Medieval lanes, arcades and fountains define Bern’s Old Town, which also fulfils the diverse functions of a modern capital. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. For planning your trip, Bern offers more than a historic city centre: architecture, museums and walks along the Aare provide different highlights that you can prioritise according to your interests.
Old Town, arcades and Zytglogge
The sandstone buildings and arcades stand out in the cityscape: the arcades stretch for six kilometres through the Old Town. Fountains are also part of exploring on foot: Bern is known for having more than 100, some of which date back to the 16th century. If you would like to combine well-known sights with less familiar corners, guided tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town are available. This lets you look beyond individual buildings and take in the city’s layout.
One striking landmark is the Zytglogge with its medieval mechanism. The clock’s figures include a procession of bears, a jester, a golden rooster and Chronos, the god of time. A guided tour of the interior involves climbing around 130 steps. If you are planning an interior tour, check the current visiting options beforehand; access arrangements may change.
Museums and creative activities
At the Einstein Museum, Einstein’s theories are illustrated with animated films, interactive experiments and numerous exhibits. The exhibition covers more than 1,000 square metres; its specific configuration may change. The visit combines scientific subjects with various ways of presenting them.
The Zentrum Paul Klee preserves around 4,000 works, including paintings, watercolours and drawings. The programme also includes concerts, readings and guided tours, and may change. At the centre, Creaviva offers creative workshops for visitors aged four and up. Workshop offerings and booking requirements may also vary. These different formats make the centre a destination in its own right alongside the city’s historic sights.
Rose Garden, BearPark and the Aare
The Rose Garden has been a public park since 1913 and is home to more than 400 varieties of roses and irises. On a clear day, the view stretches across the city to Bern’s local mountain, Gurten, and the Alps. Here, the garden and the view offer a different city experience from the Old Town’s lanes and sandstone façades.
At BearPark, you can watch bears playing, eating, climbing and swimming from the visitor paths. The park is freely accessible; check the latest access information before you arrive. Since 2015, the wheelchair-accessible BäreBähnli panoramic inclined lift system has been available there. Check current accessibility information before your visit.
The Aare flows in a wide loop around the Old Town. One walk along the river heads towards Bern Animal Park and Elfenau; another starts in the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Swimming in the Aare is suitable only for strong swimmers because of the powerful current. Conditions may vary, so follow local guidance.
Getting around during your stay
The Mattelift connects the Münsterplattform with Badgasse in the Matte district. The ride costs 1.50 francs for adults; check that it is operating before travelling. Along with the walking routes through the city centre, it offers different ways to include Bern’s historic and natural surroundings in your stay. When choosing a hotel in Bern, you can consider whether you would like to focus your itinerary mainly on the UNESCO Old Town, museums, walks or gardens and parks.
Discover more destinations: Innere Stadt, Köniz, Lengnau, Muri Bei Bern, Stettlen, Ostermundigen, Le Fuet, Bolligen.
Return to the main travel overview: Bern.
