Experiences in Bern

From humble beginnings in a cramped flat to a snowballing success story: “Schuum-Bier” was created by two friends and is now well on its way to ​becoming a household name.

A petting zoo and large playground make the Dählhölzli an ideal family outing destination.

The Minster Terrace with its green spaces and large chestnut trees is perfect for picnics, playing and relaxing. The breathtaking view of the Aare river, the Alps and Bern’s Matte neighbourhood make the old churchyard a popular place to meet and hang out.

Many may know this name thanks to the Gurten festival, but also on the other 361 days of the year Berne’s home mountain has plenty to offer to visitors, hikers and families from near and far.

The Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent is the most impressive late-Gothic building in the city and the largest and most important late medieval church in Switzerland. From this highest church tower in Switzerland you may admire the magnificent view over the city and of the snow-covered mountains of the Bernese Oberland.

The Bern bear pit is an attraction that is known far beyond the borders of Switzerland. Since 2009 the bears of Bern also have a modern 6,000 square meters park at their disposal - which they can reach via a tunnel.

The Adventure Park Ropetech near Thunplatz is a fixed-rope park established among the natural tree population of the Bernese Dählhölzli Forest.

From a brewing course to the “ZAPF! Craft Beer Festival” and the Bern brewery walk, these 12 experiences are the perfect way to immerse yourself in Bern’s beer culture.

Team up with a seasoned beer sommelier and embark on a beer fact-finding tour: learn some interesting insights and anecdotes that are bound to impress people.

The most popular open air bathing spot in Bern. As with all other public baths in the town of Bern, the Marzilibad is completely free. The separate “Paradiesli” and “Männerbad” areas allow men and women to sunbathe unclothed.

The Zentrum Paul Klee, which opened in 2005, is dedicated to the person, life and work of Paul Klee (1879–1940). It houses the worldwide largest collection of Klee's works. Paul Klee is regarded as one of the 20th century's most important artists.

The Rose Garden is a mecca for flower lovers and a great place to unwind. It features a restaurant in a prime location and a wonderful view of Bern.

Many famous Swiss bands hail from Bern. Music has a long tradition in Switzerland's capital.

More direct access than ever before: besides interactive displays, surprising objects and large-scale video screens, visitors to the Museum of Communication will now also be introduced to the fascinating world of communication by people made of flesh and blood, by our communicators.

The expansive Elfenau Park is one of the jewels of the City of Bern. It offers plenty of activities to delight young and old alike: whether that’s strolling through the historic park, swimming in the Aare river, watching the kingfishers by the river’s edge, attending a concert in the orangery or simply enjoying an afternoon in the park’s own café.

A unique building by star architect Daniel Libeskind houses around 2,000 square metres of water, with bathing fun for the whole family.

Adored by locals, the turquoise waters of the Aare provide the ultimate base for adventures of every kind.

The neighbourhoods of Bern are as diverse as their restaurants, and there are quite a few of them in the federal capital. You can really get a true sense of the typical Bernese lifestyle by visiting one of Bern's cosy neighbourhood pubs.

On nature’s trail – the Natural History Museum Bern is one of the most renowned in Switzerland. Its historic exhibitions of native and exotic animals are unique in Europe and are the reasons for the museum’s international reputation.

In Bern, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are near enough to be grasped. Only the Swiss Alpine Museum (ALPS) is closer to the mountains.

Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1902 to 1909 and developed his Theory of Relativity here. The Einstein House gives visitors a chance to see where the great physicist completely revolutionized our understanding of space and time.

Walk along the riverbanks, enjoy an ice cream and sample some culture – you don’t have to be a water baby to enjoy the Aare in Bern.

The 26 fountains of the Parliament Square’s water display represent the 26 cantons of Switzerland. Sometimes in rhythm, sometimes randomly, the water sprays up to seven metres into the air. This image is quite amazing in many regards. Such a sight would be practically unthinkable in front of other seats of government.