It is only the 5^th largest city of Switzerland, but it is the capital. Come here to visit the beautiful old city. Most importantly, the locals are proud that the city is on the UNESCO heritage list and shows you the bear which is the symbol of the city. As with many cities, the founding of Berne is linked to a legend. It’s said that the the founder of the city, would name the city after the first animal he was hunting in the area. This unfortunate animal happened to be a bear, so the new city was called Bern (bear is “barn” in German spoken through the area). Above all, the city is close to many mountain resorts and glacial lakes that certainly will fascinate you. So what are you waiting for?

Museums in Bern

Einstein Museum and Historical Museum of Bern is one of Switzerland’s most important cultural and historical museums. Firstly, visit it for the historical collection with approximately 500,000 objects. Moreover, the objects on display range from the Stone Age to the present, from cultures of all continents. In short, the integrated Einstein Museum presents a powerful presentation of the life and work of Albert Einstein and places it in the context of world history.

Swiss Alpine Museum gives you the opportunity to learn how the ”View of the Alps’ has changed over time. Come and visit this museum to learn how life, work, culture and tourism have changed the Alps environment. Above all, special exhibits and a thematically broad event and education program gives you the chance to make new discoveries. It is recommended for ‘mountain climbers’ of all ages.

Cultural attractions in Bern

The Federal Palace of Switzerland is the official building that houses the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council of Switzerland. You can see here an imposing high green dome, decorated with stained glass windows. It shows the coats of arms of Switzerland’s cantons.

After that, be fascinated by the Old Town of Bern, capital of Switzerland, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For example, at the heart of Bern you can find the beautiful Old Town. Come here to see and learn about the Clock Tower (Zytglogge), the Prison Tower (Käfigturm), the sculptural fountains from the Renaissance, the Cathedral (Münster) and the well-kept sandstone facades. On the other hand, you can discover cultural venues and speciality shops in converted cellars.

Religious sites in Bern

Berne Cathedral is the largest and most important late medieval church in Switzerland. Certainly, the cathedral is the centre to the overall architectural concept of Berne’s old town. It was placed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1983. Moreover, as a parish church, venue for concerts of sacred music and other events, the building continues to fulfil an important cultural function in city life today.

Natural attractions in Bern

Bern’s Bear Park is a natural park for bears located on the eastern outskirts of the old town. This park is one of the oldest and most famous tourist attractions in Bern. The Rosengarten (Garden of Roses) is a few minutes’ walk away. Come here to learn new things about these beautiful animals and about there environment.

Bern is open to visitor in any season because although the summer is rather short, is lasting from July until late September. The Alpine landscape of Switzerland remains incredibly beautiful regardless of the season. In short, Switzerland is a country of mountains and lakes, so from this point of view the seasons matter less.

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, a special city that is distinguished by its medieval features. Walk on more than 6 kilometres of medieval streets and romantic alleys. Admire fountains decorated with statues and sidewalks covered with arches. Discover, the Swiss Parliament Building, right in the middle of the Old Center. From here all the routes will take you to the most important sights of Bern. The medieval atmosphere, the multitude of museums, theatres, shops, cafes and restaurants make Bern one of the most beautiful in the world. So start exploring this beautiful city.

The City of Bern has an extensive public transport network with different tram and bus lines. Buy tickets for Bern public transport at machines and in the LIBERO shop at Bern main station. However, no tickets are sold on buses and trams. In addition to the normal tickets and the multiple journey tickets, Bernmobil also sells short journey tickets at a more affordable price. The ticket machines at the tram and bus stops show which journey ticket is valid for.

Walking is the best way to visit the city. Try in Bern the wonderful running/walking trail, as well as public walking tours organised by the city.

By bicycle: If you prefer the bicycle, you have currently 52 cycle tours all around Bern. Choose from 20 bicycle rides, 21 mountain bike rides and 11 road bike rides that are waiting to be explored.