UNESCO old town, bear park, Zytglogge, museums and good addresses: the complete guide to what to do in Bern, the capital of Switzerland.
Bern is the capital of Switzerland and one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe. Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestles in a loop of the turquoise Aare river. Compact and easy to explore on foot, Bern can be discovered in one or two days. Here is what to do in Bern and the highlights not to miss.
Bern's highlights at a glance
- The UNESCO old town: 6 km of covered arcades, ideal in any weather.
- The Zytglogge: the medieval clock tower and its moving figures.
- The Bear Park (BärenPark): the bears, emblems of the city, by the Aare.
- The cathedral (Münster): the tallest in Switzerland, with a panoramic tower.
- The Federal Palace (Bundeshaus): seat of the Swiss government.
Strolling through the old town
The heart of Bern is best explored on foot, along its famous arcades (the Lauben) sheltering shops, cafés and vaulted cellars. Don't miss the colourful Renaissance fountains, the Kramgasse and the house where Albert Einstein lived. The Zytglogge, a 13th-century clock tower, sets off its figure display a few minutes before each hour.
The cathedral and the Federal Palace
The Bern Minster (Münster) is the most important Gothic building in Switzerland; climbing its 312 steps rewards you with a splendid view over the rooftops and the Aare. Nearby, the Federal Palace overlooks the market square; free guided tours reveal how Swiss democracy works.
The bears and the banks of the Aare
Across the Nydegg bridge, the BärenPark is home to the brown bears, symbols of Bern since the Middle Ages. In summer, locals jump into the Aare and let the current carry them: a unique urban swim. The riverbanks and the rose garden (Rosengarten) offer the finest views over the old town.
Museums and culture
- Zentrum Paul Klee: the world's largest collection of the artist's work, in a Renzo Piano building.
- Bern Historical Museum / Einstein Museum: the history of the city and of relativity.
- Kunstmuseum: the oldest art museum in Switzerland.
Where to eat in Bern?
Bernese cuisine is hearty: try the Berner Platte (meats and sauerkraut) or cheese specialities. The vaulted cellars of the old town hide cosy restaurants. To find a table, explore the restaurants category or book via the Reservation page.
When to visit Bern?
Spring and summer are perfect for the banks of the Aare and the terraces. Autumn bathes the old town in golden light, and winter brings Christmas markets and a cosy atmosphere under the arcades, sheltered from the cold.
Plan your visit with TOP SUISSE
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Frequently asked questions
What to do in Bern in one day?
Start with the old town and its arcades, admire the Zytglogge, climb the cathedral tower, cross the Nydegg bridge to the bear park, then finish at the rose garden for the view. If time allows, add the Zentrum Paul Klee.
Why is Bern the capital of Switzerland?
Bern was chosen as the federal city in 1848 for its central location and its balancing role between the language regions. It is home to the Federal Palace, seat of the Swiss government and parliament.
Is Bern's old town a UNESCO site?
Yes. Bern's old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, notably for its 6 km of medieval arcades, its Renaissance fountains and its remarkably preserved urban structure.
Can you swim in the Aare in Bern?
Yes, in summer. Swimming in the Aare is a Bernese tradition: you walk upstream and let the current carry you. Beware of the current, reserved for strong swimmers, and enter and exit at the designated spots.
