Bern

Bern, Winterstadtpanorama Cities

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Intro

The Swiss capital is a total work of art. With its UNESCO-listed old town, cathedral, clock tower, fountains and numerous arcades, Bern is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities. Between all of the sights on offer, the city also offers you plenty of nature and a chance to refresh yourself on the River Aare.

Bern at a glance

This is Bern

Bern is Switzerland’s capital city and can be found in the west of the country on the River Aare. The city is a popular excursion destination, thanks to the many sights it offers, and its old town in particular.

Discover Bern

Sightseeing in Bern is one thing above all: it offers variety. You can first visit the Parliament House, the centre of Swiss democracy, as well as Parliament Square and the Parliament House terrace. Continue your stroll through Bern’s old town with its many arcades. Want more? Then make a detour to the Bear Park. The journey there is a highlight in itself: you’ll cross the River Aare via the imposing Nydeggbrücke bridge, which offers you amazing views of the old town and the mountains.

Bern’s old town

The old town of Bern has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. Covering a distance of six kilometres, walk through the characteristic arcades and marvel at the vaulted cellars that are home to studios, bars and shops. Visit the Zytglogge clock tower and the cathedral and marvel at the impressive sandstone houses and the many historic fountains, such as the Zähringen Fountain or the Kindlifresserbrunnen (Child-Eater Fountain). 

Nature and the River Aare

Bern creates a unique connection between the city, its sights and nature. You can take a break in the Rose Garden, while enjoying spectacular views of the old town at the same time. The botanical garden is also well worth a visit. And another natural highlight: the turquoise-blue River Aare. It is simply part of life in Bern and is also a must for any visitor to the city and strong swimmer. Whether while swimming or floating downriver in a dinghy: the clean river represents a way of life and fun in the water.

Around Bern

Bern is an ideal starting point for excursions into the mountains – both in summer and in winter. Bern’s local mountain, the Gurten, is known for hikes, the open-air festival of the same name or as a vantage point. From Bern, you can reach Gantrisch Nature Park in no time at all. The Niederhorn, Lake Biel, Lake Thun or Lake Murten are all welcome excursion destinations as well. 

Experience Bern for less

When you stay in the city of Bern for one night or more, you will receive the Bern Ticket. This allows you to travel free of charge on trams and buses in Bern and the surrounding area. In addition, with the Bernese Oberland Pass, you’ll also benefit from numerous discounts.

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Bern
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The news listed here is maintained by the regional / local tourist offices, which is why Switzerland Tourism can not guarantee the content.

  • The autumn months offer sunny days and ideal hiking weather, but there are also rainy, cold moments that prompt you to get your woollen socks on. So that visitors can find something in and around Bern in any weather, Bern Welcome has a colourful mix of tips ready. Such as the exciting Burgdorf Crime Fiction Festival, for example, as well as the most beautiful autumn walks.

    10 Bern highlights in November

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  • Sorell Hotel Ador 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz 4 Stars

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    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel Bellevue Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Jugendherberge Bern

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel Belle Epoque 3 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel Jardin Bern 3 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Novotel Bern Expo 4 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel National Bern 2 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel Ambassador 4 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

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Current Offers

  • Bern Bern – Museum Card

    The Museum Card entitles holders to free admission over 24 or 48 hours to the collections and...
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  • Kursaal Bern AG, Bern Kursaal Barbecue

    Delight in our first-class barbecue fun: a 30-metre-long barbecue on our forum terrace is a special... from CHF 58
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    valid: 01.03.2025 - 30.09.2025

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  • Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, Bern Stay for 3 nights, pay for 2

    3 nights, 3 Nights in Double room, Breakfast, Public transport ticket for Bern per person per stay, 1 voucher... from CHF 990
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    Double room
    valid: 21.11.2024 - 30.11.2024

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  • Hotel Grauholz, Ittigen All-day package

    - Seminar room incl. standard infrastructure, two breaks (in the morning: coffee & croissants... from CHF 65
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    valid: 21.11.2024 - 12.02.2025

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  • Hotel Grauholz, Ittigen Half-day package

    - Seminar room incl. standard infrastructure, one break (in the morning: coffee & croissants or... from CHF 35
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    valid: 21.11.2024 - 12.02.2025

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  • Seedorf BE Moped tour in the Seeland region

    Moped Helmed Rain cape Roadbook Fuel from CHF 99
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    valid: 22.11.2024 - 30.11.2024

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Travel information: Bern