In the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe when he visited Bern in 1779: “Sie ist die Schönste, die wir je gesehen haben” (“It is the most beautiful [city] we have ever seen”). Over 200 years later, the city still impresses and awes visitors with its beauty. But Bern is not just pretty to look at, it also has an irresistible charm, is incredibly diverse, and exudes a feeling and a way of life that can only be felt in Bern.
Bern's Old City
The Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of Bern. Its arcades do not only protect us from the rain and the sun, they also house a plethora of unique shops and stylish boutiques. One special feature of the Old City are the bars and restaurants in the vaulted cellars – in the past, the sandstone cellars were used to store supplies, now they’re filled with hip beer bars, ateliers, or second-hand shops.
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City ToursIncorporating the city’s landmarks as well as its secret corners and hidden treasures, providing both historical background and amusing anecdotes, Bern’s city tours are as diverse as the city itself. Informed and interesting, funny and astonishing, historical and topical: the tours are instructive, exciting, and at times spooky – but always entertaining.City ToursMore -
The most beautiful vaulted cellars in BernVaulted cellars are a characteristic feature of Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Countless charming cafés, restaurants and boutiques now occupy these spaces where goods were once stored. We will reveal which places are really worth descending the steps and exploring.The most beautiful vaulted cellars in BernMore -
AttractionsThe 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.AttractionsMore -
Shopping in Bern’s Old CityAteliers, boutiques, and quaint shops – one-of-a-kind treasures await below the famous arcades and in the characteristic vaulted cellars of Bern’s Old City, turning every shopping trip into a unique experience.Shopping in Bern’s Old CityMore
Surrounded by nature
Be it on a bike, on foot, or by water – anyone who’s on the move in the federal city will quickly realize: they’re surrounded by nature. The Aare in particular holds a very special place in the hearts of the locals. Going for a dip in the emerald water of the river is an essential part of a Bernese summer. In the cooler seasons, there are also many ways to explore Bern’s urban nature, for example by going on an e-bike tour or a walk on the Gurten, Bern's local mountain.
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Cycling Tours BernExperience moments of pure bliss on our ten highlight tours around Bern, the Swiss federal city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along Lake Wohlen, through the Nature Park Gantrisch, in Laupen, on the high plateau Friensiberg or in the Emmental – each of our circular routes comes with breathtaking views of the Bernese Alps.Cycling Tours BernMore -
Bern’s outdoor swimming poolsBern locals start to get antsy as soon as the water temperature of the Aare rises above 15°C and the city's outdoor pools open their gates. They can't wait any longer because that's when the absolutely most beautiful season of the year begins.Bern’s outdoor swimming poolsMore -
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 -
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
Culinary delights
Attention, gourmets! Cozy old-town cafés, elegant restaurants, and hip bars – Bern's gastronomic scene leaves nothing to be desired. Beer fans are also in for a treat: Bern is known as Switzerland's beer capital. With its many breweries and countless beer bars in the city centre, brewed happiness is usually just a short walk away.
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Eat and DrinkBern is a city for gourmets: Whether you want to relax at a cozy café in the Old City, discover Bern’s beer culture or visit the newest pop-up bar – here’s what Bern has to offer when it comes to the culinary arts.Eat and DrinkMore -
Beer CapitalCan you hear it bubbling and fizzing? Fermenting and brewing happens everywhere in Bern, including in basements, garages and even in laundry rooms. 200 breweries and microbreweries – more than anywhere else in Switzerland – are registered here. It’s no wonder that locally brewed craft beer and Bern go together just like hops and malt do!Beer CapitalMore
Culture
Looking for a museum to visit in Bern? You’re in luck: the city has over 20 of them. So it comes as no surprise that Bern is known as the city of museums. And that’s not all: there’s libraries, archives, the botanical garden, and Jegenstorf castle – a true mecca for fans of cultural activities.
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Cultural venues in the city of BernPlays, music and dance, cabaret, book readings, exhibitions – in Bern, culture is way more than a visit to the museum. These fifteen places are an absolute must for culture aficionados.Cultural venues in the city of BernMore -
Bern’s MuseumsLooking for a museum to visit in Bern? You’re spoiled for choice! From internationally renowned special exhibitions to private collections to interactive events – here’s an overview.Bern’s MuseumsMore
Political Bern
When transitioning from a confederation (an alliance of independent, sovereign cantons with no unity) to a federation, the people of Switzerland where unable to agree on whether the country should have a capital and if so, which city it should be. The discussion ended in a compromise: on 28 November 1848, the National Council and the Council of States elected Bern to be the home of the federal authorities, however, it is called federal city and not capital. Many foreign visitors are surprised to learn that Bern is Switzerland’s “capital”. To them, it would seem more logic if it were Zurich, the country’s economic centre, or international Geneva. But Bern is perfectly positioned, geographically speaking, for mediating between the different parts of Switzerland, and its multilingualism is also an advantage. This is why, in the end, Bern was chosen to be the country's political centre.
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