10 Best Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland
One of the best-preserved Medieval towns in Switzerland, Bern is the Swiss capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Bern is charming with its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and colorful fountains. And while Old Bern is wonderful, the rest of the city is also worth exploring. If you are looking for things to do in Bern, we have just the list for you!
About Bern
Nestled in the heart of Europe, this alluring city brims with magnificent landmarks, quaint streets, and great museums.
Bern is considered the city of bears and while roaming the streets of Bern, you will find plenty of bear references!
This city is very pedestrian friendly and you will find that getting around town is very simple due to its wonderful transportation system.
Free Public Transportation in Bern
When you stay overnight in Bern, you will receive a Bern Ticket which gets you use of the Bern public transportation for free.
With this ticket, you get access to both streetcars and buses in zones 100/101 operated by the Libero Association.
This ticket can be downloaded to your phone through the app and then you will have it on you throughout your journey.
10 Best Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland
Whether you are here for a week or a weekend, you will find plenty of places to explore.
These are 10 of our favorite things to do in Bern, Switzerland:
1. Visit Bern Minster
Take time to walk inside the spectacular Gothic cathedral, which happens to be the tallest cathedral in all of Switzerland.
Pay attention to the archway above the doors to the cathedral.
The sculptures of the Last Judgement are one of the most complete collections of European Gothic sculptures to survive the Protestant Reformation.
While the 47 large free-standing statues surrounding the doorway are replicas (the originals are in Bern History Museum), the 170 smaller figures are originals.
Those visiting who wish to climb the towers will be asked to leave their bags in lockers.
The interior nave features a vaulted lace-detailed ceiling and stained glass that dates back to the 1400s.
For a small fee, guests can walk up the Bell Tower to see the most impressive views of the city.
2. See the Aare River
This river stems from an Alpine glacier before making its way through Interlaken, onto Lake Thun, and then nearly encasing the Old Town of Bern.
The views of the river against the backdrop of Bern are stunning
3. Visit Einstein’s House in Bern
Einstein is an important figure in Bern.
Not because he was born there (he was born in Württemberg, Germany), but because he chose to live here while developing his theory of relativity.
Visitors can do a one-hour guided tour of Einstein’s apartment.
While it was occupied by Einstein, it is only furnished in the style of Einstein’s time, not with his actual items.
4. Watch the Zytglogge Clock Tower on the Hour
One of the most popular things to do in Bern is to see the famous Zytglogge Clock Tower.
The tower was once part of the 12th-century city gate of the town wall. The clock was added in the 16th century.
Dating back to 1530, you will find that the rooster still comes out to crow on the hour while Father Time spins his hourglass & little bears march.
If you want to explore more, you can even do a behind-the-scenes tour of the clock tower.
5. Check out the Fountains
As you stroll through Old Bern, you will notice many different decorative fountains.
The 11 fountains in Old Town Bern were commissioned in the 16th century and served as a way to display the wealth of the capital.
Each fountain features a sculpture on the pedestal, either a historical or symbolic figure.
6. Bern Museum of Fine Arts
As the oldest museum in Switzerland, this museum has quite a collection.
Guests will find 4,000 paintings and sculptures as well as 50,000 drawings, prints, photographs, and videos.
Among the most popular are works from Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, and Meret Oppenheim.
7. Federal Palace
Located in Bundesplatz is the Swiss Parliament Building, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the Old City of Bern.
Free guided tours are available when Parliament is not in session allowing guests to see the domed hall, both debating chambers (Council of States and National Council) and the lobby.
8. Bear Pit
One of the most popular things to do in Bern is to see the bears. After all, they are this Swiss city’s namesake.
Bears were brought from hunting expeditions centuries ago and as time went on, the city created its very own bear habitat.
Guests can tour the old bear pit and the new bear park that was added in 2009 for free.
9. Bern Historical Museum & Einstein Museum
This museum has a little bit of everything, from artifacts from the Stone Age to documents from Albert Einstein.
They have over 100 items from ancient Egypt including sarcophagi and objects found in graves.
Part of the museum is dedicated to the life & discoveries made by Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern for a short time.
There are some 550 objects, including photos, manuscripts and documents, like his Nobel Prize.
10. Bern Christmas Market
If you are visiting during the holiday season, you won’t want to miss visiting the Christmas markets, especially in the evening when the streets are lit with holiday lights!
This is the perfect time to pick up special holiday baked goods or a beautiful handmade Christmas ornament.
Bern, Switzerland is full of beautiful architecture and interesting things to do. Be sure to make some time to visit this beautiful city when you are in Switzerland.
Should You Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass?
The Swiss Travel Pass is a great option if you are traveling to more than one destination in Switzerland.
It gives visitors unlimited access to public trains, buses, and boats to over 90 cities and towns.
Pass holders also get free entrance to 500+ museums, discounted city tours, and access to private and scenic trains with a pre-requisite seat reservation.
There are two types of Swiss Travel Pass: Continuous and Flexi, with an option to choose from 3, 4, 8, and 15 days.
Want to find other nearby places to see while you are in Bern? We’ve got a great list of day trips from Bern that aren’t too far away!
Want to read this article later? Pin it so you don’t forget it!
