Is Bern Worth Visiting?

Wondering if Bern is worth visiting? If you are planning your trip to Switzerland and are not sure whether to include this interesting city, let us help you decide!

While Bern may not be somewhere you want to spend a huge amount of time in, the city is definitely worth visiting.

During our visit, we only had part of a day, and that wasn’t nearly enough to see all the cool attractions this city has to offer.

Want to learn why Bern is worth a visit? Let’s jump right in!

Why Is Bern Worth Visiting?

As the capital city of Switzerland, YES, Bern is worth visiting. While we do think that you will not need more than a day to see all that Bern has to offer, we wouldn’t want people to overlook it altogether.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Bern – Quick Guide

If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of visiting Bern:

Things We Liked

Walkable
Beautiful architecture
Nice bridges & fountains
Covered shopping arcade
Interesting attractions

Things We Did Not Like

Expensive
Not much to do beyond one or two days
No real stand-out attraction

How Much Time Do You Need in Bern?

During our trip to Bern, we only had roughly 6 hours to spend in the city. We did not find that this was enough time to see all the attractions.

However, I think that 24 hours in Bern would be a good amount of time. And if you are really taking your time, 2 days tops.

Is Bern Walkable?

Yes. We found Bern to be incredibly walkable. The Old Town is really compact and easy to navigate.

You could even manage to walk to some of the attractions that are just outside of the city, like the BärenPark or the Rosegarten.

In fact, walking is the best way to see the city, as we found parking to be a bit of a nightmare.

One Day in Bern - Old Town shopping arcades

If you are in town with a vehicle, leave it at your hotel, or park it for the day, and explore the city on foot.

There are some great walking tours that we would definitely recommend to help you make the most of your time in Bern.

Things to Do in Bern

If you have 24 hours to spend in the city, we would recommend having a look at our One Day in Bern itinerary.

But if like us, you only have a partial day, here is a list of some of the most popular attractions that Bern has to offer:

One Day in Bern - Lion carving on building in Old Town Bern

1. Explore the Old Town

Stroll through Bern’s Old City. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where you can admire medieval architecture, shop in the unique arcades, have a bite to eat, or admire the fountains.

Strolling the city is a great way to find hidden gems and get a feel for the city’s vibe.

2. Admire the Zentrum Paul Klee Museum

The Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern is a unique museum dedicated to the life and work of the Swiss-German artist Paul Klee. It features over 4,000 of his artworks in a striking, wave-like building designed by architect Renzo Piano.

3. Visit the Bear Park (Bärengraben)

Get up close with Bern’s iconic bears at the Bear Park.

Since 1857 the Bärengraben (or bear pit) has provided visitors with a unique glimpse into the lives of these fantastic creatures.

4. Climb the Bern Cathedral (Münster)

For jaw-dropping views of the city and the Aare River, climb the tower of the Gothic-style Bern Cathedral.

This was one of our favourite viewpoints in the city.

5. Enjoy the Rose Garden (Rosengarten)

Relax and enjoy beautiful views of Bern from the Rose Garden, which boasts an extensive collection of roses and other flowers.

Another great view of the city that you should not miss.

6. Explore the Zytglogge Clock Tower

Dive into the history of Bern’s iconic clock tower, the Zytglogge, with its unique astronomical clock.

This spot is awesome for that perfect Instagrammable photo!

7. Discover Einstein’s Bern

Follow in the footsteps of Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern when he developed the theory of relativity, by visiting his former residence and the Einstein Museum.

The museum is quite small but definitely worth a peek.

8. Find All the Fountains

Bern’s streets are scattered with over 100 fountains, many dating back to the 16th century.

One Day in Bern - Son sitting in front of Fountain in the Old Town

Their distinctive statues and designs make them worth the time it takes to hunt them down! And while we didn’t see them all, the ones we did find were pretty spectacular.

9. Visit the Swiss Parliament

Visit the Federal Palace of Switzerland.

Take a tour where you’ll have the chance to see the National Council and Council of States chambers, where Swiss laws are made, and learn about the country’s direct democracy.

10. Shop at the Local Markets

Experience Bern’s vibrant local life by shopping at its farmers’ markets, where you can find fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and more.

We found most of our souvenirs and trinkets from the market.

Where to Stay in Bern

We have put together a list of some of the best hotels in Bern, should you decide that you would like to spend the night.

Depending on your budget, you should not have problems finding the perfect place to stay right in the city.

Luxury

Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

This prestigious hotel offers a blend of luxury and tradition. It features elegantly furnished rooms, a renowned spa, and a rooftop terrace with gorgeous views of the city.

Bellevue Palace Bern

As the official guesthouse of the Swiss government, Bellevue Palace offers exquisite rooms and suites, gourmet dining experiences, and stunning views of the Bernese Alps and the River Aare.

One Day in Bern - Hotel in traditional building

Moderate

Hotel Savoy Bern

A modern, centrally located hotel offering stylish rooms with contemporary amenities. The Hotel Savoy is perfect if you are looking for comfort and convenience in the heart of Bern.

Hotel Kreuz Bern

Situated in the centre of Bern, Hotel Kreuz offers modern, comfortable accommodations with easy access to the city’s main attractions. This hotel is ideal if you are looking for convenience and quality.

Budget

Akomo Bern

This budget-friendly hotel provides a no-frills, clean, and comfortable stay. It offers basic amenities and a convenient location for exploring the city.

Best Western Plus Hotel Bern

Located in the city center, this hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodations with essential amenities. It is perfect if you are a budget-conscious traveller looking for value without sacrificing comfort.

Best Time to Visit Bern

The best time to visit Bern is from May to September when the weather is warm and pleasant.

This is the ideal time for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and enjoying its vibrant street life.

During this time, you will also find the most cultural events and festivals going on.

One Day in Bern - Daughter sitting in front of Fountain in the Old Town

However, if you prefer a quieter visit and don’t mind cooler temperatures, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are also a good time to visit.

These times offer fewer crowds and beautiful natural scenery.

We visited Bern in July and honestly, did not find the streets to be uncomfortably crowded.

How to Get to Bern

Depending on where you are coming from, there are a variety of ways to get to Bern:

By Air: Fly into Bern Airport (BRN), which serves several European destinations. You could also fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Geneva Airport (GVA) for more international connections, then take a train or car to Bern.
By Train: Bern is well-connected by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). You will find frequent services from major Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, as well as direct international connections from places like Paris and Berlin.
By Car: Bern is accessible via the Swiss motorway network. Major routes include the A1 motorway from Zurich and Geneva and the A6 from the Lake Thun region.
By Bus: There are a variety of domestic and international bus services that link Bern with other Swiss cities and European destinations. This is a budget-friendly travel option for those looking to save some money.

WE RECOMMEND

Switzerland - Red Train travelling through the Swiss Alps

Get a Swiss Travel Pass!

Enjoy UNLIMITED access by public train, bus, and boat in more than 41 cities in Switzerland for up to 15 days with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Or choose the Swiss Travel Pass Flex for UNLIMITED travel by train, bus, boat, and public transportation as well as FREE ENTRANCE to over 500 museums.

Book Your Swiss Travel Pass Here

How to Get Around Bern

Getting around Bern is straightforward and convenient, thanks to the city’s efficient and user-friendly transportation system. Here are your best options:

Public Transportation: Bern’s public transit system includes trams and buses, which cover the city extensively. The Bernmobil network is reliable and frequent, making it easy to reach various districts and attractions.
Bicycles: Bern is bike-friendly, with numerous designated bike lanes and routes. You can rent bikes from a variety of locations around the city, including the main train station.
Walking: Bern’s compact and gorgeous Old Town is best explored on foot. Many of the city’s attractions, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance of each other.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, providing convenient but more costly options for getting around.
Car: While driving in the city is an option, we would not recommend it due to the prevalence of pedestrian zones, limited parking, and excellent public transport. If you do choose to drive, be mindful of parking regulations and zones.

🚨 Important Tip: Blue parking zones require a disc (available at gas stations or online). We were given one of these discs along with our car rental. Without one, you will get a hefty fine.

The Bern Ticket

If you’re staying at a hotel, hostel, or campsite, you’ll receive the Bern Ticket.

This pass allows you to have free public transport in zones 100 and 101, which cover the city center and surrounding areas.

The Bern Ticket also includes travel on the Gurten funicular, the Marzilibahn funicular, and the elevator to the Minster Terrace.

This means that you can experience some of Bern’s unique local transport options and scenic viewpoints at no extra cost.

Bern – FAQs

One Day in Bern - Walking in the Old Town

What is unique about Bern?

Bern is unique for its UNESCO-listed medieval city center and its bear park, linking the city’s heritage with its bear symbol.

Is Bern a good base in Switzerland?

Yes, Bern is a good base in Switzerland due to its central location and excellent transport links to other Swiss cities. It is the perfect place to base your day trips to other nearby Swiss attractions.

Do people speak English in Bern?

Yes, many people in Bern speak English, especially in the service industry and among the younger population. Swiss German is what you are most likely to hear the locals speaking, however.

Is Bern an expensive city?

Yes, Bern is considered expensive, in line with the overall high cost of living in Switzerland.

Which is better to visit Bern or Zurich?

Choosing between Bern and Zurich depends on your interests: Bern offers a charming, historical atmosphere, while Zurich is known for its vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe.

Is Bern or Geneva better?

Whether Bern or Geneva is better depends on personal preferences: Bern boasts a medieval old town and a more relaxed pace, while Geneva offers international flair and proximity to the lake and mountains.

Is Bern or Interlaken better?

Bern offers rich history and culture in an urban setting, while Interlaken is ideal for outdoor adventures and stunning alpine landscapes, making the choice dependent on your travel preferences.

Is Bern Switzerland Worth Visiting – Final Thoughts

So, is Bern worth a visit? Absolutely!

It’s a place where you can admire the architecture, enjoy some nature, and just have a relaxed time.

Bern’s got a beautiful old town, interesting attractions, and some pretty cool views to take in. It’s easy to get around, and there’s plenty to see and do.

Whether you’re after a laid-back stroll or some fun activities, Bern’s got you covered.

While we wouldn’t travel to Switzerland JUST to see Bern, we certainly wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore this awesome city.