Bern

Bern, Switzerland's de facto capital, curves around a U-shaped section of the Aare River. You’ll find six kilometers of covered walkways with shops and cafes, stone fountains from the 1500s, and the Zytglogge clock tower where mechanical figures move every hour. The Federal Palace faces a square with 26 water fountains, and a park across the Nydegg Bridge houses brown bears in open enclosures. People swim in the river’s clear currents during warmer months, starting upstream and drifting back to their starting point. Government buildings stand alongside swimming spots and walking paths, with the Alps visible on clear days.

Walk Through Bern’s Historic Center

Bern’s old town sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Aare River. Covered walkways with arched ceilings line streets like Kramgasse and Marktgasse, protecting pedestrians from rain or sun. The Zytglogge clock tower marks the western edge of the old town; join a guided tour to learn how its 15th-century mechanics track time and zodiac signs. Walk east toward the Gothic cathedral, passing buildings with detailed stone carvings that once belonged to merchant guilds. Climb the cathedral’s tower for a panorama of red rooftops, the Parliament building’s green dome, and distant mountain peaks.

Visit Government Sites and Parks

The Federal Palace opens its doors for free tours between July and September, where you can see the assembly halls where Swiss laws are debated. Outside, the square’s water jets shoot in patterns timed to music, drawing families and visitors on hot days. Head east to the Rose Garden, planted with over 200 types of roses, irises, and rhododendrons. From its terrace, you get a clear view of the old town’s skyline and the river below. The adjacent bear park lets you observe Bern’s symbolic animals in a habitat with trees, pools, and climbing structures.

Swim, Bike, and Explore the Aare River

Between May and September, residents swim in the Aare’s cold, fast-moving waters. Enter at Eichholz or Marzili, float downstream for 15-20 minutes, then walk back along the riverbank through shaded trails. Rent a raft or inflatable boat to paddle past the Untertorbrücke bridge, built in the 1400s. Cyclists follow paved paths along the river to the Dählhölzli forest, home to a zoo with wolves, bison, and alpine ibex. Take the Gurtenbahn funicular to Bern’s local mountain for hiking trails, a playground, and views stretching from the Jura range to the flatlands north of the city.

Discover Museums and Historic Homes

Einstein’s former apartment on Kramgasse displays original furniture and copies of his manuscripts from the early 1900s. The Zentrum Paul Klee, designed by architect Renzo Piano, holds rotating exhibitions of the artist’s paintings and sculptures. Dive into Switzerland’s communication history at the underground Kommunikationsmuseum, which has working telegraphs and early television sets. The Bern Historical Museum displays medieval armor, religious art from the 1300s, and artifacts from Celtic settlements. Check opening days in advance—some museums close on Mondays or during lunch hours.

Take Trains to Nearby Towns and Landscapes

Direct trains from Bern’s station reach Interlaken in under an hour, where you can board boats to explore Lake Thun. Head south on the Lötschberg line to see the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps, from observation platforms near Bettmeralp. Closer to the city, the Emmental region has dairy farms offering tours that explain cheese-making traditions. For a half-day trip, ride tram 9 to the edge of Bern and hike through oak forests to the Bantiger tower, which overlooks the city and surrounding farmland.

Plan Your Visit

Your hotel will give you a Bern Ticket for free access to trams, buses, and the Gurtenbahn funicular. Summer temperatures rarely drop below 15°C, perfect for outdoor swimming and walking tours. Join a guided walk starting daily at 11 AM from the main station to learn about Bern’s history and architecture. If visiting in winter, pack warm layers for exploring Christmas markets and frost-covered parks. Leave your car outside the old town—narrow streets and limited parking make trams a faster way to reach museums and restaurants.