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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Experiences & Activities

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  • Bern Day pass for all zones in the Libero fare association

    Travel all day long by train and bus throughout the Libero fare association area. Use all means of... from CHF 78.40
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    valid: 23.07.2026 - 17.01.2027

    Learn more about Day pass for all zones in the Libero fare association
  • Bern Bern Bites Food Tour

    The Bern Bites Food Tour is a three-hour culinary city tour through Bern's old town. During a...
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    valid: 23.07.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Bern Bites Food Tour
  • Bern "Beat the groom" in Bern: action-packed stag party

    You and your wedding party will go on a fun city rally through Bern to see the groom off into... from CHF 299
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    valid: 12.08.2026 - 21.07.2027

    Learn more about "Beat the groom" in Bern: action-packed stag party
  • Bern Chocolate city tour in Bern

    Discover the unique chocolate history of the city of Bern. Visit famous chocolate producers and... from CHF 55
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    valid: 23.07.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Chocolate city tour in Bern
  • Bern Private Balloon Ride in the Bern City Region

    On your private balloon flight over Bern, you’ll soar above the old town and the Aare river while... from CHF 1,400
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    valid: 23.07.2026 - 28.02.2027

    Learn more about Private Balloon Ride in the Bern City Region
  • Bern Bern: Audio Guided Walking Tour (1h50 - 23 audio comments)

    Immediate access to the audio-guided tour, no tickets or equipment to collectNo deadline or... from CHF 5
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    valid: 23.07.2026 - 15.08.2026

    Learn more about Bern: Audio Guided Walking Tour (1h50 - 23 audio comments)
  • Bern Cycling holidays Aare-Route Interlaken - Bad Zurzach

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 939
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    valid: 23.07.2026 - 17.10.2027

    Learn more about Cycling holidays Aare-Route Interlaken - Bad Zurzach
  • Bern Marzilibahn ticket in Bern

    The Marzilibahn connects the Marzili district on the Aare River with the Bundesterrasse in Bern's... from CHF 10.40
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    valid: 23.07.2026 - 17.01.2027

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  • Bern Cycling Holidays Aare-Route Top Cycling Tour

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 665
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    valid: 23.07.2026 - 18.10.2026

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  • Bern "Gentlemen Club" Escape Game for Bachelor Party in Bern

    Solve puzzles with the groom and his friends about the missing bride. In Gentlemen Club, you play... from CHF 250
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    valid: 01.08.2026 - 20.07.2027

    Learn more about "Gentlemen Club" Escape Game for Bachelor Party in Bern

Travel information: Bern