Indoor activities in Bern

Be it pouring rain, gusts of cold wind, or whirling snow – in Bern, bad weather can’t keep us from going out and having fun! From cozy cellar bistros to special exhibitions and delicious Sunday brunches: here are our rainy-day recommendations.

Heimat. Tracing the Story of Mitholz

Leaving one’s home, one’s “Heimat”, for ten years: that is reality for the people of Mitholz. In 2020, they were told that they had to leave their village to make way for a clean-up operation to remove live munition left over from World War II. The people of Mitholz and the Swiss Alpine Museum have come together to develop the museum’s new special exhibition in which they explore the meaning of “Heimat” (home) and address the uncertain times that lie ahead of them. At the same time, the exhibition touches on highly current topics such as handling risks and responsibilities of our time and what it means to remember and to forget. One thing is certain: Mitholz concerns us all.

To the exhibition

“Zytglogge” (Clock Tower) Tour

Take a look inside the century-old clock mechanism, learn the history behind this Bernese landmark, and enjoy the view over the rooftops of Bern’s Old City – this tour is perfect for fans of technical masterpieces, history freaks, and panorama lovers alike. What do the clock’s different figurines stand for? How does the intricate clock mechanism work? What stories hide behind the thick walls of the famous attraction? And what can you see when you peek out of the tower windows? The answers to these and many other questions can be found on the “Zytglogge” Tour.

Book now

The Best Indoor Activities for Families

It’s raining cats and dogs or it’s too cold and windy to jump into the Aare river? No problem at all, there are plenty of fun indoor activities for kids in and around Bern! Turn your day off into an adventure, no matter the weather. How about a trip to the trampoline hall, the Botanical Garden or the Bimano indoor playground? Practise your somersaults, discover all kinds of different plants, and play with toys made of wood that bring out the creativity in children and adults alike – let’s go have some fun!

Start exploring!

Bern’s famous arcades

How about going out and perusing Bern’s many quaint shops? Leave your umbrella at home and head outside! With its six kilometres of charming arcades, known as the “Lauben” to the locals, the Swiss capital boasts one of the longest covered shopping streets in all of Europe. This allows you to stroll from Bern’s main station all the way to the Nydegg Bridge and still be protected from the weather almost all the way. It also means there are much better chances of having a good hair day – not necessarily due to any product or styling, but rather thanks to the clever medieval architects (thank you very much for that!). The arcades are also a godsend in hot summer weather, providing much-needed shade and pleasant cool temperatures. Pretty convenient, don’t you think?

Shopping in Bern’s Old City

Jesters, queens and knights know no bad weather

Bern’s Castles

Discover now