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.

  • “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” – it is indeed, Mr. Bublé! In Bern, magical winter highlights await that you’ll love, even if you’re a bit of a Grinch when it comes to Christmas or don’t celebrate the holiday. December has lots of wonderful surprises in store for everyone. One of them is a trip to Diagon Alley with Harry Potter & Co., for example. “Gwundrig?” (intrigued?) Discover our December highlights.

    10 Bernese highlights in December


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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
  • 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

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  • Jugendherberge Bern

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

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

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Jardin Bern
  • Hotel Belle Epoque 3 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Belle Epoque
  • Novotel Bern Expo 4 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Best Western Plus Hotel Bern 4 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel 3 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel

Current Offers

  • Bern "Fire kitchen" cooking over the fire private

    You go out into nature and cook on an open fire by the river or in the forest. You will prepare a... from CHF 120
    Offer details


    valid: 21.12.2024 - 31.12.2024

    Learn more about "Fire kitchen" cooking over the fire private
  • 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
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    valid: 21.12.2024 - 13.12.2025

    Learn more about "Catch the Agent (Catag)" GPS game in Bern for team events
  • Bern Chocolate city tour in Bern

    Discover the unique chocolate history of the city of Bern. Visit famous chocolate producers and... from CHF 55
    Offer details


    valid: 21.12.2024 - 14.06.2025

    Learn more about Chocolate city tour in 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 Bern interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone

    Discover the Swiss capital Bern with your friends or family. Solve interesting puzzles together and... from CHF 11
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    valid: 21.12.2024 - 14.12.2025

    Learn more about Bern interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone
  • 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
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    valid: 11.01.2025 - 22.02.2025

    Learn more about Chocolate & Schnapps City Tour in Bern
  • 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: 07.01.2025 - 19.06.2025

    Learn more about Bern Apero Tour
  • 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 75
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    valid: 01.03.2025 - 30.11.2025

    Learn more about Funny Farm Games at the Desired Location
  • 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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Travel information: Bern