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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  • Sorell Hotel Ador 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Sorell Hotel Ador
  • Swissôtel Kursaal Bern 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Swissôtel Kursaal Bern
  • Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
  • Hotel Bellevue Palace 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Bellevue Palace
  • Jugendherberge Bern

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Jugendherberge Bern
  • Hotel Goldener Schlüssel 3 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Goldener Schlüssel
  • Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf
  • Hotel Jardin Bern 3 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region Hotel Jardin Bern
  • NH Bern The Bristol 4 Stars

    Bern, Bern Region

    Learn more about: Bern, Bern Region NH Bern The Bristol
  • Bern "Catch the Agent" GPS game for team events in Bern

    This interactive agent game is played right in the city of Bern. You chase rival teams and score... from CHF 20
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    valid: 09.07.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about "Catch the Agent" GPS game for team events in Bern
  • Bern Self-Guided Reading City Tour in Bern

    You will discover all the key attractions of Bern: iconic landmarks (such as Federal Palace, Bern... from CHF 4
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    Learn more about Self-Guided Reading City Tour in Bern
  • Bern Lucerne, Engelberg, and Mt. Titlis Private Tour

    Swap a day in Bern for a day in the Swiss Alps around Lucerne with a private guide, and enjoy a trip... from CHF 770
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    Learn more about Lucerne, Engelberg, and Mt. Titlis Private Tour
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, Bern Suite Discovery Package

    1 night, 1 Night in Suite, Breakfast, W-Lan per person per night, Welcome drink per person per stay, Public... from CHF 690
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    Suite
    valid: 09.07.2025 - 31.08.2025

    Learn more about Suite Discovery Package
  • Bern The Grand Tour of Bern, 5 days

    Included: Overnight stay in the selected category incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for... from CHF 955
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    valid: 09.07.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about The Grand Tour of Bern, 5 days
  • Bern 5 Days Family Tour in Switzerland

    From the historic capital of Bern, this trip takes you to the Emmental, where you can taste... from CHF 1,865
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    Learn more about 5 Days Family Tour in Switzerland
  • Bern Bern private and guided walking tour

    Discover Switzerland’s capital during a private and guided walking tour.Stroll through the medieval... from CHF 336
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    Learn more about Bern private and guided walking tour

Travel information: Bern