Bern

Bern, Old Town and the Aare River Cities © Marie Geiglé

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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.

  • Bern has plenty of new things to offer each month: new restaurants, new exhibitions, new plays, you name it! But this April, we’re focusing on the past for a change, with traditional events and heaps of history. Objects are given a second life in the old town and the ALPS museum, we reflect on time on an e-bike tour through Laupen, and we indulge in traditional English tea culture in a historic building. Ready for exciting experiences old and new?

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Experiences & Activities

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  • Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz
  • Sorell Hotel Ador 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Sorell Hotel Ador
  • Jugendherberge Bern l Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Jugendherberge Bern
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
  • Hotel Bellevue Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Bellevue Palace
  • Best Western Plus Hotel Bern 4 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
  • Novotel Bern Expo 4 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Novotel Bern Expo
  • Hotel Jardin Bern 3 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Jardin Bern
  • Hotel Ambassador 4 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Ambassador
  • Hotel National Bern 2 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel National Bern
  • Bern Chocolate & Schnapps City Tour in Bern

    Discover the unique chocolate history of the city of Bern. Visit places of famous chocolate... from CHF 65
    Offer details


    valid: 27.04.2025 - 03.05.2025

    Learn more about Chocolate & Schnapps City Tour in Bern
  • Bern "Inside-The Color of Gold" Escape Game Bern

    Solve a thrilling whodunit together with your team in the middle of Bern. The interactive whodunit... from CHF 42
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    valid: 16.04.2025 - 11.07.2025

    Learn more about "Inside-The Color of Gold" Escape Game Bern
  • Bern Bern interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone

    Discover the Swiss capital Bern with your friends or family. Solve interesting puzzles together and... from CHF 11
    Offer details


    valid: 16.04.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Bern interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone
  • Bern Bern Apero Tour

    You visit three selected restaurants or bars in Bern and enjoy small tastings with a drink. from CHF 69
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    valid: 16.04.2025 - 19.06.2025

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  • 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 Enjoy Spring in the city

    1 night, 1 Night in Suite, Breakfast, Aperitif per person per stay, W-Lan per person per night, Public... from CHF 690
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    Suite
    valid: 16.04.2025 - 30.06.2025

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  • Bern The little Bern tour, 4 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for luggage... from CHF 705
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    valid: 16.04.2025 - 26.09.2025

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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: 16.04.2025 - 26.09.2025

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  • Bern 3 for 2

    3 nights, 3 Nights in Double room, Breakfast, Public transport ticket for Bern per person per night, e-bike... from CHF 860
    Offer details

    Double room
    valid: 16.04.2025 - 30.06.2025

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  • 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: 16.04.2025 - 11.07.2025

    Learn more about "The Thief of Thoughts" Escape Game Bern

Travel information: Bern