Bern
Photo by Carol Jeng on Unsplash
Updated, May 2023
City
Bern is the capital of Switzerland. it is a delightful city for travellers. This mediaeval city has a combination of history, culture, and natural beauty in a compelling way.
Explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone alleys, sandstone facades, and spectacular mediaeval architecture.
Visit the majestic Bern Cathedral and the renowned Zytglogge clock tower. Discover the Einstein Museum, which honours the famed physicist who created his theory of relativity here.
Take a walk along the peaceful River Aare, where you can swim as well. Bern is a must-see city for any traveller, with its rich heritage and magnificent environment.
Getting In & Around
Getting in
Bern Airport:
10 km from city centre, address: Flugplatzstrasse 31, 3123 Belp, Switzerland, web: www.bernairport.ch, phone: +41 31 960 21 11,
To reach city center
Train: Take a train from Belp Bahnhof (airport train station) to Bern Hauptbahnhof (main train station). Trains run every 15-30 minutes, and the journey takes around 15 minutes. Tickets: Approximately CHF 5-8. Bus: Board bus line 334 at the airport, which goes to Bern Hauptbahnhof. Buses depart less frequently, and the travel time is about 30 minutes. Ticket: about CHF 4-6. Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal, Prices vary, about CHF 40-60
Main Station
See & Do
Bern Munster (Bern Cathedral):
About: The Bern Munster is a stunning Gothic cathedral known for its impressive architecture and panoramic views from the tower. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tickets: Admission to the cathedral is free. However, there is a fee of CHF 5 to climb the tower. Address: Münsterplattform 1, 3000 Bern, Switzerland. Website: www.bernermuenster.ch Phone: +41 31 312 04 62 How to reach: The cathedral is centrally located in the old town and can be easily accessed on foot or by public transportation.
Zytglogge (Clock Tower):
About: The Zytglogge is a medieval clock tower and one of Bern’s most famous landmarks. It features an astronomical clock and offers panoramic views of the city. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tickets: CHF 15 for adults, CHF 8 for children (ages 6-16) Address: Kramgasse 49, 3011 Bern, Switzerland Website: www.zeitglockenturm.ch Phone: +41 31 328 12 12 How to reach: It is located in the city center and can be easily reached by walking or using public transportation.
Rosengarten (Rose Garden):
About: The Rosengarten is a beautiful park with vibrant rose gardens, offering panoramic views of Bern’s old town and the Swiss Alps. Opening hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tickets: Free admission Address: Alter Aargauerstalden 31A, 3006 Bern, Switzerland Website: www.rosengarten.be.ch Phone: +41 31 633 11 36 How to reach: The Rosengarten is located on a hill east of the old town. You can walk uphill or take a bus to reach the park.
Bear Park (BärenPark):
About: The Bear Park is a unique attraction where you can observe bears in a natural habitat setting. It offers an enjoyable experience for animal lovers. Opening hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to February), 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (March and October), and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (April to September). Tickets: Free admission Address: Grosser Muristalden, 3006 Bern, Switzerland Website: www.baerenpark-bern.ch Phone: +41 31 357 15 15 How to reach: The Bear Park is located a short walk from the city center. You can reach it by walking or using public transportation.
Bern Historical Museum (Bernisches Historisches Museum)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays) Tickets: CHF 15 for adults, CHF 5 for children (ages 6-16) Address: Helvetiaplatz 5, 3005 Bern, Switzerland Website: www.bhm.ch Phone: +41 31 350 77 11 How to reach: The museum is located near the city center and can be reached on foot or by public transportation.
Federal Palace of Switzerland (Bundeshaus)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Tickets: Free guided tours available (Reservation required) Address: Bundesplatz 3, 3005 Bern, Switzerland Website: www.parlament.ch Phone: +41 58 322 94 30 How to reach: The Federal Palace is centrally located, a short walk from the main train station and easily accessible on foot or by public transportation.
Paul Klee Center (Zentrum Paul Klee)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays) Tickets: CHF 20 for adults, CHF 10 for children (ages 7-16) Address: Monument im Fruchtland 36, 3000 Bern, Switzerland Website: www.zpk.org Phone: +41 31 359 01 01 How to reach: The center is located about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the city center. You can take a bus or taxi, or it’s a pleasant 30-minute walk from the main train station.
Bern Historical Old Town (Altstadt von Bern)
Opening hours: Open all day Tickets: Free to explore Address: Bern, Switzerland Website: No official website Phone: N/A How to reach: The Old Town is in the heart of Bern and can be easily explored on foot from the main train station or by using public transportation.
Gurten Park
Opening hours: Park open all day; funicular and attractions have specific opening hours. Tickets: CHF 8 for the funicular ride (additional fees for attractions) Address: Gurtenbahn valley station: Wabernstrasse 36, 3000 Bern, Switzerland Website: www.gurtenpark.ch Phone: +41 31 970 33 00 How to reach: Take the funicular from Wabern, located just outside the city center, or hike up to the park. Buses are also available.
