Discover Bern through a range of interests: its medieval urban layout, clockwork and art venues, as well as gardens and river scenery. You can consider these highlights separately when planning your stay and choose the places that interest you most.
Old Town and history
Bern’s Old Town was laid out in the 12th century according to an innovative founding plan. Its medieval layout is considered an impressive example of town planning in the High Middle Ages; the historic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arcades and house façades supported by arches define its preserved urban structure.
The Zytglogge was built as a defensive tower between 1218 and 1220. From 1530, an astronomical clock made the tower a prestigious feat of engineering. A guided tour of the Zytglogge offers a look behind the hands of the centuries-old clockwork and a view from the tower. Check tour dates before your trip. Tours organized by Bern Tourism showcase both famous attractions and lesser-known corners of the city.
Art and places to visit
A wave-like steel-and-glass structure by Italian architect Renzo Piano defines the Zentrum Paul Klee. Its collection comprises around 4,000 works, including paintings, watercolors and drawings. The center also serves as a venue for concerts, readings and guided tours; dates for the cultural program vary.
At the Einstein House, the apartment is open to visitors and furnished in the style of the period in which it was created. Check the current opening arrangements before your visit.
Gardens, animals and river
The Rose Garden offers views of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. More than 400 varieties of roses and irises grow there, along with 28 different rhododendrons. The site served as the cemetery for the Lower Old Town from 1765 to 1877; since 1913, the garden has been a public space.
The animal-friendly BärenPark covers 6,000 square meters. From the visitor paths, you can watch the bears playing, eating, climbing and swimming at close range. The BärenPark is part of Tierpark Bern and is free to enter. Check access conditions before your visit.
A walk starts in the UNESCO-protected Old Town and follows the Aare toward Tierpark Bern and Elfenau. A funicular runs from the Bundesterrasse down to the Aare in 66 seconds; check current service information before your ride. Take particular care when swimming: because of the strong, easily underestimated current, the Aare is suitable for swimming only for strong swimmers. Check local conditions and follow the signs. Lorrainebad and Marzilibad are cited as popular and safe places to enter the water.
Gurten is in the municipality of Köniz, not within the city limits of Bern. It can be reached by a funicular that opened in 1899. From the lookout point at Eastsignal, the view stretches from the federal city to the Alps. Gurten also has an observation tower, a children’s playground with a miniature railway and a varied cultural program.
Seasonal event and finding a hotel
The Zibelemärit is always held on the fourth Monday in November. A large part of its merchandise consists of onion braids, onion wreaths and onion figures. Bern also has a wide choice of places for brunch.
Consider which themes you want to shape your stay around, and plan tours or visits according to their dates and opening arrangements.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Rokwiler, Saules, Sornetan, Le Fuet, Stettlen, Zimmerwald, Ostermundigen, Zollikofen.
Back to the main travel overview: Bern.
