Travel Guide

Bern

Switzerland

Best time to go: May–September, December

Sights

Old town and arcades – Six kilometres of arcades – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Zytglogge – A medieval clock tower with moving figures on the hour.
Bern Minster – The tallest church spire in Switzerland, with a panoramic view.
Federal Palace – Seat of parliament and government, with guided tours.
Bear Park – Bern's bears on the banks of the Aare.
Rose Garden – Hundreds of roses and the best view of the old town.
Zentrum Paul Klee – Works by Paul Klee in a wave-shaped building.

Bernese platter – Meats, sausages, sauerkraut and beans – a feast.
Swimming in the Aare – Float downstream in summer – for strong swimmers only.
Cellar bars – Bars and theatres in old vaulted cellars.
Market on Bundesplatz – Vegetables, cheese and flowers outside the Federal Palace.

Gurten – Take the funicular up the local hill – views to the Alps.
Thun and Lake Thun – A castle, old town and boats towards the Bernese Oberland.
Emmental – Rolling hills, farms and a show dairy.

When to go: May–September, December
Getting around: Walk the old town under the arcades, otherwise trams and buses (Libero).
Tipping: Service is usually included – rounding up is a nice gesture.
Power: Plug type J/C, 230 V.
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

General tips without guarantee – please check opening times and prices locally.