Best Itinerary for One Day in Bern
Looking for the best way to spend one day in Bern? We have visited this amazing city with our family, so we can definitely help you out!
Located in west-central Switzerland, Bern is considered the Gateway to the Alps.
Not only is Bern the capital of Switzerland, but its well-preserved medieval old town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During our first visit to Bern, our family only had about 6 hours to spend in the city. Of course, we made the most of every second!
We were able to see many of the city’s popular attractions, enjoy some good food and stroll through its markets.
Whether you are headed to the city on a day trip, or as part of a road trip like we were, we can show you how to make the most of your day in Bern with our one-day itinerary!
One Day in Bern Itinerary – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the best places to visit in Bern in one day:
- Zytglogge – The iconic clock tower served as Bernโs guard tower, prison, and medieval center of urban life.
- Bern’s Old Town – Cobblestone streets with wonderful shops, cafes, and historical landmarks.
- Rosengarten – Offering one of the best views of Bern’s Old Town and the Aare loop, the Rose Garden is a gorgeous spot with over 200 varieties of roses.
- Bรคrengraben – The Bear Park is a modern and spacious area where you can observe Bern’s bears in a natural environment.
- Albert Einstein House: Explore the apartment where Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905 and developed his Theory of Relativity.
One Day in Bern – Map
The map shows the stops that are suggested on this one-day itinerary. We tried to group activities close enough together so that you wouldn’t be running all over the place.
Clicking on the map above will take you to Google Maps. There, you will be able to see the destinations in better detail.
How to Spend 24 Hours in Bern
1. Stroll Around the Old City
The very first thing we did when we arrived in Bern on our Switzerland road trip, was explore the Old Town.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Old Town of Bern is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe.
The cobblestone streets are lined with arcades, providing a unique shopping experience.
๐ Pro Tip: The official language of Bern is German. But you may also hear the locals speaking English, French or even Italian.
Because the arcades are all connected, even if it is raining, you can stay warm and dry while you shop!
We enjoyed shopping for local items, grabbing a bite in a small cafe, and of course, finding the best chocolate!
We spent the better part of three hours walking through the streets of the Old Town admiring the architecture, shopping, doing some photography, and sampling some treats.
2. Learn Something New at the Einstein House
The Einstein House in Bern is the former residence of the renowned physicist Albert Einstein.
Einstein and his family lived in the house from 1903 to 1905.
During that time, Einstein developed his Theory of Special Relativity, making the house a significant site in the history of science.
Located at Kramgasse 49, in the heart of Bern’s Old Town, the apartment is preserved to reflect the period when Einstein occupied the home.
The house features exhibitions about Einstein’s life, his scientific contributions, and the impact of his work.
Address: Kramgasse 49, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
3. Take an Instagram-worthy photo at the Zytglogge
Originally built in the 13th century as a gate tower, the Zytglogge (meaning Time Bell) stands 35 meters tall.
Over the years, it has served as a fortified guard tower, a woman’s prison, a lookout, and a fire observation tower.
The astronomical clock was first added to the tower back in the early 15th century. And it truly is a marvel of medieval engineering.
The clock not only tells the time, but also indicates the day of the week, the month, the phase of the moon, and the position of the sun in the zodiac.
The Zytglogge also features a beautiful display of moving figures at each full hour. The clock’s characters include a rooster, a jester, Chronos (the god of time), and bears (Bern’s symbol).
It totally reminded us of watching the glockenspiel in Munich, just on a much smaller scale.
๐ Fun Fact: At one point, the Zytglogge was used as the official centre of Bern, against which travel distances could be measured. But more impressively, the Zytglogge has been telling the time since 1530!
While the Zytglogge is pretty incredible from the outside, I totally recommend taking a guided tour to get a look at its inner workings.
Inside the clock tower, you can see the complex gears of the clock mechanism, which is explained by the guide.
You will also get the opportunity to climb the 130 steps to the top of the tower. John and I are definitely suckers for climbing every tower we can find!
From the top, you’ll get a unique view of the Old Town’s rooftops and streets. It’s pretty spectacular!
Address: Bim Zytglogge 1, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
4. Admire All of Bern’s Fountains
With over 100 scattered throughout the city, Bern is renowned for its public fountains.
Many of these fountains date back to the 16th century. They have various designs, from mythological figures to historical references, making each one a unique landmark.
We really enjoyed taking a good look at them whenever we came across one during our visit.
And they are not difficult to find either. You will mostly come across the fountains in public squares and along the streets of the Old Town.
Some of the most popular fountains include:
5. Take a Tour of the Bundeshaus
We would definitely recommend stopping by the Bundeshaus, or the Federal Palace of Switzerland when you’re in Bern.
Built in 1902, the Bundeshaus is located in the city centre, and it’s where the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Council of States get down to business.
The building itself is a mix of neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque styles, making it a pretty interesting place to see if you are into architecture.
One of the highlights of visiting the Bundeshaus is the possibility of touring the parliament when it’s not in session.
These guided tours provide insight into the Swiss political system, the history of the building, and the day-to-day workings of the government.
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.
While the guided tours are free, you will need to reserve your ticket online up to 3 days in advance.
The tours are conducted in 4 languages (English, German, French, Italian), and take approximately one hour.
It’s important to check in advance for tour availability and whether the parliament is in session, as this can affect access.
Please be aware, that you will need to bring an ID or passport to enter the parliament.
The Bundesplatz, which is the square and gardens surrounding the Parliament, is also a great place to catch a variety of markets and events.
Address: Bundesplatz 3, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
6. Look for Treasures in One of Bern’s Markets
One of our favourite things that we did in Bern, was visiting the Markets. We spent over an hour looking for the perfect souvenirs to bring home.
Bern hosts several markets throughout the year. Each market offers a unique shopping experience, from fresh produce to artisan crafts.
A few of the main markets include:
7. Admire Bern Mรผnster Cathedral
The Bern Mรผnster, also known as the Cathedral of Bern, is Switzerland’s largest church and is located near Kramgasse in the Old Town.
Constructed in the 15th century, the cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture.
It is known for its impressive faรงade and its detailed Last Judgment sculpture over the main portal.
Inside, the church is equally gorgeous, with its towering vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, ornate choir screen, and impressive Baroque organ.
However, my favourite part was that you could climb the Munster’s tower.
At 100 meters tall, the spire offers panoramic views of Bern and the surrounding Alps, provided you are willing to tackle the 400+ stairs! I won’t lie, it wasn’t easy!
Climbing the 100-meter-tall spire’s 400 or so steps is a bit of a workout, but the view of the Alps makes every step worth it.
And if heights aren’t your thing, the terrace still offers a fantastic view.
The Bern Munster also hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions, making it a must-visit attraction in the city.
While getting into the cathedral is free, there is a small fee if you want to head up the spire.
Address: Mรผnsterpl. 1, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
8. Visit the Bรคrengraben
From the Bern Cathedral, we recommend making your way over the Nydeggbrรผcke (Nydegg Bridge) to get to the Bรคrengraben. It’s an easy 10-minute walk.
The bridge is quite nice and offers some amazing views over the Aare River and the surrounding area.
The Bรคrengraben, or Bear Pit, is a bear park and a popular attraction located just outside of the Old Town.
๐ป Fun Fact: Bears, which are the symbol of Bern, have been a traditional part of the city’s heritage since the 16th century.
Since 1857 the Bรคrengraben has provided visitors with a unique glimpse into the lives of these fantastic creatures.
Fortunately, the BearPark has evolved significantly over the years. The modern iteration offers much more space and a more natural setting for the bears compared to the old pits.
Today, the bears can roam, swim, and interact with their environment, providing visitors with a more ethical way to observe these awesome creatures.
While at the Bรคrengraben, the kids were able to learn more about the history of bears in Bern and why the bear is the city’s symbol.
I was happy to see that there is a pretty big emphasis put on the conservation and well-being of these animals.
The Bear Park belongs to the Berne Animal Park, which is home to around 200 animal species.
Open daily, admission to the Animal Park is CHF 10 and CHF 6 for children.
Address: Grosser Muristalden 4, 3006 Bern, Switzerland
9. Smell the Roses at the Rosengarten
The Rosengarten was one of my favourite places to visit in Bern (especially since we visited in summer).
The garden is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, providing a peaceful escape with a stunning overview of the city’s Old Town and the Aare River.
๐น Fun Fact: Until 1913, the Rosengarten was actually a cemetery. In 1917, the first roses were planted. And today, it is a gorgeous park and garden.
When visiting the Rosengarten in Bern, you’ll find a collection of over 300 varieties of roses, offering a huge spectrum of colours and fragrances.
It’s not just roses; the garden also features about 2,900 flowering plants including irises, rhododendrons, and other flowers, providing a diverse botanical experience during spring and summer.
๐ก Fun Fact: There are 4 statues of Albert Einstein sitting on benches scattered throughout Bern.
The Rosengarten grounds also include a pavilion, pond, and picnic grounds.
It is definitely an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or just to sit and enjoy the panoramic views of Bern, which is exactly what we did.
Address: Alter Aargauerstalden 31B, 3006 Bern, Switzerland
Other Things to Do in Bern Switzerland
If you are lucky enough to have some extra time in Bern, we have included a few other attractions and activities that you may be interested in.
Where to Stay in Bern
Looking for somewhere to stay in Bern? The city has a pretty great variety of hotels to suit any budget.
So whether youโre looking for a simple, budget-friendly option or a more luxurious experience, you wonโt have any trouble finding the perfect accommodations in the city.
Luxury Accommodations
Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern
- Location: Offers great views of the mountains and river, close to important sites.
- Amenities: Luxury rooms, a fancy restaurant, a gym, and a spa.
- Features: If you want to splurge, this hotel offers a top-notch experience with excellent service.
Schweizerhof Hotel & Spa Bern
- Location: In the center of Bern, near shopping and dining spots.
- Amenities: High-end rooms, a spa, a rooftop area, and fine dining.
- Features: Ideal for those looking for a bit of luxury, with all the fancy perks you’d expect.
Moderate Accommodations
Hotel Savoy Bern
- Location: In the city center, close to shops, restaurants, and sights.
- Amenities: Modern rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a business center.
- Features: A nice hotel with good service, perfect for a comfortable stay without spending too much.
Hotel Kreuz Bern
- Location: Right in the middle of the city, perfect for visiting local attractions.
- Amenities: Includes a fitness area, a rooftop terrace, and free Wi-Fi in rooms.
- Features: Offers a good mix of comfort and convenience at a fair price.
Budget Accommodations
Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
- Location: Right in the Old Town and close to public transport, making it easy to get around Bern.
- Amenities: Offers basic, clean rooms with free Wi-Fi and a restaurant.
- Features: Good choice if you’re looking for a straightforward, affordable place to stay.
Akomo Bern
- Location: Near the train station and right in the Old Town, so you can easily explore the city.
- Amenities: Simple rooms with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
- Features: A cozy and budget-friendly hotel, great for travellers watching their expenses.
How to Get to Bern
Getting to Bern is straightforward, thanks to Switzerland’s efficient and well-connected transportation network.
Whether you’re coming in by air, train, or road, here’s how you can easily reach this incredible city:
By Air
- Bern Airport: Smaller and closer to the city, but with limited flights. Good for direct access to Bern.
- Zurich Airport: Switzerland’s largest airport, offering many international and domestic flights. From Zurich, you can take a train to Bern, which takes about an hour.
By Train
- From Within Switzerland: The Swiss rail network is extensive. Trains from major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel run frequently to Bern.
- From Neighboring Countries: Direct trains are available from places like Paris and Frankfurt. The travel is comfortable and scenic.
By Car
- Rental or Personal Car: Bern is well-connected by road. You can drive from other Swiss cities or neighbouring countries.
- Remember, Swiss motorways require a vignette (toll sticker). These can be purchased at filling stations, post offices, and customs posts at the border.
๐จ Pro Tip: If you rent a car in Switzerland, it will come with a vignette. We rented our car in Germany, so we needed to purchase one at the border. We noticed many people getting pulled over just after the customs office, so we would not recommend taking a gamble and not purchasing one!
By Bus
- Long-Distance Buses: Options like FlixBus connect Bern with various European cities. It’s budget-friendly but takes longer than the train.
The Bern Ticket
The Bern Ticket is a fantastic amenity if you decide to spend the night in Bern.
When you check into a hotel, hostel, or campsite in Bern, you’re automatically entitled to this complimentary ticket.
The ticket grants you free access to public transportation within zones 100 and 101, which cover the city center and its immediate surroundings.
This means you can hop on and off trams and buses as you please, exploring attractions, shops, and restaurants without the hassle of buying individual tickets.
The Bern Ticket also includes travel on the Gurten funicular, the Marzilibahn funicular, and the elevator to the Minster Terrace.
This is an awesome feature because it allows you to experience some of Bern’s unique local transport options and scenic viewpoints at no extra cost.
Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass is an excellent option if you are planning to explore Bern and beyond.
This all-in-one ticket grants you unlimited travel on Switzerland’s extensive public transportation network, including trains, buses, boats, and even some cable cars and mountain railways.
It’s a hassle-free way to explore Switzerland, offering flexibility and convenience for your itinerary.
The pass also includes free or discounted entry to over 500 museums and attractions across the country.
Available for varying durations, from a few days to a month, the Swiss Travel Pass is an ideal choice if you are planning to spend 3 or more days in Switzerland.
Getting Around Bern
We found navigating Bern to be relatively straightforward, thanks to its compact size and efficient public transportation system.
Here are some tips and insights on how to get around Bern, so that you and your family can explore the city with ease:
Walking
We found Bern’s city center to be very compact and pedestrian-friendly.
Many attractions, especially in the Old Town, are close to each other, making walking a pleasant and easy way to explore.
Since we were only in Bern for a short amount of time, walking was our best option. It was easy and saved us time trying to find parking spots everywhere we went.
Public Transport
Bern has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses that cover the city and its suburbs.
A single ticket or a day pass can be used on both trams and buses.
And to make things even easier, you can use the BernMobil app to check schedules and routes, and to buy tickets.
Bicycles
Bern is bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and bike rental services like PubliBike, offering a healthy and flexible way to see the city.
Bern Rollt is a free bike rental service, where you can borrow a bike for a few hours by leaving a deposit.
In fact, we saw tons of people using bicycles to get around the city.
And while we did not have the chance to rent bikes for ourselves, it looked like an awesome way to see the sights.
Car
While driving in Bern is possible, we would not recommend it for the city center due to traffic and limited parking.
During our road trip through Switzerland, we rented a car. However, it was pretty challenging to find parking in most of the larger cities.
That said, the convenience of being able to travel where and when we wanted outside the city, outweighed the parking issues.
Parking
We actually had a really difficult time finding parking in Bern, and ended up with a ticket because we were improperly parked. Not fun, and definitely NOT cheap!
If you do decide to drive, be mindful of the parking system.
You will find that the parking places are divided into different zones in Switzerland. The Blue Zones allow free one-hour parking from Monday to Saturday, 8 am until 6 pm.
๐จ Important Tip: Blue zones require a disc (available at gas stations or online). We were given one of these discs along with our car rental.
All you need to do is enter the arrival time to the next half hour on the disc and display it on your windshield.
We actually had to ask a local for directions on this, but it’s quite simple.
Public parking garages are also available around the city.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
You will find both taxis and ride-share services in Bern.
We did not use either during our time in the city as we had a rental car with us, so we can’t really speak on either.
From what we were told, Taxis can be on the expensive side. They’re a convenient option if you’re travelling with heavy luggage or late at night.
Ride-Sharing services like Uber also operate in Bern. Ride-shares generally provide a pretty good alternative to traditional taxis.
Best Time to Visit Bern
The best time to visit Bern really depends on what you are looking to do and your preference for the weather.
We have only visited the city in summer, so we don’t have any first-hand experience of what Bern is like during other times of the year.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect weather-wise during different seasons:
Spring (March to May)
Summer (June to August)
Fall (September to November)
Winter (December to February)
1 Day in Bern Switzerland – FAQs
While one day is enough to see the highlights of Bern, spending more time allows you to explore the city more thoroughly and at a leisurely pace.
Yes, Bern is definitely worth visiting. With its rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, it offers a unique Swiss experience.
Yes, Bern is a highly walkable city, with a compact old town and many attractions within easy walking distance of each other.
Bern is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its iconic Zytglogge clock tower, the Bear Park, and its role as the capital city of Switzerland.
Yes, many people in Bern speak English. This is especially true in the service industry and among younger generations. However, the official language is German.
Final Thoughts
And there you have itโa jam-packed day to soak in the best of Bern.
We really enjoyed our one day in Bern. From admiring the incredible fountains to shopping in the markets and strolling the streets of the Old Town, we had a pretty awesome day.
Of course, this beautiful city has enough to keep you busy for several days, if you have the time.
Whether you’re here for the history, the views, or just a taste of Swiss life, Bern won’t disappoint.
We would definitely recommend adding Bern to your Switzerland itinerary.
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