Bern, Switzerland Travel Guide: Charm, History, and Alpine Beauty

Bern isn’t just another European capital—it feels like it was plucked from a medieval fairytale and dropped into the 21st century. With its UNESCO-listed Old Town, river-wrapped geography, and breathtaking Alpine views, Bern delivers a one-of-a-kind blend of history, nature, and Swiss efficiency.

Whether you’re wandering beneath its famous covered arcades, touring Einstein’s home, catching the hourly show at the Zytglogge clock tower, or enjoying a cheese-laden meal by the turquoise Aare River, Bern is a place where past and present collide in the best possible way.

Where is Bern?

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, located in the western-central part of the country. Unlike most capital cities, it isn’t the largest city—Zurich and Geneva take those honors—but Bern holds the heart of Swiss politics and culture. The city is built on a narrow, hilly peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Aare River, offering stunning natural beauty with rolling hills and the snow-capped Alps visible in the distance. The look of the high town and surrounding river is truly unique in terms of Swiss landscapes.

What is Bern best known for?

Bern is famous for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s 6 km of covered arcades, 16th-century fountains, and iconic Zytglogge clock tower give it a unique character. It’s also known as the city of bears—literally, since the symbol of Bern is a bear, and real bears live in the Bärengraben (Bear Park). The city is home to the Swiss Parliament and some of the best chocolate and cheese in Switzerland. It is also universally famous as the home of Einstein and his Theory of Relativity, and he can thank the town clock for some of that. You can even tour his home. I did, and it was worth it.

Top attractions

• Zytglogge Clock Tower – A medieval astronomical clock with an animated show every hour. It had a part in Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
• Bear Park – Home to Bern’s beloved bears, a must-see in the city.
• Federal Palace of Switzerland – The center of Swiss politics, with free guided tours.
• Einstein Museum – Showcasing the life and work of Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern.
• Rosengarten – A stunning hilltop garden with panoramic views over the city.
• Bundesplatz (Federal Square) – A lively square with fountains and political significance.
• Aare River Swimming – One of the most unique city activities—float down the crystal-clear river.

Famous events worth attending

• Gurtenfestival (July) – A massive outdoor music festival on Bern’s local mountain. I visited during this time and loved watching the bands. Tons of food and beer.
• Buskers Bern (August) – An international street music festival.
• Zibelemärit (Onion Market) (November) – A quirky market dedicated to onions, featuring onion-themed foods and decorations.
• Bern Christmas Markets (Late November – December) – Beautiful traditional markets in the Old Town.

Shopping

Bern is known for its covered arcades, making shopping enjoyable in any weather. You’ll find luxury Swiss watch shops, chocolate boutiques (Toblerone was invented here), and independent stores selling high-quality Swiss-made goods. The Marktgasse and Kramgasse streets offer the best shopping experience.

Other activities

• Hiking – Explore the Gurten mountain for panoramic views.
• Biking – Bern is one of Switzerland’s most bike-friendly cities.
• Dining – Try Swiss classics like fondue and rösti at local taverns.
• Exploring Old Town – Wander through medieval streets with charming cafés and historical landmarks.

Type of food common here

Bern’s cuisine is hearty and traditional, with dishes like Berner Platte (a meat platter with sausages and sauerkraut), fondue, and rösti (Swiss hash browns). Chocolate lovers will want to visit Confiserie Tschirren for some of the best Swiss chocolate.

Local languages spoken

Swiss German is the primary language spoken in Bern. However, the local dialect, Bernese German (Bärndütsch), is quite distinct from standard High German, making it challenging even for native German speakers to understand.

How common is English in Bern?

English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. While older locals might not be fluent, younger generations and those in the service industry generally speak English well.

How crowded is Bern during different times of the year?

Summer and December are the busiest months, particularly in Old Town and around tourist attractions. Spring and autumn offer a quieter experience with mild weather, while winter (outside of the holiday season) is relatively peaceful except for ski traffic heading to the Alps.

Is Bern part of the EU and/or Schengen Zone?

Switzerland is not part of the EU but is in the Schengen Zone, meaning travelers from most European countries can enter without a visa.

Currency used

Swiss Franc (CHF). Euros are sometimes accepted, but exchange rates are unfavorable.

Overall Pros and Cons of Bern

Pros: Stunning Old Town, walkable city, great public transportation, world-class chocolate, unique river swimming experience.
Cons: Expensive, unpredictable weather, slower pace than Zurich or Geneva.

What to wear during different times of the year?

Pack layers year-round. Summer requires breathable clothing, while winter demands warm coats, gloves, and boots. For travel clothing, check this link:

What not to wear (culturally)

Overly casual clothing (like beachwear) is frowned upon in public places. Swiss people tend to dress neatly, even for casual outings.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes, power adapters (Switzerland uses Type J outlets), and a good rain jacket. For more travel gear, visit: Vacation Countdown Travel Products.

Safety

Bern is one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates. Pickpocketing is rare but possible in busy areas.

What airlines fly to Bern?

Bern’s small airport has limited flights, but Zurich and Geneva airports serve as major hubs. Find flights here: Expedia

What trains arrive at Bern?

Bern is a major rail hub with trains from Zurich, Geneva, and beyond. Find tickets here: Expedia

Some hotels worth considering

We have an entire article with hotel recommendations for Bern, but here some to help get your feet wet.

• Luxury: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, Bellevue Palace
• Mid-Range: Hotel Allegro Bern, Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
• Budget: Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke, Hotel National Bern
  Airbnb is also available: Airbnb

Need travel insurance?

Yes. Protect your trip!

Similar locations worth considering

Lucerne, Basel, or Lausanne offer similar charm but with fewer tourists.