bern is for strolling and swimming.
Float from Eichholz to the Marzili pools.
Tip Only if you are a confident swimmer.
Follow the arcades and fountains.
Tip Go early.
See bears by the river.
Tip Free.
A hill with views, reached by funicular.
Tip Good for families.
A museum of Klee's works in a wavy building.
Tip Take a bus.
Local produce and cheese.
Tip Go in the morning.
Local food
Bern's food is hearty and Swiss.
A mound of meats, sausages and sauerkraut.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
Onion tart, eaten in autumn.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Fried potatoes.
Where to try it Restaurants.
A sweet dessert.
Where to try it Cafés.
Toblerone has its roots in Bern.
Where to try it Shops.
Accommodation
Stay in the old town for atmosphere.
Transport
Bern is a rail hub.
Bern is small and walkable.
When to go
Bern is warm in summer and cool in winter.
Blossom.
River swimming.
Clear days.
Christmas markets.
Worth planning around: Grey winter days.
Itinerary
The old town on foot.
Arcades and views.
Travel tips
A few tips help you enjoy Bern.
FAQ
Yes, for its old town and relaxed feel.
One day.
It is the federal city, the seat of government.
Yes in summer, but the current is strong.
Its old town, bears and the clock tower.
Yes, the old town was listed in 1983.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Bern, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Bernese Oberland, central Switzerland, Switzerland
The Bernese Oberland's base for Lauterbrunnen's waterfalls, Grindelwald and the Eiger, the Jungfraujoch railway, Lake Brienz and Thun, with hiking, paragliding and cog railways.
Don't miss The train to Jungfraujoch, climbing through the Eiger itself to the highest railway station in Europe.
Explore Destination — Interlaken and the Jungfrau RegionZurich, northern Switzerland, Switzerland
A compact, clean city on Lake Zurich, with a medieval old town, Bahnhofstrasse shopping, museums, river swimming and easy day trips to the mountains.
Don't miss The Limmat river with the twin towers of the Grossmünster and old-town rooftops from Lindenhof hill.
Explore Destination — ZurichVaud, Lake Geneva, Switzerland
A UNESCO-listed stretch of vineyard terraces on Lake Geneva, with hillside Lausanne, its cathedral and Ouchy waterfront, the Château de Chillon at Montreux and lake steamers.
Don't miss Walking the Lavaux terraces with a glass of chasselas, the lake shining below and the Alps across the water.
Explore Destination — Lausanne, Lavaux and MontreuxRead next
Heritage
A UNESCO listing tells you a place matters; it does not tell you whether it is worth two days and a detour. This is how to read the list usefully — and which sites reward building a trip around them.
Transport
European rail is excellent and confusing — six national operators, three completely different pricing models, and a rail pass that is either a bargain or a waste depending on where you are going. Here is how to work out which.
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