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
Bern Region
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Impressions

News

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

  • February is the month of winter sports, with schools in Bern giving one week off for everyone to enjoy the snow. So there is more than enough time to experience the countless winter activities that the Bern region has to offer. In our February highlights, rather than to recommend the obvious, we chose to focus on the joy of new adventures and surprising discoveries. Explore Bern’s lesser-known, but equally wonderful neighbourhoods or find out which museum is reappraising a dark chapter from Switzerland’s recent past in its latest exhibition. We’ve got lots of inspiration in store for you! And of course we’re also providing fresh recommendations for some more active experiences, both indoors and outdoors.

    10 Bernese highlights in February

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Experiences & Activities

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  • Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz
  • Sorell Hotel Ador

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Sorell Hotel Ador
  • Hotel Bellevue Palace

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Bellevue Palace
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
  • Jugendherberge Bern l Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Jugendherberge Bern
  • Hotel Jardin Bern

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Novotel Bern Expo

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Novotel Bern Expo
  • Best Western Plus Hotel Bern

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
  • Hotel Goldener Schlüssel

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel City am Bahnhof

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel City am Bahnhof
  • Bern "Catch the Agent (Catag)" GPS game in Bern for team events

    You play this game in the middle of the city of Bern. You can see the playing field in an app on... from CHF 10
    Offer details


    valid: 05.02.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about "Catch the Agent (Catag)" GPS game in Bern for team events
  • Bern The Grand Tour of Bern, 5 days

    Included: Overnight stay in the selected category incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for... from CHF 955
    Offer details


    valid: 22.03.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about The Grand Tour of Bern, 5 days
  • Bern Chocolate city tour in Bern

    Discover the unique chocolate history of the city of Bern. Visit famous chocolate producers and... from CHF 55
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    valid: 05.02.2025 - 04.08.2025

    Learn more about Chocolate city tour in Bern
  • Bern Aare route: Top Cycling Tour Bern - Aarau, 4 days, Cat. A

    Included: Overnight stay in the selected category incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for... from CHF 605
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    valid: 22.03.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about Aare route: Top Cycling Tour Bern - Aarau, 4 days, Cat. A
  • 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

    Learn more about Kursaal Barbecue
  • Bern Funny Farm Games at the Desired Location

    The funny farm games are exciting competitions for team events and groups. The traditional Swiss... from CHF 80
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    valid: 01.03.2025 - 30.11.2025

    Learn more about Funny Farm Games at the Desired Location
  • Bern "The Thief of Thoughts" Escape Game Bern

    Go with your team on the trail of the thought thief in Bern. Solve tricky questions and solve the... from CHF 39
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    valid: 06.02.2025 - 11.07.2025

    Learn more about "The Thief of Thoughts" Escape Game Bern
  • 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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  • Bern Freiburg hill tour, 5 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for luggage... from CHF 835
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    valid: 22.03.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about Freiburg hill tour, 5 days

Travel information: Bern