14 Things To Do In Bern
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- Landmark (4)
- Garden & Park (3)
- Museum (3)
- Church & Cathedral (1)
1. Old Town
0 km from city center
Neighborhood
Bern's Old Town, or "Altstadt," is the historic heart of Switzerland's capital, situated on a peninsula encircled by the Aare River. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, it is centrally located, approximately a 10-minute walk from Bern's main train station. It is also known for its 6 kilometers of covered arcades, offering one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. (Read More) Numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops are nestled within these arcades and along the cobblestone streets.
2. Cathedral
0 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
The Bern Cathedral, also known as the Bern Minster, is a prominent Gothic structure situated in the heart of Bern's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Positioned at Münsterplattform 1, it stands as Switzerland's largest medieval church and boasts the country's tallest church spire, reaching approximately 100 meters (328 feet) into the sky. For those seeking panoramic views, climbing the 344 s (Read More)teps to the top of the spire offers a breathtaking vista of Bern's rooftops, the Aare River, and the distant Bernese Alps.
3. Clock Tower
1 km from city center
Landmark
The Zytglogge, or Clock Tower, is a prominent medieval landmark situated in Bern's Old Town at Bim Zytglogge 3, 3000 Bern, Switzerland. Erected in the early 13th century as the city's western gate, it is renowned for its astronomical clock, added in 1530, which features a captivating mechanical performance with dancing figures and a crowing rooster that delights visitors at the stroke of each hour (Read More).
4. Bear Park
1 km from city center
Zoo
The Bern Bear Park (BärenPark) is a renowned attraction located along the banks of the Aare River, adjacent to the Old Town of Bern. Established in 2009, the park spans approximately 6,000 square meters and serves as a spacious, natural habitat for the city's beloved bears, a symbol of Bern since 1513. It features multiple viewing platforms, providing different perspectives of the bears' habitat.
5. Rose Garden
1 km from city center
Garden & Park
The Rose Garden, or Rosengarten, is a renowned park situated on a hill east of Bern's Old Town, approximately a 15-minute walk from the city center. Its elevated position provides panoramic views of Bern's medieval architecture and the Aare River. The garden boasts over 200 varieties of roses, along with irises, rhododendrons, and water lilies. A playground is available for children, and the on-si (Read More)te restaurant offers Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine with both indoor and terrace seating.
6. Einstein Museum
1 km from city center
Museum
The Einstein Museum is situated within the Bern Historical Museum at Helvetiaplatz 5, approximately a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride from Bern's city center. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Albert Einstein, who developed his groundbreaking theories during his time in Bern. Visitors can explore a comprehensive exhibition featuring personal artifacts, original manuscripts, and (Read More)interactive displays that illustrate Einstein's contributions to science.
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7. Einstein House
1 km from city center
Landmark
The Einstein House, or Einsteinhaus, is located at Kramgasse 49 in Bern's Old City, approximately 200 meters from the Zytglogge clock tower. Albert Einstein resided here from 1903 to 1905, during which he developed his groundbreaking Theory of Relativity. The museum offers insight into Einstein's life and work during his time in Bern.
8. The Parliament Building
0 km from city center
Landmark
The Parliament Building, known as the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), in Old Town Bern serves as the seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council. is renowned for its impressive architecture and isitors can explore its ornate chambers and significant artworks. The surrounding Bundesplatz features fountains and seating areas.
9. Federal Square
0 km from city center
Landmark
Bundesplatz, or Federal Square, is situated in the heart of Bern's Old City, directly in front of the Swiss Parliament Building (Bundeshaus). It is renowned for its 26 water jets, each representing a Swiss canton, which create a lively atmosphere and are especially popular with children during warmer months. It also hosts various cultural events, markets, and festivals.
10. Thun Castle
25 km from city center
Forts & Palaces
Thun Castle, known as Schloss Thun, is a historic 12th-century fortress situated in the town of Thun, Switzerland, approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Bern. Perched on a hill overlooking the town and Lake Thun, the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding Bernese Oberland region. The castle houses a historical museum spread over five floors, showcasing artifacts that highlight the reg (Read More)ion's 4,000-year history.
11. Kleine Schanze
1 km from city center
Garden & Park
Kleine Schanze is a historic park located in the heart of Bern, Switzerland, adjacent to the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) and just a short walk from the city's main train station. It serves as a popular urban green space offering panoramic views of the Alps and the Aare River. The park features amenities such as a pétanque area, chess and mill game tables, and a children's play area with spinning t (Read More)ops.
12. Zentrum Paul Klee
1 km from city center
Museum
The Zentrum Paul Klee is an art museum in Bern, Switzerland, dedicated to the life and works of the renowned artist Paul Klee. Located approximately 2.5 kilometers east of Bern's city center, it is easily accessible by public transport or car. The museum houses the world's largest collection of Klee's works, with about 4,000 pieces. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, the museum's distincti (Read More)ve wave-like structure is a notable architectural feature.
13. Kunstmuseum
1 km from city center
Museum
The Kunstmuseum Bern, established in 1879, is Switzerland's oldest art museum, located at Hodlerstrasse 8–12 in the city center, just a few minutes from Bern's main railway station and directly on the River Aare. The museum houses a vast collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, featuring works by renowned artists such as Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, and Ferdinand Hodler. Visitors (Read More) can explore over 3,000 paintings and sculptures, along with 48,000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos, and films.
14. Botanical Garden of the University of Bern
1 km from city center
Garden & Park
The Botanical Garden of the University of Bern is situated near the city center, just north of the Lorraine Bridge (Lorrainebrücke) and adjacent to the Aare River. Established in 1859, it spans over two hectares and features approximately 5,500 plant species from around the world. Visitors can explore diverse collections, including alpine plants, Mediterranean flora, and tropical species housed in (Read More) six conservatories.