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If you have done the things to do in Italy, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Berne.
It’s like stepping into a postcard!
Berne, Switzerland’s capital, boasts stunning architecture, picturesque streets, and a charming river that runs through the city.
Whether you’re seeking a culture fix, scenic stroll, or indulgent meal, Berne has it all.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Berne:
1. Zytglogge
A historic clock tower in the heart of Berne, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate astronomical clock as it chimes on the hour, take in the stunning views of the city from the observation deck, and explore the small museum within the tower.
Don’t miss: The mechanical performance that takes place four minutes before every hour – it’s a must-see experience for visitors to Berne.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and consider taking a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history of the tower.
Additionally, be sure to bring a camera to capture the picturesque scenery from the top of the tower.
2. Bern Cathedral
Bern Cathedral is a magnificent gothic-style cathedral located in the heart of Berne, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture and impressive stained-glass windows of the cathedral. They can also climb the tower to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps.
Don’t miss: A must-see attraction inside the cathedral is the 15th-century astronomical clock, which features intricate moving figures and a calendar of the zodiac and saints’ days.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid crowds, visit the cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
3. Federal Palace of Switzerland
A historic building in Berne, Switzerland that houses the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the building to learn about its architecture and history. Visit the National Council Hall and the Council of States Chamber to see where important political decisions are made.
Don’t miss: The view from the rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding Alps.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance as they can fill up quickly. Visit during the summer months to enjoy the vibrant outdoor market on the Federal Square in front of the building.
4. Rosengarten
Rosengarten is a beautiful park located in the heart of Berne, the federal capital of Switzerland.
What to see or do: The park is home to an impressive collection of roses, including over 200 different varieties.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the winding paths and enjoy the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of the flowers.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the Rosengarten restaurant, which offers stunning views of the city and the Alps beyond.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is in the summer months when the roses are in full bloom.
5. Aare River
A scenic river that flows through the heart of Berne, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Stroll along the river banks and enjoy the picturesque views of the historic buildings, bridges, and the lush greenery that surrounds the river.
Don’t miss: Taking a dip in the river during summer months, which is a favorite activity among locals and tourists alike.
Insider travel tips: Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the riverside. Additionally, consider taking a guided river rafting tour to explore the river’s natural beauty from a unique perspective.
6. Bern Historical Museum
The Bern Historical Museum is the second largest historical museum in Switzerland and is located in the city of Berne.
What to see or do: The museum has a vast collection of artifacts and exhibitions, covering the history of Bern from its origins to the present day.
There are several permanent and temporary exhibitions, including natural history, archaeological artifacts, and Hans Erni art.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the Einstein Museum, dedicated to the famous physicist Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern from 1902 to 1909.
The museum showcases Einstein’s life and work during his time in Switzerland, and visitors can even see his original apartment.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays but open every other day from 10 am to 5 pm.
7. Gurten Mountain
Gurten Mountain is a recreational area and vantage point in Berne, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Hike or bike up the mountain for stunning views of the city and surrounding Alps. Enjoy picnics, concerts, playgrounds, and a panoramic restaurant at the summit.
Don’t miss: Sunset from Gurten is a must-see experience.
Insider travel tips: Take the Gurtenbahn funicular to the top for a quick and easy ascent. The mountain can get crowded in the summer months, so plan accordingly.
Stay after sunset for live music at the restaurant or events at the open-air arena.
8. Einsteinhaus
Einstein’s former apartment in the heart of Berne, Switzerland, and now a museum.
What to see or do: Explore the various exhibition rooms featuring interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and original artifacts from the life and work of Albert Einstein.
Learn about his personal life, his scientific discoveries and their impact on modern physics, and his humanitarian contributions.
Don’t miss: The recreated rooms where Einstein lived with his family and created some of his most important works, including the theory of relativity.
Also, make sure to visit the beautiful garden behind the house where he used to spend his leisure time.
Insider travel tips: – Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
9. BearPark
BearPark in Berne is a park and zoo dedicated to the conservation and preservation of brown bears.
What to see or do: Visitors can observe bears in their natural habitat while walking around the park.
The highlight of the park is the huge enclosure, which provides the bears with both indoor and outdoor spaces to roam around freely.
The park also has an information center that educates visitors about the bears’ behavior, ecology, and conservation.
Don’t miss: Watching the bears playing in the water and enjoying their food being thrown in by the zookeepers is a highlight.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to visit in the morning when the bears are most active and lively. BearPark is free to visit, so try to get there early to avoid long queues.
Also, bring a pair of binoculars to get an even closer look at the bears.
10. Kornhauskeller
The Kornhauskeller is a historic restaurant and bar located in the capital city of Berne, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a meal or drink in the stunning subterranean cellar that dates back to the 18th century. The restaurant serves up traditional Swiss cuisine with a modern twist and a large selection of wine and beer.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the stunning architecture and design of the Kornhauskeller. The vaulted ceilings and rustic stone walls offer a unique and charming atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: It can get quite busy, so make a reservation ahead of time to secure your spot. Don’t forget to try the restaurant’s famous Bernerplatte, a hearty plate of local specialties including smoked pork, beef, and sausages.
11. Clock Tower (Zeitglockenturm)
The Clock Tower, also known as Zeitglockenturm in German, is an iconic landmark and a symbol of Berne, Switzerland. The tower dates back to the 13th century and has undergone several changes and additions over the years.
What to see or do: You can visit the Clock Tower and explore its interior, including the astronomical clock mechanism. If you’re lucky, you may also catch the hourly performance of the clock with its procession of mechanical figures.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the ornamental frescoes on the exterior of the tower, as well as the carved figures of the Chronos and the accompanying angels.
Also, check out the small souvenir shop inside the tower.
Insider travel tips: Arrive a few minutes before the hour to get a good view of the clock performance. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting the tower early in the morning or late in the evening.
Additionally, be prepared to climb a few stairs to reach the top of the tower.
12. Botanical Garden of the University of Bern
The Botanical Garden of the University of Bern in Berne is a stunning botanical garden, located in the Länggasse area of the city.
What to see or do: The garden provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere with its wide array of unique and beautiful plants from different parts of the world.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to explore the extensive collection of medicinal plants, water plants, orchids, and alpine plants. Be sure not to miss the garden’s large pond, which is home to diverse aquatic flora and fauna.
Insider travel tips: Visit the garden early in the day or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Stop by the glasshouses to see tropical plants and to experience the different climate zones.
13. Bern Art Museum (Kunstmuseum Bern)
The Kunstmuseum Bern is an art museum located in the capital city of Switzerland, Berne.
What to see or do: The museum boasts an impressive collection of art from the medieval period to contemporary times. Visitors can view works by famous artists such as Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and many more.
The museum also provides temporary exhibitions that showcase the works of contemporary artists.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the unique collection of Swiss art from the Gothic period, Renaissance, and Baroque art collection.
It is one of the most extensive collections of Swiss art in the world.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit in advance and check the museum’s website for current exhibitions, opening times, and closed days.
14. House of Parliament (Bundeshaus)
The House of Parliament (Bundeshaus) is the seat of the Swiss federal government and houses the two houses of the Swiss Parliament.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the building and learn about the history and functions of the Swiss government. Visit the Parliament Library, which contains over two million publications and is open to the public for research purposes.
Don’t miss: The impressive dome of the building, which is made of glass and provides a stunning view of the city of Berne.
Insider travel tips: Guided tours of the Bundeshaus are available in several languages, but it is advisable to book in advance as they can sell out quickly.
Visitors can also attend sessions of the Swiss Parliament, which are free and open to the public. However, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance and arrive early to ensure a seat.
15. Albert Einstein Memorial
A memorial dedicated to famous physicist Albert Einstein, located in his hometown of Berne, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the life-size bronze statue of Einstein sitting on a bench, with his trademark disheveled hair and thoughtful expression.
The statue depicts Einstein holding a paper with equations from his famous theory of relativity.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll through Einstein’s old neighborhood in the Matte Quarter, which lies just a few minutes away from the memorial.
There, you’ll find the apartment where Einstein lived with his wife and son while he worked at the Swiss Patent Office.
Insider travel tips: Visit the memorial early in the morning or during sunset to avoid the crowds. Also, consider bundling up if visiting during the winter months, as it can get quite chilly in Berne.
Finally, be sure to stop by the nearby Rosengarten for panoramic views of the city.