Berne Travel Guide

This Berne travel guide provides all the information you need for a perfect visit to the Swiss city. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture and customs of Berne.


Introduction to Berne

Berne, the capital of Switzerland, is a charming city filled with medieval landmarks, wide plazas, quirky fountains, and breathtaking views of the Alps. The city boasts of a unique medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is also known for its rich culture, history, and delicious Swiss chocolate.

In this Berne travel guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect visit to this beautiful Swiss city, including the best things to do, places to stay, and local culture and customs.

List of Places to Visit in Berne

Berne is a city with a rich history and culture, and there’s no shortage of places to visit. Here’s a list of some of the top attractions in Berne that you don’t want to miss.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Zentrum Paul Klee

The Zentrum Paul Klee is a museum dedicated to the life and works of the Swiss-German painter Paul Klee. This museum houses the world’s largest collection of Klee’s paintings, drawings and watercolors, and is a must-visit destination for art lovers.

Bern Historical Museum

Bern Historical Museum is one of Switzerland’s oldest and largest museums, featuring exhibits on Swiss cultural history from prehistoric to modern times.

Einsteinhaus

Einsteinhaus is the former home of the famous physicist, Albert Einstein. The museum is dedicated to Einstein’s life and works, and showcases the Nobel laureate’s personal memorabilia, photographs, and scientific documents.

Natural Attractions of Berne: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Gurten Hill

Gurten Hill is a popular tourist attraction in Berne, offering panoramic views of the city from a height of 860 meters. You can take the Gurten funicular or hike up to the summit, where you’ll find an observation tower, children’s playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Aare River

The Aare River runs through the heart of Berne, offering a great spot for river rafting, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the river, or just watch the locals jump into the river from one of the many bridges in town.

Rosengarten

Rosengarten is a beautiful public park and one of the most romantic spots in Berne. The park offers a stunning view of the Old Town and the Aare River, and is home to a magnificent rose garden.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Berne

Berne is situated amidst verdant hills and breathtaking mountain ranges, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the surrounding areas. Below are some of the best hiking and biking routes around Berne:

Biking Routes

  • The Old Town Tour
  • Local Villages Tour
  • River Route Tour

Hiking Routes

  • Gurten Hill Hiking Trail
  • Rosengarten to Old Town Hike
  • Aare Gorge Hike

Best Things to Do in Berne: Activities and Tours

Berne offers a wide range of activities and tours to cater to different interests:

  • Explore the Old Town on a guided walking tour
  • Take a chocolate-making course at one of the city’s famous chocolatiers
  • Experience a night watchman tour, a medieval-themed walking tour of the city
  • Take a scenic train ride to Interlaken or Lucerne

Week-Long Itinerary for Berne

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for your trip to Berne:

Day Activity
1 Explore Old Town and Bern Cathedral
2 Visit Zentrum Paul Klee and Einsteinhaus
3 Hike to Gurten Hill and picnic at the summit
4 Take a scenic train ride to Interlaken
5 Rafting on Aare River and sunset views from Rosengarten
6 Visit Bern Historical Museum and enjoy local brewery tour
7 Spend a day in Lucerne, return to Berne in the evening

Food and Drink Scene of Berne

Swiss cuisine is famous for its cheese, chocolate, and wine. Berne offers a range of dining options to cater to different tastes, from fine-dining restaurants to street food vendors.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cheese Fondue
  • Rösti: Swiss hash browns
  • Berner Platte: A meat platter with sausage, beef, and pork

Local Beverages

  • Swiss Beer
  • Swiss Wine
  • Rivella: a carbonated soft drink, unique to Switzerland

Where to Stay in Berne: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Berne offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and traveler types.

  • Luxury hotels with stunning views: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern, Bellevue Palace
  • Mid-range hotels for families and leisure travelers: Hotel Allegro Bern, Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
  • Budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses: Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke, Youth Hostel Bern City

What to Buy in Berne: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Berne is a great place to buy souvenirs and local products, including:

  • Swiss Chocolate
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Swiss Watches
  • Traditional Swiss Artworks and Crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Berne

Switzerland has a rich and unique culture, and Berne is no exception. Here are some local customs and traditions to learn about before your trip:

  • Swiss German is the predominant language spoken in Berne, so you may want to learn a few phrases before you go.
  • Tipping is generally not expected in Switzerland, as most restaurants and cafes include service charges in their prices.
  • Respect local customs regarding punctuality and cleanliness.

Best Time to Visit Berne

Berne is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:

  • Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures, cherry blossoms, and fewer crowds
  • Summer (June-August): Warm weather, festivals, and plenty of outdoor activities
  • Fall (September-November): Mild temperatures, vibrant foliage, and fewer tourists
  • Winter (December-February): Cold weather, snow-capped peaks, and winter sports

Do’s and Don’ts of Berne

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Take care of the natural environment when engaging in outdoor activities.
  • Try local Swiss cuisine, including cheese fondue, raclette, and rösti.

Don’t:

  • Wear hiking boots or ski gear in the Old Town area.
  • Enter a store without greeting the salesperson.
  • Litter or smoke in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Berne

Berne is one of the safest cities in Europe, but travelers should take normal precautions to ensure their safety:

  • Do not leave your belongings unattended in public areas.
  • Avoid dark or isolated areas at night.

Health in Berne

Berne has a high standard of healthcare, and medical facilities are easily accessible in case of emergencies. It is recommended that travelers purchase health insurance that covers international medical expenses.

Getting to Berne: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Berne

  • Bern Airport: the closest airport, offering direct flights to several cities in Europe.
  • Zurich Airport: the largest airport in Switzerland, with frequent train connections to Berne.

Bus Stations Near Berne

  • Bern Bus Station: the main bus station in the city, with connections to several European cities.

Other Options

  • Train: Berne is well-connected to the rest of Switzerland and Europe via an extensive rail network.
  • Car: Berne is easily accessible by car, but driving in the city center can be a challenge, with limited on-street parking available.

How to Get Around in Berne

Berne is a walkable city, but it also has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains.

Public Transportation Options

  • BernMobil: the city’s public transportation system, including trams and buses.
  • Swiss Federal Railways: the national railway operator, offering train connections to all major Swiss cities.

Tourist Transportation Options

  • Berne City Tours: hop-on-hop-off tram tours of the city.
  • Bike Tours and Rentals: bike tours and rentals around Berne and the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Berne: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Berne is a great base for exploring the rest of Switzerland and nearby European cities:

  • Interlaken: a scenic resort town, known for its outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty.
  • Lucerne: a picturesque, medieval town, famous for its lake and mountain views.
  • Zurich: Switzerland’s largest city, known for its cultural events, museums, and nightlife.

Conclusion

Berne is a charming and beautiful city, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, history, and delicious food. Use this comprehensive Berne travel guide to plan your ideal visit to the Swiss capital, and don’t forget to pack your camera and hiking shoes!

High technology for the 13th century. The 'Zytglogge' clock tower is in the centre of the old town. High technology for the 13th century. The 'Zytglogge' clock tower is in the centre of the old town. Aerial view of the Old City Aerial view of the Old City The Federal Palace of Switzerland (Bundeshaus Bern) The Federal Palace of Switzerland (Bundeshaus Bern) Zentrum Paul Klee Zentrum Paul Klee The view from Gurten Hill The view from Gurten Hill Marktgasse lies right in the centre of the 6-km-long shopping arcades Marktgasse lies right in the centre of the 6-km-long shopping arcades