Bern Itinerary 1, 2, 3 Days: 22 Things to do in Bern

Are you not sure how you can visit Bern? Or are you already in Bern and need help finding the best attractions in the city? Worry no more because I got everything that you’re looking for!

In this post, I suggest different ways to explore Bern in 1, 2, or 3 days! You can also find the things to do in Bern, which will introduce you to the different attractions and landmarks in Bern. The exact locations and their visiting information are included!

Bookmark this post, pin it to Pinterest, or share this with your friends if you find it useful. I wish you happy and fulfilling travel!  

Bern Itinerary (1 Day, 2 Days, or 3 Days)

Below are some sample itineraries you can use when traveling to Bern. Please note that these itineraries are only my suggestions based on the visiting information indicated for each item on the list of things to do in Bern. 

Please be mindful of the season you’ll visit Bern. Some attractions have opening hours that change per season. Please double-check the websites for the schedules/announcements/updates I linked to each landmark/museum/experience before conducting a trip.

If you are traveling to Switzerland, I suggest you only spend three days in Bern and a lot more time seeing the Swiss Alps. But whether you’re staying in Bern for 1, 2, or 3 days, worry not about your itinerary because I all got them covered below.

See: Best hotel deals in Bern (with useful hotel finder on a map)

1-Day Bern Itinerary

One whole day is enough to see every attraction in the UNESCO heritage site Old City of Bern (Clock tower, Bern Cathedral, Fountains, Kornhauskeller, Parliament Building, Bear Pit). Visit a Museum if you have time left but don’t miss the Rose Garden if there is a beautiful sunset! 

Let’s start at 8:00 am at the train station. Have breakfast before 8!

Day	Hour	Destination	Notes
1	8:10 am	Bundeshaus	Take a selfie! Admire the architecture. Go around the Parliament Building and see the beautiful views behind the building.
1	8:50 am	Zytglogge	Catch the full-hour spectacle of the clock tower! Explore Kramgasse and its lovely fountains, Zähringerbrunnen, and Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen.
1	9:30 am	Berner Münster and Münsterplattform	Appreciate Bern Cathedral, climb its tower, and see the scenic views from Münsterplattform.
1	12:00 pm	Lunch	Allocate 1 to 2 hours.
1	2:00 pm	Einsteinhaus	Visit Einstein’s humble apartment, and read something about his life.
1	3:15 pm	Bear Pit	Watch bear feeding, and see different parts of the bear enclosures. Relax with the view of the Aare River.
1	4:30 pm	Rose Garden	Snacks and refreshments in the garden’s restaurant. Enjoy the overlooking view, take a selfie with Einstein, and watch the sunset!
1	7:00 pm	Hotel	Rest time!

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

2-Day Bern Itinerary

With 2 days in Bern, you have more time to discover little details about the Old City of Bern (See and enter the Clock tower, Bern Cathedral, most of the city’s most beautiful fountains, Kornhauskeller, Parliament Building, Bear Pit, and Kleine Schanze). The next day, you can focus on learning new things from Bern’s fantastic museums, animal parks, etc. Don’t forget to catch the sunset in Rose Garden if the weather permits!

Let’s start at 8:00 am at the train station. Have breakfast before 8!

Day	Hour	Destination	Notes
1	8:10 am	Kleine Schanze	Enjoy the refreshing scenic view of the southern portion of Bern, river Aare, and the different buildings of the Old City.
1	8:50 am	Bundeshaus	Take a selfie! Admire the architecture. Go around the Parliament Building and see the beautiful views behind the building.
1	10:30 am	Berner Münster and Münsterplattform	Appreciate Bern Cathedral, climb its tower, and see the scenic views from Münsterplattform.
1	12:00 pm	Lunch	Allocate 1 to 2 hours. (Kornhauskeller)
1	2:00 pm	More fountains in the Old City	Kindlifresserbrunnen, Schützenbrunnen, Anna-Seiler-Brunnen, Pfeiferbrunnen, Ryfflibrunnen
1	2:50 pm	Zytglogge	Catch the full-hour spectacle of the clock tower.
1	3:10 pm	Einsteinhaus and fountains in Kramgrasse	Visit Einstein’s humble apartment, and read something about his life. Explore Kramgasse and its lovely fountains, Zähringerbrunnen, and Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen.
1	5:00 pm	Bear Pit	Watch bear feeding, and see different parts of the bear enclosures. Relax with the view of the Aare River.
1	6:00 pm	Rose Garden	Enjoy the overlooking view, take a selfie with Einstein, and watch the sunset! Dinner and refreshments in the garden’s restaurant.
1	9:00 pm	Hotel	Rest time!
2	10:00 am	Bern Historical Museum and Einstein Museum
2	12:00 pm	Lunch	Allocate 1 to 2 hours.
2	2:00 pm	Natural History Museum or Museum of Communication or Zentrum Paul Klee or Bern Animal Park	Choose whatever museum/park you want to visit.
2	6:00 pm	Join the Spooky Bern Tour	The spooky Bern Tour usually starts at dusk.
2	8:00 pm	Hotel and Dinner!	Rest and Refreshments!

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

3-Day Bern Itinerary

If you plan to stay 3 days in Bern, you give yourself enough time to see almost all the city’s best attractions. Days 1 and 2 of the 3-day itinerary in Bern are the same as the 2-day Bern itinerary indicated previously. Here is the schedule for the 3rd day:

Day	Hour	Destination	Notes
3	7:00 am	Gurten	Climb the tower, enjoy the views, tobogganing, Disc golf, hike, ski, and more fun activities
3	12:00 pm	Restaurant Gurtners	Dine-in at Gurten’s fantastic restaurant
3	2:00 pm	Natural History Museum or Museum of Communication or Zentrum Paul Klee or Bern Animal Park	Choose whatever museum/park you haven’t visited.
3	7:00 pm	Hotel and Dinner!	Rest and Refreshments!

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

22 Things To Do In Bern Switzerland

Unlike Zurich, Lucerne, and Geneva, Bern does not have its own lake or stunning mountains where most fun, relaxation, and adventure occurs. However, that does not mean there’s nothing to see in this city! Here is the summary of the 20 things to do when you visit and stay in Bern:

1. Old City of Bern: Wander in The Picturesque Streets
2. Bern’s Minster: Admire Gorgeous Architecture
3. Einstein House: Visit Einstein’s Home in Bern
4. Zytglogge: Gaze at Bern’s Impressive Clock Tower
5. Fountains In Bern: Hunt for The City’s Character
6. Parliament Building: Visit the Heart of Swiss Democracy
7. Kornhauskeller: Dine in Bern’s Most Beautiful Restaurant
8. Bern Historical Museum: History to Ethnography
9. Einstein Museum: Discover Einstein’s Bright Mind
10. Natural History Museum: The oldest museum in Bern
11. Museum of Communication: Nostalgic Phones and More!
12. Zentrum Paul Klee: Museum and Modern Achitecture
13. Rosengarten: Romantic Overlooking View of Bern and Aare
14. Kleine Schanze: Visit a Christmas Market
15. Aare River: Rafting in Bern
16. Gurten: Mountain Fun and Adventure
17. Bern Animal Park: For The Kids
18. Bear Pit: See the Animals in Bern’s Coat of Arms
19. Spooky Bern: Discover the Other Side of Bern
20. Day Trip to Thun: A City With Fairytale Lake
21. Day Trip to Jungfrau Region: Heaven on Earth Scenery
22. Day Trip to Lucerne: Historical and Scenic Town

1. Old City of Bern: Wander in The Picturesque Streets

This is obvious, but a stroll in the Old City of Bern is really the thing you must not miss to do! In my opinion, Bern’s Old City is the main reason why Bern is worth visiting. It’s by far the preserved medieval city that significantly impressed me with elegance and eye-satisfying architectural uniformity.

The Old City of Bern is a World Heritage site, described by UNESCO as “a positive example of a city that has conserved its medieval urban structure while responding, over time, to the increasingly complex functions of a capital city of a modern State.”

Did you know that the Old City of Bern has remained unaltered since the early 15th century? Every masonry cut-stone structure in the city should transport you back hundreds of years in medieval Switzerland. 

The townscape’s vernacular architecture invites you on a dreamy walk along the quaint cobblestone streets. Houses in the old city are of the same shades of brown, and some have stuccos and murals. The classiness of the place is just spectacular.

A stroll to the main parts of the Old City of Bern, Kramgasse, Marktgasse, Munstergasse, Bundesplatz, Munsterplatz, and Münsterplattform can take up to an hour and a half or more, depending on how fast you walk and how long you will admire the city architecture and the surroundings.

With picturesque houses and buildings everywhere, you won’t feel tired from walking and wandering. But, if you get hungry, just peek inside the endless array of arcades to see shops and cafes where you can relax and rest. 

Know that the Old City of Bern is slightly elevated than the rest of the town. Scenes of gorgeous houses and overlooking views of the River Aare await you in Münsterplattform – a lovely park beside the iconic church of Bern.

Visiting Information: Old City of Bern

• Location in Google Maps: UNESCO- Von Bern
• Entry Fee: Free
• Opening Hours: Open all-day
• Time Needed: 1 hour to 2 hours
• Source/Website: www.bern.com

2. Bern’s Minster: Admire Gorgeous Architecture

Of all of the Old City of Bern, The Cathedral is probably the building that will make you drop your jaw. Bern’s Minster, what most people call it, has unspeakable splendor expressed by its overwhelming elaboration on the exterior. Beholding and discovering its details is another unmissable thing to do in Bern.

Bern’s Minster is the tallest structure in Bern. However, you can’t easily see it within the Old City most of the time. The gorgeous town buildings that are mostly 3 to 4 stories cover its view while walking along the streets.

That is why you’ll be surprised when you emerge to Munsterplatz from Munstergasse. Again, it is the case if you’re within the Old City of Bern. However, If you’re entering the Old City from its southern side, it will probably be the structure you will notice first.

The bell tower of Bern’s Minster will pull your chin up when you reach Munsterplatz. Its gorgeous gothic spire reaches 100 meters in height (328 feet) – making it the tallest bell tower in Switzerland. You can visit its bell at the top by climbing the cathedral’s 300+ steps stairs.

The 300+ steps sound exhausting, but the view from the top of Bern’s Minster is awe-inspiring! Not only will you see a 360-degree and overlooking view of Bern, but also sights that stretch to the rugged, snowy peaks of the Alps.  

Did you know that the bell on top of Bern’s Minster tower is Switzerland’s largest? This bell cast in 1611 has a 2.5 meters diameter (8.1 feet), and impressively it is still rung every day on the hour! Bern’s Minster bell weighs 10 tons, by the way, and it sounds crazy loud.

The interiors of Bern Cathedral look simply graceful, typical of Protestant Church. It had art and glorious altars once. Because of the Protestant Reformation’s iconoclasm, they were pulled out of the church.

Although most of the religious artworks of Bern Cathedral were removed, there are gorgeous pieces that still remain. Like, its colorful stained glass windows dating back mid-15th-century, appearing so heavenly when sunlight enters through. They depict several biblical images and heraldic symbols.

Perhaps, the most intriguing stained glass window in Bern’s Minster is the “Dance of Death.” It reminds us all, locals and travelers, that death will always be inevitable regardless of what we are in society.

For me, it’s Bern’s Minster architectural feature on the outside that really captures the eyes. Bern’s Minster’s gothic statues at the portal, its tympanum, the flower-style windows, the spires, and flying buttresses, are a marvel you can’t miss!

Visiting Information: Bern’s Minster 

• Location in Google Maps: The Cathedral of Bern
• Entry Fee (Only when climbing the tower): 5 CHF (Adult), 2 CHF (Children 7 to 16 years old).  
• Opening Hours: Open all week. It has different opening hours for summer and winter, weekdays and weekends. However, it’s sure that you can enter Bern’s Minster and its tower from 11:30 am until 04:30 pm. Check the source for exact details.
• Time Needed: 1 hour to 2 hours
• Source/Website: www.bernermuenster.ch

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

3. Einstein House: Visit Einstein’s Home in Bern

At the heart of the Old City of Bern lies the home of one of the world’s most intelligent people, Albert Einstein. He was born in the city of Ulm in Germany, but it was in Bern that he finished developing the Theory of Relativity. This genius, known worldwide, stayed in a humble apartment in Bern from 1903 to 1905. 

From the cobblestone Kramgrasse, Albert Einstein’s house in the Old City of Bern looks very simple. Fact, the buildings in the Old City literally appear so similar to each other. So, it will be a little bit challenging to find Albert Einstein’s house right away. 

The only indicator that will tell you which is Einstein’s house in the array of similar buildings in the Old City of Bern is the small, red lettering “EINSTEIN-HAUS.” They are placed in the upper left corner of the arcade of the building. 

To be exact, it is on the second floor of apartment no. 49 along Kramgasse, which Einstein rented. If you are looking away from Zytglogge, you can find the entrance to Einstein’s apartment at the arcades to the right. Apartment no. 49 is approximately a 2-minute walk from Zytgloggle.

The apartment is open to the public, but there’s an entry fee (indicated at the end of this section). The building has three floors, but the objects that give insights into the life of Albert Einstein while he was in Bern are the second and third floors. The apartment has an old spiral staircase preserved in its original state – you can imagine how Einstein moved up and down using it!

Basically, Einstein’s house, the 2nd floor to be particular, will give you a picture of his daily life with his family in Bern – the furniture, instruments, photographs, the view from the window. You’ll also learn about Einstein’s wife, Mileva, on their apartment’s 2nd floor.

The 3rd floor of Einstein’s house is where you can find details about the genius’ works and biography. Here you can also find a small screen that plays a video about Einstein if you aren’t in the mood to read the descriptions on the wall.

Visiting Information: Einsteinhaus 

• Location in Google Maps: Einsteinhaus
• Entry Fee: 5 CHF (adults), 3 CHF (students and senior citizens)
• Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (3:45 pm is the last entry). Check the source for recent announcements!
• Time Needed: 1 hour (~2 hours in detailed visit) 
• Source/Website: www.einstein-bern.ch

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

4. Zytglogge: Gaze at Bern’s Impressive Clock Tower

A visit to Bern is incomplete without seeing the city’s most iconic landmark, Zytglogge. In my perspective, it is not just a magnificent clock tower but also a masterpiece of mechanical engineering. Gazing at this 54.5-meter structure is one of the fascinating things to do in Bern. 

Zytglogge was built in the early 13th century when Bern was still a small town, barely building its primary defenses. Years later, aside from being a clock tower, it was repurposed several times into a guard tower, prison, social center of the city, and now a civic memorial. 

From afar, it may look like just an ordinary clock tower. However, as soon as you come closer and examine its parts, little but extraordinary things you shall discover. You must catch the clock tower ringing at a full hour to see its “real” spectacle.

Every full hour, parts and cute decorations of Zytglogge begin to move. I suggest you stay in Kramgasse far enough to see the top of Zytglogge where the Gilded Jacquemart is. It is the human statue that bangs the bell when it’s time.

You must be close to Zytglogge at least 5 minutes before the exact full hour. Because what happens isn’t only chiming the bell but a mini-spectacular show performed by Zytglogge’s mechanical figures.

SPOILER. The start of the spectacle is announced by the tower’s crowing rooster figure. Then, the bears rotate under Chronos, the bearer of the hourglass, as the jester chimes the smaller bells. Finally, Chonos shall flip the hourglass and swing his scepter while Jacquemart rings the bells on top of the tower during the exact full hour.

If you see Zytglogge, not for a full hour, you still have its astronomical clock and frieze paintings to admire. But I’ll bet that the astronomical clock will also draw amazement in you. 

Zytglogge’s astronomical clock made me wonder how the clock’s maker calculated the correct shape and sizes of the mechanical parts of the tower to show the current Zodiac sign, the day of the week, and a lot more! That’s why I call it a masterpiece of mechanical engineering.

You can visit the Zytglogge to see the mechanism that makes the clocks work. However, you must join a tour during the afternoon (not available during winter) to enter. Overlooking views of the Old City of Bern await you at the top of the tower.

Zytglogge can be seen from Marktgasse and Kramgasse, but Kramgasse has its most picturesque view. Thanks to the leading lines created by the houses and arcades left and right. It’s best to be photographed together with Zähringerbrunnen in the scene.

Visiting Information: Zytglogge 

• Location in Google Maps: Zytglogge 
• Public Tour Fee: 20 CHF (adults), 15 CHF (Senior Citizens), 10 CHF (6 to 16 years old) 
• Tour Hours: 2:15 pm (Monday, Friday, and Saturday), 3:15 pm (Wednesday and Sunday)
• Tour Duration: 1 hour
• Visiting Duration: 5 to 10 minutes
• Source/Website: www.bern.com and www.zeitglockenturm.ch
• Note: Please read the instructions carefully for the tours on bern.com. An advance booking reservation is recommended. Call +41 31 328 12 12 or send an e-mail to citytours@bern.com.

You can find more tours and travel services in Bern here.

5. Fountains In Bern: Hunt for The City’s Character

If you plan to explore the Old City of Bern, you have one more fun thing to do! It is to hunt for the fountains everywhere in the city, the landmarks that symbolize Bern. 

These fountains that you will find in the Old City of Bern date back to the 16th century. Like the preserved buildings, these fountains always impress whenever you see another. They’re different from each other – each is unique and artistic.

Some fountains have detailed decorations and excellently crafted pillars to make you press your camera’s shutter. For each column, a statue stands, indicating values that the city stands for or depicting important characters that concern Bern. 

Not only do the fountains in the Old City of Bern come in quality, but also in quantity. Believe it or not, there are over 100 public fountains in it? A few of them are absolutely superb examples of Renaissance art.

What’s so fantastic about the fountains in the Old City of Bern? The water that flows out through them is clean. You can even drink the water, and they are free!

If you want to see the most beautiful fountains, worry not about finding them one by one because I have them searched already. In my opinion, below are the 10 most beautiful fountains in Bern – arranged with each closest to another. Starting with the fountain nearest to the Bern Bahnhof:

1. Ryfflibrunnen – on top of this fountain, you’ll see Ryffli, the marksman who defeated knight Jordan III with a single shot.
2. Pfeiferbrunnen – see a statue of a Musician playing his bagpipe with his goose and monkey.
3. Anna-Seiler-Brunnen – is the fountain dedicated to Anna Seiler, who donated a hospital to the city. The statue on top depicts Hebe, the goddess of youth.
4. Schützenbrunnen – is the fountain featuring a marksman that holds the banner of “Society of Musketry.” A cute bear holding a gun kneels between his legs.
5. Kindlifresserbrunnen – has a statue of a bear devouring a baby. Stories say that the fountain was used by parents to scare their naughty kids to make them behave.
6. Zähringenbrunnen – has an armored bear statue with his cub eating grapes on top. The heraldic bear symbolizes Bern’s founders, the Zähringen people.
7. Simsonbrunnen – is the fountain with the statue of the biblical hero Samson on top. Samson is holding the mouth of a lion statue, signifying “strength.” 
8. Mosesbrunnen – is the fountain in Minster Square. It has the statue of Moses on top, holding the tablets of commandments. 
9. Vennerbrunnen – is the fountain in Town Hall Square. On top of its column is a mighty armored Bernese standard-bearer.
10. Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen – has the Lady of Justice covered in golden armor on top of its beautiful column. She stands with sword and scale, higher than a king, sultan, pope, and emperor. 

Visiting Information: Fountains in Bern

Below are their exact locations in Maps, in case you want to visit every one of them. 

Seeing these 10 fountains in the Old City of Bern would take you at least 17 to 20 minutes, considering that you follow this route. But, I think it can get much longer to 40 minutes or 1 hour if you’ll stop for a minute, photograph, or simply admire each.  

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

6. Parliament Building: Visit the Heart of Swiss Democracy

Being Switzerland’s capital, there are landmarks or buildings that you can only find in Bern. Apparently, it is the Bundeshaus or the Parliament Building, sometimes called the Federal Palace of Switzerland. 

The Parliament Building in Bern is a must-thing-to-do not only because it’s the heart of Swiss Democracy. Its gorgeous Renaissance Revival architecture is just stunning. Though it may already impress you at first glance, the “real” spectacle still awaits you inside.

Fun fact. Did you know that the Bundeshaus in Bern is almost entirely made up of materials sourced locally? If you read the documentation of its construction from 1984 to 1902, you’ll see that 95% of Bundeshaus, concrete, steel, and wood are all from Switzerland.

Pure magnificence lies inside Bundeshaus. Though Bundeshaus is not as spectacular as the other palaces in Europe, like Versailles in Paris, its domed hall, council chambers, and other parts still impress visitors. 

Parts of Bundeshaus will give you an insight into what Switzerland really is. Sculptures, frescoes, and more symbolisms inside Bundeshaus tell much about Switzerland’s founding and values. 

One great example of the symbolism inside Bundeshaus is the four mercenaries’ statues on the central dome’s balustrades. They are the emblem of Switzerland’s four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

Again, inside Bundeshaus’s domed hall, look above, and you’ll see its beautiful and colorful glass dome, with the Swiss flag at the center. A symbolic picture of a united Swiss federal state is presented with the cantonal coats of arms surrounding the flag on the dome.

Giant beautiful murals then await inside the chambers. Inside the Council of States Chamber, the artwork depicts a people’s assembly in Nidwalden. However, the National Council Chamber is where the mural of Rütli meadow is, where the Swiss Confederation was formed.

You can join a guided tour to enter Bundeshaus. Guides will tour you inside the palace for 60 minutes, giving you a glimpse of its lobby, domed hall, and council chambers. Of course, it includes an educational explanation of each.

Visiting Information: Bundeshaus

• Location in Google Maps: Bundeshaus
• Public Tour Fee: Free. But you must book in advance. See the reservation procedure on the source website below.
• Tour Hours: English tours occur at 2:00 pm on a Saturday. There are German, French, and Italian tours on other days of the week unless there is a parliament session. See the link below for more info.
• Tour Duration: 1 hour
• Visiting Duration: 30 minutes (stroll outside and take photos)
• Source/Website: www.parlament.ch
• Note: Read the announcements and requirements carefully when visiting or joining a tour. Booking is made on Bundeshaus’s website.

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

7. Kornhauskeller: Dine in Bern’s Most Beautiful Restaurant

We have discussed every beautiful attraction in the Old City of Bern aside from one. That is Kornhauskeller, the most beautiful restaurant and bar in Bern! Tasting Swiss & Bernese specialties under the restaurant’s impressive vaulted cellar is definitely one of the best things to do in Bern!

Apparently, Kornhauskeller is situated in Kornhaus, an 18th-century granary and now an architectural marvel you must see. Aside from the restaurant and bar, Kornhaus also houses a library and a forum. You can find items that concern topics like city development, history, and social policy.

Among the experiences that Kornhaus offers it’s the restaurant in the cellar and Galeriebar on the upper level, which you must not miss seeing. Its old-fashioned but stylish interior absolutely gives a superior dining ambiance. 

Notice the church-like architecture of Kornhauskeller. It has a nave and two aisles. Definitely, you’ll get a dining experience that perfectly fits the medieval vibes outside in the Old City of Bern!

I must not forget to mention the Kornhauskeller’s mouth-watering culinary offerings. Aside from Swiss traditional and Bernese specialties, there are Mediterranean cuisine, meals for Vegan, and more. I’ll link the website and the menu of Kornhauskeller restaurant below.

You can match the delicious dishes from Kornhauskeller’s wide selection of wines. However, if it’s the drinks you’re looking for, the Galeriebar on the upper level, which I think you must really go to.

Galeriebar in Kornhaus is the perfect place for a digestif, I must say. From champagnes to wines, cocktails to rums, whiskey to beers, all kinds of liquor that fit your taste should be there. I think it will be a great destination if you’re traveling with your partner or friends. 

Of course, the only downside is that the food and drinks are expensive. 

Visiting Information: Kornhauskeller

• Location: Kornhauskeller
• Visiting Duration: Lunch (1 to 2 hours), Dine + bar (3 hours)
• Restaurant Opening Hours: 
  • Monday to Thursday – 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm
  • Friday and Saturday – 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 11:00 pm
  • Sunday – closed
• Bar Opening Hours:
  • Monday and Wednesday – 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
  • Thursday and Friday – 3:00 pm to 12:00 am
  • Sunday – closed
• Menu: Chubu_Speisekarte_01.22-EN.pdf
• Website: kornhaus-bern.ch

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

8. Bern Historical Museum: History to Ethnography

Bern has beautiful museums, but the Bern Historical Museum is technically one of the closest attractions you can visit right away after exploring the Old City of Bern. You can find it just south of the Old City across the Aare River, after Kirchenfeldbrücke. 

Bern Historical Museum or Bernisches Historisches Museum houses half a million items under categories ranging from archeology to ethnography and the history of many things worldwide. Through these collections, Bern Historical Museum links Bern to the rest of the world. A visit to this museum shall be a quick transport to other parts of the globe. 

For the countless archives in the museum, Bern Historical Museum is a reservoir of world knowledge we can consider. In addition, the museum also keeps a collection preserving the cultural heritage of Bern. So if you want to learn more about the city, this place is just the place to be.

What makes Bern Historical Museum more special aside from its plethora of collections? The museum. I mean, the physical museum. It is not just a museum, but a “Museum Castle.“

It’s pretty magical at first glance, though. The tall and pointy witch-hat roofs of the Bern Historical Museum remind me of Oberhofen Castle, located in Lake Thun. See how it looks from my posts about Thun and Interlaken. 

Before entering the museum from its main entrance, you’ll be welcomed by a beautiful glass mosaic by Léo-Paul Robert. His artwork depicts different scenes from various periods of history – a brief introduction to the rest of the things you will discover inside the museum.

Bern Historical Museum just recently expanded with another building called Kubus Annex. It’s an Instagrammable structure, most especially on its solid glass northern facade. However, the Kubus annex’s other side has an artistically designed layer of concrete with a crystalline texture.

Visiting Information: Bern Historical Museum

• Location in Google Maps: Bernisches Historisches Museum
• Opening hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday.
• Entry Fee: CHF 13 (adults), CHF 4 (kids 6 to 16 years old)
• Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Source: www.bhm.ch

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

9. Einstein Museum: Discover Einstein’s Bright Mind

Did you know that Albert Einstein has a dedicated floor in Bern Historical Museum? Apparently, it is called Einstein Museum, and if you want to know about his entire life, visiting this place is just the thing to do!

In Einstein Museum, 70 films and animations and 550 items of Einstein’s possessions await you (though some are replicas only). They are on the entire second floor of Museum Castle, approximately 1000 square meters in size. 

The museum uses modern ways to present the life of Einstein, even at the beginning of your visit. The mirrored staircase at the entrance of Einstein museum? I’m sure it gonna leave a lasting likable impression on you.  

Personal and professional aspects of Einstein’s life and his romantic relationships and dramas are covered in the museum. You’ll get an idea of how to be a genius in the early 20th century – it’s when all the worst are happening in the world. See various collections of Einstein’s items ranging from his watch to hand luggage, printed documents, and published works.

Einstein’s museum has 7 rooms where the “life” of Einstein where elaborated. Basically, Einstein’s life in Zurich, Aarau, Ulm, Munich, Bern, Berlin, and Princeton and his works on Special Theory of Relativity, General Theory of Relativity, and Cosmology are well discussed in the museum.

Visiting Information: Bern Historical Museum + Einstein Museum

• Location in Google Maps: Bernisches Historisches Museum
• Opening hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday.
• Entry Fee: CHF 18 (adults), CHF 8 (kids 6 to 16 years old)
• Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours + 1 hour for Einstein Museum
• Source: www.bhm.ch

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

10. Natural History Museum: The oldest museum in Bern

Although Bern does not have as many museums as Geneva or Zurich, the capital city also seems to be a good place for museum hopping. The museums here are just a few steps from another, like the Natural History Museum, located only behind Bern Historical Museum.

The Natural History Museum in Bern, existing for nearly 200 years now, is considered the oldest museum in Bern. Proportional to its age is the number of collections kept inside. This museum houses Switzerland’s “largest” collection of animal skeletons and bones and 220 impressive life-sized dioramas, which it is known for.

Based on the museum’s name and the collections it is known for, the things to discover inside the museum are mostly about nature. See incredible exhibits whose categories range from animals to meteorites, fossils, different minerals, etc. 

Believe it or not, there are more than 5 million specimens of invertebrates here in Natural History Museum! More than 60,000 specimens of vertebrates, 70,000+ specimens of minerals and meteorites, and 380,000 specimens of fossils await you here too.

Natural History Museum also houses incredible specimens like the largest mammal specimen of a fin whale, 18.2 meters long. You can find it in the Great Bone Cabinet section of the museum. Fascinatingly the museum also has a 45mm Etruscan shrew, its “smallest” mammal specimen. 

The last time I checked, the museum had no English translations for the exhibitions yet. Nevertheless, the exhibits are pretty fascinating, and I think you don’t need much reading if you enjoy just discovering creatures that you never thought existed. 

Tip: use the Google Translate App to understand the description, in case there are no English translations yet when you come. Using the app, you just scan the words in other languages, and it will show you the translations instantly.

Ultimately, Natural History Museum is a must-visit place if you have kids. They will like the thousands of stuffed animals and dinosaurs, reconstructed skeletal systems, glowing stones, etc. Oh, don’t miss seeing the famous Barry, the original “St. Bernard” dog so loved in Switzerland – it has its own section in the museum.

Visiting Information: Natural History Museum

• Location in Google Maps: Naturhistorisches Museum Bern
• Opening hours: (Please see the source for holidays)
  • Monday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Saturday, Sunday – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Visit duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Entry Fee: 12 CHF (adults), 10 CHF (Senior citizens and handicapped), FREE (16 years old and below)
• Source or website: www.nmbe.ch

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

11. Museum of Communication: Nostalgic Phones and More!

Previously, we discussed three museums in Bern, Natural History Museum, Bern Historical Museum, and Einstein Museum, which are perfect for a museum-hopping activity right after exploring the Old City. However, there is another museum to visit though.

This museum is called the Museum of Communication (Museum für Kommunikation), and it is located only a few steps away from the three museums first mentioned. Visiting the Museum of Communication is your thing to do in Bern, especially if you want to sense some nostalgia about using pre-smartphone communication tools.

Personally, as a guy who passionately studied electronics engineering majoring in communications, a mix of curiousness and excitement rushes to my thoughts whenever I think of the exhibits in this museum. 

In the Museum of Communication, you can find exhibitions of communicator devices. They range from the first-ever Swiss computer (ERMETH) to futuristic robots. The best part? The museum is very modern, and it has a lot of fascinating interactive displays; some have games you can play with your friends!

Fun isn’t the only thing you can get from the museum. But the nerd inside me is thrilled with the educational part, and it’s definitely worth it if you are curious about the technologies used in communication in the past and in the ones we will be using in the coming future. 

The museum does not only tackle technologies we use in communicating but also its very fundamentals. You can find things about speech and non-verbal communication. Fascinatingly, there are old cars, bikes, and motorcycles in the museum – and those made me realize that they can be used in relaying messages too!

The Museum of Communications is also a must if you have kids while you travel. It’s also a fantastic destination during unpleasant weather. The three floors of interactive exhibits can make you fascinated for more than half a day. 

Visiting Information: Museum of Communications

• Location in Google Maps: Museum of Communications
• Opening hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (Please see the source for holidays)
• Suggested visit duration: 4 to 6 hours 
• Entry Fee: 15 CHF (adults), 5 CHF (5 to 15 years old)
• Source or website: www.nmbe.ch

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

12. Zentrum Paul Klee: Museum and Modern Achitecture

Zentrum Paul Klee is another yet excellent museum that awaits you in Bern. Visiting the museum is a thing to do in Bern if you like admiring modern artworks, specifically the masterpieces of a famous 20th-century Swiss-German painter and draftsman, Paul Klee.

Paul Klee is just an incredible artist. Throughout his life, he has accomplished more than 9000 artworks. He made paintings and musical compositions. It’s just unbelievable, right!? If we’re to compute, it’s nearly 25 years of consistently creating art supposed he created one artwork per day!

What’s so special about Klee’s works? His creations evoke meaning from mystery mixed with irony and a sense of the absurd. Most importantly, his style was influenced by expressionism, cubism, and surrealism art movements, making him very well-known everywhere, especially among art-loving people.

Forty percent of Klee’s highly sophisticated art resides in Zentrum Paul Klee, which is, apparently, a museum dedicated to his works. That’s more than 3,500 Klee’s artworks! However, not all are shown, and his artworks are exhibited in rotation.

Aside from the mind-twisting artworks of Klee, another reason why you would like to visit Zentrum Paul Klee? The museum’s architectural design. It is one of the most photographed buildings in Bern, all because of its unique design that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape.

Zentrum Paul Klee also has an elegant design inside, and the overall ambiance and atmosphere are very welcoming and delightful. All thanks and appreciation to the Italian architect Renzo Piano, who designed the museum. 

Visiting Information: Zentrum Paul Klee

• Location in Google Maps: Zentrum Paul Klee
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Public Transportation: Bus no. 12 (to Zentrum Paul Klee), Tram no. 7 (to Ostring), Bus no. 10 (to Ostermundigen). The exact details are here.
• Entry fee: CHF 20 (adults), CHF 18 (Senior Citizens), CHF 10 (Students)
• Visiting duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Source or website: www.zpk.org

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

13. Rosengarten: Romantic Overlooking View of Bern and Aare

Witnessing the beauty of the Old City of Bern is not complete if you just see it on its streets. To be fully blown away by its beauty, you have to get to Rosengarten or Rose Garden. It is situated east of the Old City, overlooking the Aare River and the entire peninsula, where the city sits beautifully.

Visiting the Rose Garden is a thing to do in Bern if you want to relax, photograph the city, or just have a lovely beside the 400+ types of roses and 25+ rhododendrons blooming in the garden. The park turns more spectacular during spring and autumn when the Japanese cherries bloom and turn golden with the season. 

Bern’s Rose Garden is divided into quarters. The first and second quarters, which are on the side of the road, are where the roses of different colors are growing and the lily pond is. However, the third and fourth quarters are the picnic area where scenic vantage points are found.

The view from these vantage points is spectacular, especially during golden hours at sunset and sunrise. The viewpoint offers you sights that extend up to Gurten Mountain, including all the landmarks in the Old City of Bern. The preserved medieval city should look so magical from above, indeed!

The Rose Garden has benches. If you’re planning to catch the afternoon golden hour and watch the city start to glow with city lights at dusk, I suggest you come a little early. This way, you can choose the bench or spot with the best view. The garden can be so crowded, especially during peak seasons.  

I must not forget to mention the bench with the sculpture of Einstein sitting on it. Sit with Einstein and take a selfie! Behind Einstein is a clear view of the Old City of Bern, and it’s just a beautiful spot for taking your photo souvenir of the city.

Feel hungry? You can immediately proceed to the Rose Garden’s stylish Swiss restaurant at the park’s southern entrance. A lovely view of the Old City and River Aare can be seen there, and it could be a very romantic place for your partner.

Visiting Information: Rose Garden

• Location in Google Maps: Rosengarten
• Public Transportation: 
  • Bus No. 10 (to Ostermundigen, stop at Rosengarten)
  • Bus No. 12 (to Paul Klee Museum, stop at Barengraben)
• Restaurant opening hours: 9:00 am to 11:30 pm Monday to Sunday 
• Visiting duration: 30 mins or more
• Website or source: www.rosengarten.be

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

14. Kleine Schanze: Visit a Christmas Market

Bern has another park located southwest of the old city called Kleine Schanze. Unlike Rose Garden, which we discussed previously – a garden that looks so lovely with roses, cherry trees, and lily ponds, Kleine Schanze, however, appears just like an ordinary park with an overlooking view of the Aare River. 

But, during the Christmas season, Kleine Schanze’s atmosphere changes into something really magical because of the Christmas Market. If you are traveling to Switzerland during the Christmas season, you get another fascinating thing to do in Bern.

A Christmas Market in Kleine Schanze has around 80 stands offering various local and designer products perfect for anyone regardless of age. Like other Christmas markets in Europe, some stalls offer delicacies and hot drinks fit for a magical Christmas stroll.

In other seasons, some locals perform on the stage in the middle of the Kleine Schanze. Watching them is quite a fascinating thing to do if you love discovering little details about the city. Bonus attraction: the Universal Post Monument in the middle of Kleine Schanze.

Visiting Information: Kleine Schanze

• Google Maps Location: Kleine Schanze
• Duration of visit: 30 minutes or more
• Christmas Market Schedule: Last week of November to December 31, closed on Christmas day.
• Christmas Market Opening hours:
  • Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
  • Sunday, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • December 24, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Source or website: www.bern.com

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

15. Aare River: Rafting in Bern

Although most things to do in Bern are sightseeing and visiting museums, it does not mean that you can’t do anything adventurous in the city. Outdoor fun starts at the same river that gave life to Bern: the Aare River.

Well, of course, the fun only occurs during summer when the water in the River Aare is typically warm. But when it warms in summer, it then becomes more than just a place where you can enjoy splashing around under the summer sun.

Aare River’s rushing turquoise-blue water turns into a rafting Eden so you and your friends or family can have fun. Did you know that River Aare’s water is considered one of Europe’s cleanest? They say it’s near drinking quality, yet it’s better to be sure to get safe and let the water from Bern’s fountain quench your thirst instead.

You can check this ultimate guide in Rafting in River Aare from Bern if you are interested in rafting during the summer. Your safety, rafting routes, equipment, and other necessary information and fascinating facts are stated in the guide.

If you’re into photography, you can try renting a boat to get a unique perspective of the beautifully preserved buildings in the Old City of Bern. Don’t miss the view of the Parliament Building from the Aare River – it’s stunning!

16. Gurten: Mountain Fun and Adventure

Travelers and tourists in Bern do not have to go to another town to get some exhilarating outdoor fun. Bern has its own mountain called, Gurten, where you can also do fun activities similar to the Swiss Alps. 

However, if you really want to have the best mountain experience, you won’t hesitate to skip Gurten and proceed to the Bernese Oberland region right away! It’s heaven on earth, and there’s so much to see, from castles to nostalgic trains, lakes to mountains.

Although Gurten is absolutely unmatched by the snow-capped mountains and spectacular landscape of the Swiss Alps, this mountain is still worth a visit if you have limited time in Switzerland and only stay in Bern. At 858 meters altitude, the adventure package offered in the mountain should also come with breathtaking views of the city and the Swiss Alps.

Actually, Gurten offers more activities than it seems. Besides, it’s also a quick escape from the city to see the beautiful countryside of Switzerland. It’s more than just a mountain with hiking trails during summer and ski routes in winter. 

Gurten has a playground that kids will like, tobogganing runs for kids and adults, and scenic hiking and cycling trails for grown-ups. Moreover, every summer, Gurten Festival occurs on top of the mountain. It sparks an unforgettable musical experience for any visitors wanting to join.

Although Gurten isn’t a part of the Swiss Alps, the views on top of the mountain can be satisfyingly scenic already. The scenery in Gurten stretch from its idyllic meadows to the eye-pleasing rolling hills, the city below, up to the spectacular snowcapped Alps to the south. 

Indeed, Gurten can be so eye-satisfying. But do you know what else Gurten can satisfy? Your tastebuds and your tummy! Also on top of the mountain lies Restaurant Gurtners – the source of delicious meals in Gurten. 

Whether inside the restaurant for a cozy, candle-lighted dinner or outside for wholesome refreshments – Restaurant Gurtners offers an exceptional dining experience no matter your choice. Visitors say Restaurant Gurtners serves the kind of food that sends shivers down their spine!

Before you leave Gurten, there’s one place you must not forget to visit: the mountain’s observation tower. For me, it’s one of the highlights of your visit to Gurten, as, on top, you get to see a 360-degree view of the surroundings, all mentioned previously. 

Visiting Information: Gurten

Going to the Gurten is simple. From Bern’s station, just hop on streetcar no. 9 heading to Gurten Funicular valley station. The funiculars leave the valley station, going to the summit station every 15 minutes, starting at 7:00 am. Here is more additional information:

• Google Maps Location: Gurten Park
• Funicular Schedule:
  • Monday to Saturday – Last ascent 11:30 pm, last descent 11:45 pm
  • Sundays and public holidays – Last ascent 8:00 pm, last trip downhill 8:15 pm
• Funicular fee:
  • Adult: 6 CHF (one way), 11 CHF (roundtrip)
  • Kids 6 to 16 years old: 3 CHF (one way), 5.5 CHF (roundtrip)
• Visiting Duration: 2 hours minimum
• Websites or sources: www.gurtenpark.ch (restaurants and other facilities)

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

17. Bern Animal Park: For The Kids

Visiting Gurten, which was previously discussed, is one of the things to do in Bern that kids will absolutely like. If you want to maximize their enjoyment, Bern Animal Park is probably the place you will visit next. 

Bern Animal Park, nestled along the River Aare in the Dählhölzli forest, is an attraction in Bern that’s more than just a zoo. It is the home of 3000 animals of 200 different species – some can be petted by visitors. Yes, you can touch the animals in this park! 

Pet the cute little pygmy goats and donkeys or the minipigs all you want! Bern Animal Park will just unleash the animal lover in you. Though most animals in the park can’t be touched, most are just wondrous to see still.

A few of the mammals in the Bern Animal Park that you would like to see in person are the Carpathian lynx, gray wolves, otters, muskox, and brown bears. The park also houses fascinating birds like rock ptarmigan, flamingos, and Bali myna. 

You can also find numerous animals that live in aquariums and vivariums. You’ll never get bored of discovering new species you thought never existed before, from fish to reptiles, invertebrates to amphibians.

The fun in Bern Animal Park also involves different activities for the entire family. You and your kids can watch animals hunt for their food. Like, for example, puffins doing an underwater flight for a fish. Aside from petting animals, kids can also ride on ponies… there’s just a lot more to experience.

Visiting Information: Bern Animal Park

• Google Maps Location: Bern, Dählhölzli + BärenPark zoo
• Opening hours:
  • March to October 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
  • November to February 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Entry Fee: CHF 10 (adult), CHF 6 (children), CHF 24 (family bundle)
• Public Transport: Bus no. 19 (direction of “Elfenau” all the way to “Tierpark”)
• Visiting Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Website or sources: www.tierpark-bern.ch or www.bern.com

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

18. Bear Pit: See the Animals in Bern’s Coat of Arms

Before the first-ever zoo in Bern was built, locals already had a way to watch wild animals within their city. As early as the 1500s, animals, particularly bears, were kept in the town. Come to Bear Pit or Bärengraben to see where the bears were kept in Bern for centuries.

Why bears, don’t you think? The story or legend behind it dates back to the 12th century. Nevertheless, the bear symbolizes Bern, as you can see from their coat of arms. Bears are also the reason why Bern is called Bern. 

Bear Pit has been controversial in previous years because of the bear’s situation – some people consider it “animal cruelty.” But as laws were passed, the pit became much more friendly to the bears.

That’s why when you visit the park, you will find both the concrete circular enclosure and a more pleasant, lush grass-carpeted enclosure. The newly constructed bear habitat is below the old pit beside the Aare River.

The new enclosure is linked by a tunnel to the old one, so the bears can go to whichever they want. It even has a pool or “Bear bath” joined to the Aare River, where you can see bears swimming during summer. Join the guided tours to learn more about Bear Pit (book using the official website link below) 

The Bear Pit is just a few steps from the Old City of Bern across the Aare River through Nydeggbrücke (east). It’s simple to visit. But if you’re planning to visit during winter, you might not spot bears in Bärengraben. Bears tend to hibernate during the cold chilly season.

Visiting Information: Bärengraben

• Location in Google Maps: Bear Pit
• Opening Hours: Accessible all day, but keepers are present in the area from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Entry Fee: Free
• Visiting Duration: 30 minutes or more (60 minutes for guided tours)
• Source or website: www.tierpark-bern.ch

You can find tours and travel services in Bern here.

19. Spooky Bern: Discover the Other Side of Bern

So far, we have discussed almost all the beautiful attractions and experiences in Bern. However, if there’s one that is absolutely wanderlust satisfying, what would it be? Undoubtedly it’s the Old City, right?

Did you know you can further experience the Old City of Bern beyond its beautifully preserved buildings? You can join a city tour called Spooky Bern to learn different stories entrenched underneath the charming streets of the Old City. 

The tour is a totally unique experience, by the way. You’ll get goosebumps all over your arms when you join. No, it’s not romantic or heroic stories that you’ll hear from the tour – but they are tales so creepy. You can learn more about the activity from the official website of Bern.

20. Day Trip to Thun: A City With Fairytale Lake

If you’re staying in Bern for a much longer and have done the activities that fit your travel preferences, day trips can be the best thing to do next. Switzerland is a small country but packed with beautiful destinations, and Bern isn’t far from the country’s breathtaking attractions.

The closest city you can visit right away from Bern is Thun, located 30 kilometers south of Bern. Thun is very close to Bern and is only a 20-minute train ride away. 

Thun is also the town closest to Bern, which has a lake. Its lake, Thunersee, isn’t like no other, however. Castles are perched on its shores, which are so magical to see, absolutely! 

It’s in Thun you can find the world’s oldest panorama painting. Depicted on this panorama is the town of Thun, together with its lake and Bernese Oberland in the Swiss Alps. You can learn more about Thun and the attractions in this city from my other post.

21. Day Trip to Jungfrau Region: Heaven on Earth Scenery

In continuation of the previous discussion: if you’re in Bern and it’s an adventure you seek, you must try the Jungfrau Region. In this region lies Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland. Interlaken is also the gateway to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland’s heaven-on-earth destination.

Interlaken is a town sandwiched between mountain ranges and lakes. On its east is Lake Brienz, and west is Lake Thun. Take a boat ride or train to get to different attractions around the lakes: Saint Beatus Caves, Iseltwald, and more! Ultimately, scenic views are guaranteed once you reach Interlaken.

Bern and Interlaken are only 62 kilometers apart. They’re only one hour away from each other with a train ride. Traveling from Bern to Interlaken passes through Thun.

I created another post stating the reasons why you should visit Interlaken. There, I covered everything you need to know about the destinations in and from the town. You can also check my article about Lauterbrunnen – you must see its picturesque valley!

22. Day Trip to Lucerne: Historical and Scenic Town

Another alternative to Thun and Interlaken you can have a day trip from Bern is the beautiful city of Lucerne. Like Thun, it has charming landmarks, and like Interlaken, it guarantees spectacular scenery. Somehow, it’s a city mixed with the experiences you can have from Interlaken, Thun, and Bern.

The distance between Bern and Lucerne is approximately as long as Bern and Interlaken. With a train ride, the travel time to Lucerne from Bern ranges only between an hour and an hour and a half. It’s also easy to visit, perhaps the best day trip you can have from Bern.

In Lucerne, you also have a beautiful old town to visit, medieval fortifications such as towers and walls to explore, and fantastic museums. The city also offers many adventures from its nearby mountain, Mount Pilatus. It is the mountain recognized by many as one of Switzerland’s most beautiful!

Check out my other article about Lucerne, telling you some good reasons why you should take a day trip here from Bern. 

Map of the Attractions in Bern

To help you plan your visit to Bern, I created a map showing the exact location of all the attractions within the city mentioned above. You can check the menu of the map below to see the names of each pin.

Where To Next After Bern?

Check this out: How To Spend 3, 7, 10, and 14 Days Switzerland Itinerary.

Best destinations in Switzerland near Bern:

• Jungfrau Region. A top destination in the Swiss Alps with adventures, scenic trains, and remarkable mountaintop attractions. Check these out:
  • Interlaken (most accessible from Bern, with beautiful lake attractions)
    • 10 Reasons to visit Interlaken
    • Interlaken itinerary 1 day to 7 days
    • Different ways to spend 3 days in Interlaken
    • How long to spend in Interlaken?
  • Lauterbrunnen (heaven on earth valley with rustic villages)
    • 10 Reasons to visit Lauterbrunnen
    • How to visit Lauterbrunnen
    • Lauterbrunnen itinerary 1 day to 3 days
  • Grindelwald (best destination for outdoor activities and adrenaline-pumping adventures)
    • 10 Best things to do in Grindelwald
• Lucerne. It is a charming city with remarkable landmarks (Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument) and near Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus.
  • 15 Reasons to Visit Lucerne
  • How Many Days in Lucerne

Other recommended tourist attractions in Switzerland (complete list: Beautiful Villages in the Swiss Alps):

• Kandersteg. A lovely village closest to Oeschinensee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Learn more: 10 Things to do in Kandersteg.
• Gruyeres. A preserved medieval village in the Prealps. Come to taste authentic Gruyeres Cheese and unlimited chocolates! Discover: 10 Reasons to visit Gruyeres.
• Zermatt. An alpine village/ski resort/hiking destination where you can see the most famous mountain, the Matterhorn. Check these out:
  • 10 Reasons to visit Zermatt
  • 10 Best views in Zermatt

You might also want to discover the cities near the Swiss Alps. These cities are in proximity to the best tourist attractions in the Swiss Alps. They can be an alternative home base for Switzerland’s major cities.

• Sion. The capital of the canton of Valais with a hilltop church and hilltop chapel. Learn more about Sion: Best things to do in Sion.
• Thun. A picturesque city where you can find the oldest panorama painting and a few castles. Discover Thun: 7 Best things to do in Thun.
• Montreux. A beautiful city beside lake Geneva. Come here to see Chillon Castle and Lavaux vineyard. Check this out: 10 reasons to visit Montreux.
• Brig. The city gateway to Italy. Come here to see Stockalper Palace and the scenic Simplon Pass. See the Best things to do in Brig.

Compare other cities in Switzerland with Bern:

• Geneva: 10 Reasons to visit Geneva
• Zurich: 15 Reasons to visit Zurich
• Basel: 7 Most beautiful places in Basel

Get inspiration to visit more places in Switzerland:

• Pictures of Swiss Countryside
• Special things about the Swiss Alps

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