The Zytglogge (Clock Tower), the Parliament Building and the BearPark – there are many things to be discovered in and around Bern! These attractions are definitely a must when visiting the Swiss capital.
City of Bern
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Bern's Old CityBern’s Old City has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, wowing visitors with its impressive sandstone buildings and incomparable charm. Also typical for the city are its quaint alleys and the six kilometres of arcades.Attractions, Why Bern?, Why Bern?Bern's Old CityMore -
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)Bern’s typical streets, lanes and buildings have exciting stories to tell, and in the midst of them all in the Old Town one of the city’s best-known landmarks stands high above the rest: the Zytglogge (Clock Tower). Once a city gate, the Clock Tower now attracts spectators from all over the world.AttractionsZytglogge (Clock Tower)More -
Bern’s MinsterThe Bernese Minster has the highest church spire in all of Switzerland and is one of the most important landmarks of the capital. There are 344 steps to reach the viewing deck – but the wonderful panorama from the Old City to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland is absolutely worth it.Attractions, Why Bern?, Why Bern?Bern’s MinsterMore -
Parliament Building and Parliament SquareThe Parliament Building in Bern is the heart of Switzerland’s democracy: the parliament holds its meetings under the grand dome, the west and east wings house parts of the federal government and administration. And the large Parliament Square and long terrace are popular, lively meeting places.Attractions, Why Bern?, Why Bern?Parliament Building and Parliament SquareMore -
Bern Animal Park, Dählhölzli + BearParkIn the federal capital, there is an incredibly varied fauna flying, hopping, crawling and swimming along: at Bern Animal Park, Dählhölzli, numerous domestic and exotic animals have found a home, while Bern Animal Park, BearPark is inhabited by brown bears “Finn”, “Björk” and “Ursina”.Attractions, Trips & Recreation, Bern for FamiliesBern Animal Park, Dählhölzli + BearParkMore -
Rose GardenThe Rose Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Bern and offers an unrivaled view over the rooftops of the historic Old Town, the Münster (Minster) and the loop in the Aare river.Attractions, Trips & Recreation, Bern for FamiliesRose GardenMore -
Bern, City of FountainsColourful figures, skillfully crafted pillars and detailed decorations – those are the characteristics of Bern’s fountains. The medieval works of art were once important meeting points for locals and still form an essential part of Bern’s image.Attractions, Trips & RecreationBern, City of FountainsMore -
Einstein HouseAlbert Einstein lived in Bern from 1903 to 1905 and developed his Theory of Relativity here. The Einstein House gives visitors a chance to see where the great physicist completely revolutionized our understanding of space and time.Attractions, Art & Culture, Why Bern?Einstein HouseMore -
Bern Historical MuseumThe ten permanent exhibitions at the Bern Historical Museum are devoted to the topics of history, archeology and ethnography. The integrated Einstein Museum presents the life of the Nobel-prizewinning physicist and the museum’s modern addition measuring 1,200 m² houses various exciting and rotating exhibitions.Attractions, Art & Culture, Why Bern?Bern Historical MuseumMore -
Käfigturm (Prison Tower)In the past, Käfigturm was where criminals were interrogated and locked up, today it is a space for political discussions. The former city gate at the upper end of Marktgasse is an important landmark of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bern and home of the Polit-Forum Bern (Political Forum Bern).AttractionsKäfigturm (Prison Tower)More -
Rathaus (Town Hall)Where Bern’s political decisions are made: the parliaments of the city and the canton hold their meetings at Town Hall. Be it in sessions, meetings or conferences – democracy is practiced in this historical building.AttractionsRathaus (Town Hall)More -
Zentrum Paul KleeThe iconic Zentrum Paul Klee was designed by the Italian star architect Renzo Piano and erected on the outskirts of the capital city in 2005. In addition to holding the most significant collection of Klee’s works in the world, the center offers diverse programs, recreational opportunities, an attractive event location and, above all, a lively cultural scene.Art & Culture, Attractions, Bern for FamiliesZentrum Paul KleeMore -
The French ChurchToday, the French Church in Bern is much more than just a place of prayer and refuge. Once known as the “preachers’ church” or the “Latin church”, the French Church is now the oldest sacred building in the capital and attracts fans of architecture, art and culture alike.Attractions, Why Bern?, Why Bern?The French ChurchMore -
The Aare RiverThe Aare river flows around three sides of the city of Bern. With its crystal-clear turquoise water – in which hundreds of swimmers splash about in the summer – it shapes the city’s life and characterizes the picturesque cityscape of the Old Town of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Attractions, Trips & Recreation, Bern for FamiliesThe Aare RiverMore -
The Gurten, Bern’s Local MountainIdyllic mountain oasis, fast-paced tobogganing paradise or legendary open-air festival site – Bern’s local mountain excites both young and old. Here are some recommendations for the ultimate Gurten experience.Attractions, Trips & Recreation, Bern for FamiliesThe Gurten, Bern’s Local MountainMore -
The Botanical Garden of the University of BernThe Botanical Garden thrills the hearts of plant lovers and is popular both among nature fans and those who simply want to unwind in a peaceful setting.Attractions, Trips & Recreation, Why Bern?The Botanical Garden of the University of BernMore -
Museum of CommunicationThe Museum of Communication unites the past, present and future under one roof. The history and development of communication and its technologies can be experienced on the museum’s three levels. And it’s all yours to touch, try out and play with!Art & Culture, Bern for Families, Why Bern?Museum of CommunicationMore
Around Bern
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GantrischWhether it's challenging yourself on the via ferrata, a bike tour on the winding roads, relaxed hiking with a fantastic view, or enjoying regional delicacies - the Gantrisch Nature Park leaves nothing to be desired.Attractions, Trips & Recreation, Why Bern?GantrischMore -
Emmental ValleyThe Emmental cheese with its many holes is world-famous. But the beautiful valley has so much more to offer – it is a great escape for bike lovers and hiking enthusiasts, for example.Attractions, Trips & Recreation, Why Bern?Emmental ValleyMore -
OberaargauQuaint villages, idyllic lakes, and historic buildings – the Oberaargau region is worth getting to know. It offers all kinds of fun adventures and pretty destinations.Attractions, Trips & RecreationOberaargauMore -
Town and Castle of LaupenThe charming atmosphere of this town stems from its skillfully crafted arcades, medieval half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and picturesque castle that take visitors on an architectural journey to the past.Attractions, Trips & Recreation, Why Bern?LaupenTown and Castle of LaupenMore
