Bern, Switzerland

Bern

An arcaded medieval capital on a loop of the Aare river.

  • All year
  • 1 night
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Nearby hidden places
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Things to do

2 days in Bern

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk the arcaded old town and see the Zytglogge clock tower.
  2. AfternoonVisit the Einstein House and the bear park by the river.
  3. EveningSwim in the Aare river in summer, or have dinner in the arcades.

Day 2

Visit the Zentrum Paul Klee or the Gurten hill.

What to eat

Berner Platte, a huge plate of meats and sauerkraut.

Local tips

Make the most of Bern

Beat the crowds

The old town arcades are calm in the morning. The Zytglogge clock show draws a crowd on the hour.

Best photo spot

The old town in the river loop from the Rose Garden on the hill.

Getting there

Trains connect easily with Zurich, Geneva and Interlaken. The old town is walkable.

Don't miss nearby

Thun, with its castle and lake, about 20 minutes away.

Good to know

In summer, locals float down the Aare river through the city; only swim if you're a strong swimmer. The bear park is by the river.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Bern

Our most hidden places around Bern: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Bern to take with you.

49 km away
54 km away
74 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Bern

Getting there

  • Bern Airport (BRN)6 km away
  • Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL)75 km away
  • Lucerne65 km away
  • Basel70 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountrySwitzerland

Questions

Bern: good to know

Is Bern worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns. An arcaded medieval capital on a loop of the Aare river.

How many days do you need in Bern?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Bern?

You can visit all year. The old town arcades are calm in the morning. The Zytglogge clock show draws a crowd on the hour.

How do you get to Bern?

The nearest airport is Bern Airport (BRN), about 6 km away. Trains connect easily with Zurich, Geneva and Interlaken. The old town is walkable.

What is there to see near Bern?

Nearby hidden places include Lake Brienz (Iseltwald) (47 km), Lauterbrunnen (53 km) and Grindelwald (58 km).

Day trips from Bern: 18 hidden places nearby
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