Bern

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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  • Discover Bern on two wheels

    Active and relaxed at the same time – Bern offers ideal conditions for unforgettable tours by e-bike or gravel bike. Between the city, the Aare and rolling hills, varied routes await for every pace and skill level.

    E-bike tours are all about relaxed exploration. Effortlessly, the routes lead through idyllic landscapes, past wide fields, charming villages and impressive viewpoints. Perfect for experiencing Bern in comfort and with variety.

    Gravel tours bring adventure and freedom. Away from the usual routes, they combine asphalt with natural trails and reveal new perspectives on the region. Forests, gravel paths and quiet back roads turn every tour into an immersive experience.

    Whatever the bike, the focus remains on the experience, the movement and the joy of the journey – an active way to discover Bern while fully unwinding.

    E-bike tours in Bern


    Gravel tours in Bern

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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
  • Swissôtel Kursaal Bern 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Swissôtel Kursaal Bern
  • 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
  • Bern Youth Hostel

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Bern Youth Hostel
  • Hotel Bellevue Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

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

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel Goldener Schlüssel 3 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Alpenblick Bern - kind of a hotel

    Bern, Bern Region

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  • Hotel City am Bahnhof 3 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel City am Bahnhof

Travel information: Bern