Exploring Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, is a rare example of a town that does not feel like it’s the current capital of a country. With the Swiss Alps as a backdrop and Medieval charm in every direction, you feel as though you stumbled into a new Disney attraction, yet simultaneously finding yourself thinking, “I could easily live here” (until you see home prices). Even crazier, many people are walking around in and WITH ski gear… winter sports are that close, as are summer ones when the weather is much warmer.
The below information is a complete guide of the best places to stay, the top rated places to dine and drink, and all there is to see and do. We’ve also included transportation tips, as well as a summary of the history of this beautiful lively city!
Time needed in this city: A Day Trip or a weekend.
Jump To:
Where to Stay
Where to Dine & Drink
Things to See & Do
How to Get Around
A History Summary
Where to Stay
Where to Dine & Drink
Taking its influence from 1930s bistros, this romantic venue prepares innovative European cooking.
Located right on the River Aare, it’s the perfect place to stop for lunch and watch all the action on the river. They serve Mediterranean fare.
NOTE: Get there at 12:30pm if you want a leisurely lunch on the terrace as they close their kitchen at 2:30pm.
Set in the 1909 casino building, in the center of the old town, the menu features classic dishes, as well as Italian influences.
Warm, rustic spot for a creative rotating menu of Swiss, French & Italian cuisines, plus wine.
Friend or Foe Specialty Coffee Market
The top-rated coffee spot in Bern.
Old-school eatery (still boasts the original 1920s decor) in the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern serving classic French dishes & desserts.
TIP: They are known for their veal schnitzel.
Warm & welcoming wine bar also serving coffee on a leafy terrace or in the sophisticated interior.
A former granary from the 1800s, this baroque-style restaurant serves a number of local specialties, including rösti with Bergkäse (mountain cheese), seared calf's liver, and Bernese Geschnetzeltes (a creamy stew made with veal), along with rainbow trout and other fish caught nearby.
A top-rated cafe.
Chef Domingo S. Domingo takes you on a culinary journey around the world, also drawing on his Australian and Filipino roots.
Set in the historical heart of Bern, this trendy, modern restaurant spread over two floors serves creative cuisine with a focus on regional and seasonal produce. The "Carte Blanche" menu offers a choice of two, 4-5 course set menus, – one completely plant based.
Serving family recipes of Austrian-Portuguese dishes.
A one Michelin-starred restaurant that takes you on a journey “around the world”, from South Korea, to Japan, and Portugal (for example).
A one Michelin-starred restaurant serving multi-course menus, specializing in upscale European fare in an underground wine cellar.
Ranked the best steakhouse in Switzerland.
Classic French fare in a refined space with white tablecloths & sidewalk seating.
A one Michelin-starred and one Michelin green-starred restaurant serving modern and creative vegetarian dishes that are meticulously prepared and rich in flavor. There is an seven-course set menu with optional add-ons. Some dishes can also be ordered à la carte.
In the stately old building that is the Zähringerhaus, classic French cuisine with Swiss influences are served.
Things to See & Do
Historical Exploration
Antikensammlung
Created in 1806, this museum of antique sculptures was built when the state of Bern ordered the sculptures for drawing classes. Today, you can view them along with a fine collection of original ancient small art.
Bernisches Historisches Museum (Bern Historical museum)
Built in 1894, the museum contains collections related to the history of Bern, from prehistoric times to the present. They also have permanent displays from Asia, Oceania, America and Egypt. Additionally, the collection includes important tapestries and other loot from the camp of Duke Charles the Bold of Burgundy, taken after his defeat and death at the Battle of Nancy in 1477. It is the second largest museum in Switzerland.
Einstein museum
First conceived as a temporary exhibition in 2005, the Einstein Museum became a museum dedicated to the life and work of Albert Einstein, who developed the Relativity Theory while living in Bern.
Federal Palace (Parliament Building)
Initially built in 1852 and expanded several times over the next 50 years, the Federal Palace houses the Swiss Federal Assembly (legislature) and the Federal Council (executive). It is the seat of the government of Switzerland and parliament of the country.
Käfigturm (Prison Tower)
The Prison Tower was originally built in 1256. The town needed a secondary set of city walls, which required a new gatehouse and became a second line of defense about 100 years later. In 1405, after a fire ravaged much of Bern, this tower was then used as a prison. In 1433, it also became a watch and signal tower, in addition to a prison. In 1640-1644, they demolished the old tower and built a new, more modern one, which included a controversial bell (stolen from a war) that had to be hand-rung. About 50 years after that, a clock face was added.
The tower had been renovated several times over the centuries, which included shifting the “role” of the tower from prison (which housed 60-70 prisoners) to state archives in 1897. It is now used a space for political forums.
Zytglogge
When it was built around 1218–1220, the Zytglogge served as the gate tower of Bern's western fortifications. At that time, the Zytglogge was only 52 ft. in height. When the rapid growth of the city and the further expansion of the fortifications (up to the Käfigturm) relegated the tower to second-line status at around 1270–1275, it was heightened by 23 ft. to overlook the surrounding houses. In 1344, it was converted to a women’s prison for those who were engaging in “promiscuous acts” with religious clergy. Sixty years later in 1405, a fire ravaged the town, which caused significant damage to the tower, resulting in extremely slow repairs that were not completed until the last restoration in 1983.
In the late 15th century, the Zytglogge and the other Bernese gate towers were extended and decorated after the Burgundian Romantic fashion. The Zytglogge received a new lantern (including the metal bellman visible today), four decorative corner towerlets, heraldic decorations and its stair tower. The astronomical clock was extended to its current state. In 1527–1530, the clockwork was completely rebuilt by Kaspar Brunner, and the gateway was overarched to provide a secure foundation for the heavy machinery. Since then, it’s had centuries of repairs.
When the Clock Chimes
When the great bell rings out every full hour, struck by a large clockwork-operated hammer, passers-by see a gilded figure in full harness moving its arm to strike it. The larger-than-life figure of bearded Chronos, the Greek personification of time, is traditionally nicknamed Hans von Thann by the Bernese. The wooden bell-striker, which has been replaced several times, has been a fixture of the Zytglogge since the renewal of the astronomical clock in 1530, whose clockwork also controls the figure's motions. The bell-striker has been gilded, just like the bells, since 1770.
Below the hour bell, hangs the smaller quarter-hour bell, also rung by a clockwork hammer. It was cast in 1887 to replace the cracked 1486 original.
Astronomical Clock
The dial of the Zytglogge's astronomical clock is built in the form of an astrolabe. It is backed by a stereographically projected planisphere divided into three zones: the black night sky, the deep blue zone of dawn, and the light blue day sky. The skies are crisscrossed with the golden lines of the horizon, dawn, the tropics, and the temporal hours, which divide the time of daylight into twelve hours whose length varies with the time of year.
Around the planisphere moves the rete, a web-like metal cutout representing the zodiac, which also features a Julian calendar dial. Above the rete, a display indicates the day of the week. Because leap days are not supported by the clockwork, the calendar hand has to be reset manually each leap year on February 29th. A moon dial circles the inner ring of the zodiac, displaying the moon phase. The principal hand of the clock indicates the time of day on the outer ring of 24 golden Roman numerals, which run twice from I to XII. It features two suns, the smaller one indicating the date on the rete's calendar dial. The larger one circles the zodiac at one revolution per year and also rotates across the planisphere once per day. Its crossing of the horizon and dawn lines twice per day allows the timing of sunrise, dawn, dusk and sunset.
The painted frieze above the astronomical clock shows five deities from classical antiquity, each representing both a day of the week and a planet in their order according to Ptolemaic cosmology. From left to right, they are: Saturn with sickle and club for Saturday, Jupiter with thunderbolts for Thursday, Mars with sword and shield for Tuesday, Venus with Cupid for Friday and Mercury with staff and bag for Wednesday.
NOTE: Stand in front of the clock 10 minutes before the hour as the show begins in phases. You’ll hear the rooster crow 10 minutes before and again around the 7 minute mark, which is also when the carousel starts to spin. When it reaches the top of the hour, you will hear the bells chime. The show is complete when the rooster crows again.
Religious History
In 1276, Bern broke away from the parish of Köniz to become an independent parish. For this new role, a larger church would have been necessary. It appears likely that construction on the second church began immediately. However, it isn't mentioned until 1289 in writings of Bishop Benvenutus von Eugubio.
The 1356 Basel earthquake caused extensive damage to the church, requiring extensive repairs - the choir was rebuilt in 1359 and the roof was rebuilt in 1378–1380.
In 1421, construction began on the cathedral as Bern had expanded and become a major city-state north of the Alps. It would continue on through to 1893. Much of the span of time wasn’t just due intricacies in construction, it was also due to the Reformation, plagues, and wars.
Bell Tower
The bell tower is open to the public for a small fee. The lower viewing platform requires a climb up 254 steps and provides a view over Bern, as well as the Alps (on a clear day). The upper spire is also accessible by climbing an additional 90 steps from the lower platform.
The largest bell in the tower is a 10.5-ton bell which was cast in 1611. It is the largest bell in Switzerland. The bells in the tower are rung daily at noon and at 6 p.m. It is possible to stand near the bells when they are rung, but it is necessary to cover one's ears to prevent hearing damage.
TIP: Definitely climb the stairs to the tower - the views are worth it!
The Arts & Sciences
Einsteinshaus
The flat on the second floor of Kramgasse No. 49 was rented by Einstein from 1903 to 1905. It has been restored in the style of that period to reflect Einstein's crucial years in Bern. The flat is open to the public.
Klingende Sammlung
This small museum displays a large collection of historical brass and woodwind and brass instruments, mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries. Here, visitors can learn about how the symphony orchestra was created, as well as try to play both known and exotic instruments themselves.
Kunstmuseum (Museum of fine arts)
Established in 1879, the museum’s collections run from the Middle Ages to the present. It houses works by Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, Edmond Jean de Pury, Ferdinand Hodler, Méret Oppenheim, Ricco Wassmer and Adolf Wölfli. The collection consists of over 3,000 paintings and sculptures, as well as 48,000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos and films.
Natural History Museum
This museum is world-renowned for their collection of taxidermied animals in natural settings. Over 200 nearly century-old dioramas of birds and mammals from Asia, Africa, and Switzerland are housed there. In addition, there are many animal skeletons on display.
OF NOTE: The oddest item in the museum is "Barry” who is the most famous St. Bernard alpine rescue dog, living from 1800 until 1814. He was said to have rescued over 40 people from the cold snows of the Alps. The 200-year old taxidermied St. Bernard has been recently restored, and now stars in his own exhibit.
Unique Experiences
It all started with a game called “Boules” that was played in 1854, within the walls of this historic building and would go onto be played until 2002 when the game would become “extinct” in favor of slot machines. What was once a game hall. quickly expanded to a summer restaurant in 1860, a concert hall with lift, foyer and additional game rooms in 1914 (expanded in 1946); legal gambling operations in 1920, a chandelier hall wing in 1933, and a hotel in 1998.
Elfenau country estate
“Elfenau” is located on the southern edge of the city of Bern, in a slightly elevated position on the right bank of the River Aare. The planning of the landscape garden (that still exists today) goes back to the Russian Grand Duchess Anna Feodorovna. She acquired the country estate in 1814, gave her property the poetic name “Elfenau,” and commissioned the garden architect Joseph Bernhard Baumann to transform the site into a landscape garden. A network of paths with pavilions, areas for sitting, and outlook points, which becomes more concentrated toward the stately manor, was laid out on the meadows, which were used for agriculture.
The current “Elfenau” park can only be experienced as a park from the edge of the site, down to the River Aare. The rearward area of the park has been partially built over and is mainly perceived as an operational area and field used for agriculture.
Walking Tours
Along the Aare
There’s a 4-mile walking path along the Aare that is absolutely beautiful any time of year. The Green Aare Walk begins in Bern's beautiful Botanical Garden, which boasts an incredible 5,500 different plant species, and then takes you along the river to the BearPark.
We reversed this walk by heading over the bridge, going up to Bärengraben, then using the short funicular to get down to the walking path.
Bärengraben
In 1191, Duke Berthold the Fifth swore to name his newly founded town after the first animal he killed on a hunt in the surrounding forest, which turned out to be a bear. In 1513, the first bear pit was set up in the city near the Käfigturm (Cage Tower) in what is present-day called Bärenplatz (Bear Square.) This bear pit was relocated in 1764 to the Schanzengraben (Moat) in Bollwerk, in front of the gateway to the city. The final, still visible bear pit was opened on May 27, 1857, though it was far too small and was remodeled in the 1990s (though found to be too small again).
In 2009, the last two remaining bears were put down due to health problems and for the first time in 496 years, bears ceased to have a presence in the city of Bern. Then, on October 25, 2009, the renamed Bärenpark opened to the public. The bears of Bern now live in a 6000-square-meter park along the banks of the River Aare. The large bear pit is still accessible to the bears for their continued use and the smaller bear pit now is open to the public and is used as a concert venue from time to time.
Fountains of Bern
The history of Bern’s public water supply dates all the way back to the Middle Ages when there were already several standpipes in the city of the Zähringen people. The water came from the city’s underground stream, wells and probably cisterns. The main supply was the city’s creek. It was used as sewage, transported water to fight fires and connected – and still connects – Bern’s fountains. Around 1550, the city replaced the then wooden fountains with elaborate stone ones.
Public fountains always played an important social role in the everyday life of the city. People met up, chatted, exchanged news, settled disputes, discussed politics and made deals. Women and maids carried large copper pots to the fountains to bring water back to their homes for use (or they hired water carriers to do it), and waggoners came to water their horses. The lower, smaller basins were built specifically for animals and are a reminiscence of the times when cows and horses were led through the streets and alleys of Bern.
While there are 217 fountains in Bern’s old city, 11 of them tell mysterious tales about heroes, historical events, or social ideals. The fountains remain the same as when they were constructed and are magnificent examples of Renaissance art. The designs and pompous figures are indications of the prosperity and wealth of the bourgeoisie at the time.
Rosengarten (Rose Garden)
From 1765 to 1877, this park served as a cemetery. In 1913, it became a public park. From 1956 to 1962, the park was redesigned, introducing rhododendrons and azaleas as well as an iris garden. Today, the Rose Garden is home to 220 different types of roses, 200 types of irises and moor beds with 28 different types of rhododendrons.
NOTE: There is also a wonderful restaurant on site.
Shopping Arcade
Within old town are four miles of arcades where one can do all of their shopping, whether it’s food, flowers, clothing, household items, or gifts. All of it is completely covered, which makes it great for any weather and the tram runs right through it.
TIP: If it’s not raining, don’t forget to walk outside of the covered spaces as well to see the historical artifacts, art, and beauty of the buildings!
How to Get Around
Tram/Train
The public transport in Bern is phenomenal and is the primary way everyone gets around, both inside and outside of the town. Download the SBB Mobile app to start and set up your account.
SBB Mobile App Tips:
Easy Ride is GREAT if you keep your cell service on. Swipe once to start the ride once you’re on the tram/train and once at the end to end the ride. Otherwise, you will have to get paper tickets for each ride you take, at one of their kiosks at the stops or get day passes - those can be costly.
You can get the Swiss Pass to access all the museums, rides you need to take, etc. however, we didn’t find it worth the hefty price tag, since we wouldn’t have taken full advantage of that offer. Do the math first before agreeing to sign up for it.
If you are on a train, heading to another town or city in Switzerland, click on the easy ride icon and then the little QR code on that page. It will generate a QR ticket that the porter will scan.
Easy ride will have a first and second class selection. There is no first class on trams, only trains, so that selection doesn’t matter for inter-city travel. For trains, make sure you are heading to the right car and select the right class.
Bikes and eScooters
Some people prefer to bike around town with bike lanes aplenty to do so. SBB also rents both bikes and eScooters to get around.
A History Summary
Neolithic Period - Earliest evidence of the Aare Valley dates back to this time.
300 BC - 200 BC - La Tène culture settlement was founded. It is thought to have been one of the twelve oppida of the Helvetii mentioned by Caesar.
50 BC - 211 AD - A small Gallo-Roman settlement, a vicus, was re-founded at the same place. The vicus had a small amphitheater, a temple district with three small Gallo-Roman temples, several private buildings with attached workshops and at the northern end, a bathing facility.
Fall of Roman Empire - 12th century AD - Only minor settlements were found in and around the area.
Late 12th century - Bern proper begins when Berthold V, Duke of Zähringen founded the city.
1218 - Bern gained her town privileges and became an Imperial Free City in the Goldene Handfeste.
1293 - Bern was a de facto independent city-state within the Holy Roman Empire and it became to map out the layout for the old town.
1294 - The city’s constitution was enacted.
14th century - As the importance of European commerce began to rise, numerous wealthy trading families emerged as the city's aristocracy.
1300 - Bern had 3,000 inhabitants.
1323 - Bern entered an alliance with the Forest Cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden.
1339 - The city became in direct conflict with the Burgundian and Habsburg-supported feudal lords and the neighboring city of Fribourg, due to the city’s rapid expansion. Despite the opposing team’s size, Bern won the feud.
1353 - Bern upgraded its pact with the forest cantons to an eternal alliance, thus becoming a permanent member of the Old Swiss Confederacy.
15th century - Trade merchants turned into autocratic rule, thus stagnating trade.
1405 - Most of the city of Bern, burned to the ground. The timber buildings were gradually replaced with sandstone.
1415 - 1536 - Bern invaded and conquered Aargau in 1415 and Vaud in 1536, as well as other smaller territories, thereby becoming the largest city-state north of the Alps.
1445 - 1651 - Throughout the Late Middle Ages, the Oberland, as a whole or in part, revolted several times against Bernese authority. The Evil League (Böser Bund) in 1445 fought against Bernese military service and taxes following the Old Zürich War; in 1528, the Oberland rose up in resistance to the Protestant Reformation; and in 1641 Thun revolted.
1513 - The town began to keep bears in Bärenplatz.
16th century - Bernese commerce and crafts, organized in guilds, started to blossom - Bernese glass paintings were in demand all over Europe.
1528 - Bern converted to Protestantism.
1530 - The astronomical clock is built.
17th century - Citizenship had become an inherited prerogative, all political bodies elected one another and officials were elected for life. The city was now established as a “republic”.
1720 - Bern experiences a banking crisis.
1798 - 1803 - Bern was occupied by French troops during the French Revolutionary War and was stripped of Oberland to become its own canton. It prompted the amending of the city’s constitution for the first time in nearly 500 years. Five years later, they were reunited as a result of the Act of Mediation.
1834 - University of Bern is established.
1848 - Bern was made the Federal City (seat of the Federal Assembly) of the new Swiss federal state.
1857 - The Federal Palace (Parliament) was built.
1877 - Bern Symphony Orchestra is established.
1879 - Conche machine invented by chocolate maker, Rodolphe Lindt.
1888 - The town built its first tram.
1894 - Bern historical museum was built.
1903 - Einstein moves into Einsteinhaus.
WWI - A number of congresses of the socialist First and Second Internationals were held in Bern.
1940 - Trolleybus begins operation.
1941 - 1943 - The Bern group (Lados group) operates secretly to rescue Jews from the Holocaust.
1955 - The Romanian Embassy is seized.
1983 - Old City of Bern designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1995 - Jewish religious community of Bern recognzsed under public law and the Bern S-Bahn began operation.
2007 - A bombing and political unrest plagued this year.
