The Onion Market(Zibelemrit) which takes place on the fourth Monday in November is particularly worth visiting: visitors to the traditional market dedicated to onions start pouring into the city in the early hours. They run guided tours and creative workshops for all ages. Recommended tour: Zytglogge Tour through the Clock Tower. They all feature polychrome sculptures on a pedestal. +41 (0)31 300 33 00 Im Jurga, a traveler with a camera, a mom of three boys, and the founder of Full Suitcase, one of the world's leading family travel blogs. With excellent museums, restaurants, and cafs, Biel is delightful in and of itself, but also be sure to explore the surrounding lake region. Theres a funicular that you catch from by the Aare in Waben. Einstein lived at this second-floor apartment with his physicist wife Mileva Maric and their son Hans between 1903 and 1905. The old town of Bern is more than worthy of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The west doorway of Bern Minster is richly decorated with sculpture (now copies); in the tympanum is a Last Judgment (completed in 1495) containing a number of figures, and on the side walls are paintings of the Fall and the Annunciation. Less than an hour from Bern by car, Emmental has a quintessentially Swiss landscape. info@bern.com, Incorporating the citys landmarks as well as its secret corners, Discover the beautiful landscaped on a relaxed e-bike ride. A part of the University of Bern, the Natural History Museum was born in 1832 and includes more than 200 dioramas, including a 200-year-old preserved St. Bernard rescue dog named Barry. Now, it has over 200 kinds of roses plus hundreds of different types of rhododendrons, azaleas, and irises. Bern has kept its own bears since at least the 16th century, and they were moved to this park on the opposite bank of the Aare in 1857. info@madeinbern.com There is also an interesting display on endangered species. Official site: https://www.einstein-bern.ch/. The very first bear to be kept in Bern was brought home as the spoils of war after a battle. Reachable through a hike or taking the cable car and hiking half the way. Practical information: Gurten funicular runs daily the whole year round, except for a few days of annual maintenance. A nice complement to the Historical Museum, this minor attraction holds the second floor flat where Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905. The Swiss capital of Bern is a picturesque city filled with Medieval structures, cobblestone streets, limestone arcades, and lush greenery.With its eclectic mix of culture, history, nature, and breathtaking scenery, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.I would actually even say, it is the most beautiful city in the country. The Einstein Museum is a fascinating place too, with lots of photos, footage, and documents connected to his time there. The Bundeshaus was completed in stages throughout the second half of the 19th century. For more accommodation options in Bern, check out Booking.com. The bears' habitat was modernized in 2009 with the addition of a second, larger green enclosure that connects to the original one through a tunnel. There are also several other bells, dating from the 14-19th centuries. If you spend at least one night/ two days in Bern, you should be able to cover all the places on this list. Indeed, it is easy to spend many happy hours in the Old Town as there is simply so much to see and do. It was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and commissioned by Klees daughter, who donated all of her inheritance to the city of Bern. The building housing the museum is worth a visit in its own right! Our Bucket List: 77 Things to Do in Bern in 2023 A Cycle Route, a swimming lesson on the river Aare or a visit to Thun Castle: we can provide you with inspiration for a typical Bern bucket list. While living here Einstein wrote his Annus Mirabilis papers, which changed the way we understand the universe. Many are woven with arcades on their ground floor, and these are a defining characteristic of the city. It is reasonably priced and has a large sun terrace with some fabulous views. However, if you're moving to Switzerland with kids, then you're probably more interested in Bern's more entertaining attractions. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Zytglogge is one of the most famous landmarks in Bern. Legend has it that the founder of the city Berchtold V. von Zhringen went on a hunting expedition in the surrounding forest and a bear was the very first animal he caught. To help you orient, we created this map indicating all the places and attractions in Bern city that are mentioned in this article. There are also several outdoor swimming pools on the banks of the river, including the famous Marzili pool complex, which offers several pools and beautiful views of the Parliament Building. Website. If you are feeling energetic, its well worth the effort to climb the tower of Berner Mnster. Fribourg is also home to an impressive clutch of museums, including the Natural History Museum, Musee Gutenberg, the Art and History Museum, and even a sewing machine museum. For the best views of the Aare, head to the Nydeggbrcke bridge, Bern's most famous and beloved bridge, which connects the old and new parts of town and offers fairy-tale views over red rooftops. Join us as we discover the world one beautiful adventure at a time! Highlights here are the well-maintained old town with the Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas built from the 14th to the 15th centuries on the former site of a Romanesque building and renowned for its modern stained glass by Joseph de Mehoffer, as well as gold and ivory treasures from the 15th to 20th centuries. This impressive multi-use cultural space houses the City Theater's Kornhausbhne; the Kornhaus Library; the Library for Design; the Forum for Media and Design; and two renowned restaurants: the Kornhauskeller and Kornhauscaf. The stained glass windows are exceptional too, with the most memorable being Matter Chapels Dance of Death. TIP: If you are a chocolate lover, check out one of the Lderach chocolate shops. Bern Cathedral is an active place of worship and services are held every Saturday and Sunday. Looking out to the Alps, Switzerlands fifth largest city has been the Bundesstadt and de facto capital for almost 170 years. They run for several miles and the local tourist office describes them as the longest covered shopping promenade in the world. He also lectured at the University of Bern. TIP: Considering its popularity and the very small area this flat occupies, it can get very crowded here! Its always fun to see a tram drive under the tower. Things to Do in Bern Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more. If you dont have the time for the Einstein Museum, this might be a good alternative. Youll find a vegetable and flower market on the Bundesplatz every Tuesday and Saturday morning. TIP: There are several excellent dining options on Gurten, including the buffet-style offerings at Tapis Rouge and tasty brunches at the Pavilion. Plan your visit with our list of top tourist attractions and things to do in Bern. Should you choose to visit in winter, then the terrain is completely covered in snow, with skiing and snowshoeing available too. Featuring a clock at the top, its architecture is quite beautiful. From here, you can also see the older stone bridge Untertorbrcke which was originally the only bridge crossing the Aare. Perhaps the most famous building in Bern, the Berner Mnster is also known as the Bern Cathedral or the Cathedral of St. Vincent. Studio Paintings, 19882022. This makes it easy to include Bern in any Swiss itinerary. If you're looking for a winter getaway with stunning scenery, look no further than the city of Bern. The habitat was modernised in 2009, when a new space was opened next to the original pit. You need at least 1.5-2 hours for a quick visit to the Bern Historical Museum/ Einstein Museum. Hi, and thanks for stopping by! There are two floors to explore at this museum one scientific in nature and the other decorated to look as it would have done when the family lived here. Old Town Source: Shutterstock Old Town One of the many things to love about Bern's UNESCO-listed medieval centre is its uniformity: Most of the city was claimed by a fire in 1405, and tall sandstone buildings took over from the old wooden houses. In spring and summer the Aare can seem a bit treacherous, particularly when you cross the Nydeggbrcke on the way to the BrenPark. Just off Helvetiaplatz is the only museum in Switzerland on the subject of communication. The first time many visitors see Bern, they are stunned by the beauty of its setting. Bears have continued to be kept in Bern ever since, and they were moved to the Brengraben (or Bear Pit) in 1857. Bern's largest flea market (perfect for finding a treasure or two) takes place on the Mhleplatz in the Matte every third Saturday during the warm months. There are usually some 120 to 150 works of Paul Kleeon display at any given time and the collection changes on a regular basis. Kfigturm is another medieval tower in Bern, part of the old city gate. Here you can read more about me, my family, and our trips all over the world 2015-2023 https://fullsuitcase.com All Rights Reserved. Bern's Renaissance-style Bundeshaus (Parliament building) stands on the edge of the high ground above the Aare River. But south of the Altstadt its perfectly safe to bathe in the river. And outside, leopards, wolves and harbour seals are all granted spacious enclosures. This old area is where many of the best places to visit and things to do are located, including all of the bridges across the Aare, public fountains, old statues, towers, and the famous Clock Tower. See also: Where to Stay in Bern 1. The second which you can also view from above is far newer, richly forested, and much bigger. It takes about 1.5 hours and is a great first introduction to the city! The second enclosure also includes a section of the river, where the bears can safely take a dip when temperatures go up. Get a tour of The Bundeshaus. meetings@bern.com +41 31 328 12 12 About 90 minutes away by train and surrounded by snow-capped peaks is Lucerne. Grindelwald & the Bernese Oberland. The red rooftops of Bern old town Here are the main sights and things to do in Bern: 1. It is the oldest art museum in Switzerland, built in 1879, and holds an international reputation. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. In the low season, it usually only runs on Saturdays. Here are the main sights and things to do in Bern: One of the first places to see in Bern is its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage site. Things to Do in Bern Popular things to do Cultural Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Fountains Walking Tours Tours & Sightseeing Speciality Museums Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Historic Sites Outdoor Activities Airport & Hotel Transfers Sports Complexes Food, Wine & Nightlife Multi-day & Extended Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks One is the older, original pit which was rather basic and didnt give the bears a very pleasant environment in which to live. In summer, check out the restaurant terraces close to Kfigturm. Its part of the Bern Historical Museum (Bernisches Historisches Museum), Switzerlands second-largest institution of its kind. For more information, check their website. The museum offers both public and private tours. The Albert Einstein Housebears testimony to the physics genius' stay in Bern at the start of the 20th century and may ideally be combined with a visit to the Einstein Museum. So in this guide, we focus only on the VERY BEST places to see and things to do in Bern that are worth it the most if visiting Bern for the first time. Even though Gurten is not that high (858 m (2,815 ft)) and is rather a hill than a mountain, it offers nice 360-degree views across the city and the Alps. The 800-year-old Clock Tower (Zytglogge) is one of Bern's most famous landmarks - and is well worth the visit (the clock dates to 1530). It offers a really special experience that follows a fixed course, involving warming, cleansing, exfoliation, a bath, and a steam room. Their talisman is right-wing Mark Arcobello, an import from the NHL who contributed 55 points (25 goals and 30 assists) in the 2016-17 campaign. In Berns eastern outskirts is a phenomenal modern museum for one of the most influential artists of the early 20th century. In this museum in Bern, you can see some of his most recognized works. Popular things to do Cultural Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Fountains Walking Tours Tours & Sightseeing Speciality Museums Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Historic Sites Outdoor Activities Airport & Hotel Transfers Sports Complexes Food, Wine & Nightlife Visitors who prefer to travel by train may take advantage of the dense rail network with its direct connections to the major European cities. The paying section has more exotic animals, but theres still an emphasis on European species. In the Matter chapel (seventh bay in the south aisle) is the Dance of Death window (1917), with 20 scenes from the Dance of Death (1516-19) by Niklaus Manuel-Deutsch. By Chrconde. And the beetle and evolution exhibits are educational for all ages. There is a lot to see inside the Cathedral too. Its origins lie in a post museum founded in 1907, and theres still an exhibition on this topic, explaining the postal network and showing historic coaches and postage stamps. Inside, you can see the popularity of this ancient structure from the 130 worn stone steps. Start Your Day With a Cozy Breakfast Image of a Coffee Shop and Bakery by TouringSwitzerland.com The company continuously offers the best rates, and its customer service is on point. Nowadays, trams pass directly through the arch at the base of the tower, where the city gate used to be. Official site: http://www.kunstmuseumbern.ch/. Happily, the Kfigturm tower is now less forbidding and is used for political discussions instead. The capital city may easily be reached by car or by air via the Bern-Belp Airport and bus links to the city centre. In the collection there are 3,000 paintings and sculptures as well as almost 50,000 photographs, prints, sketches and pieces of video art. Perhaps the most charming town in the country, Thun sits where the Aar River flows from Lake Thun-just 30 kilometers south of Bern. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Good to know: E-bikes were invented here and they are ideal for exploring the uphill trails in the region. PRO TIP: If you want to visit the Clock Tower inside, I highly recommend booking this highly-rated clock tower tour. And I really dont think that the city symbol has anything to do with tourists. For a relaxing break from sightseeing in Bern and something different to do in the city, why not book a bathing ritual at the citys Hammam & Spa Oktogon? At the time, Einstein was working for the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property. A castle dominates the town, while its flower-lined pedestrian walkways make the town stand out. Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. 1. And for a unique market you won't find anywhere else, there's also the Zibelemrit or Onion Market, which happens only once a year, on the fourth Monday in November, and it celebrates all things onion, including food but also artful onion wreaths, ready-to-eat meals, and even kitchen decor featuring onions. The former entrenchments and bastions drop down steeply to the river. Just outside the Bundeshaus is the Bundesplatz, where an impressive vegetable and flower market takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. 1. Youll find everything from luxury goods to traditional Swiss knives, and Einstein-themed souvenirs. Bern From the Bundesterrasse, which rests on massive retaining walls, there are awesome views of the river Aare below and the Alps beyond. Ready to find out more about all the Bern things to do? With so many amazing places to see in Switzerland and limited time, you might be wondering whether Bern is worth it Indeed, a lot depends on how much time you have. Overlooking a garden in a park-filled neighborhood. The Auge and Bourg quarters leading to the upper town perch in a picturesque location above the rocky banks of a bend in the river; in the lower town are the districts of Neuveville, on the left bank, and Planche, on the right bank. For a gourmet treat, dine at Gurtners, which is a great place to watch the sun go down over a truly stunning landscape. On this blog, I share our family's travel experiences from all over the world, coupled with lots of practical information and useful tips for your trips. As soon as the temperatures start to rise, you'll find the locals swimming in the Aare. This picturesque tower has a rather grim history. Are you on Pinterest? +41 31 328 12 12 Spread over four floors, this unique spa is housed in a beautiful building that was once the home of Switzerlands first gas boiler. You can find more info and opening times here. To get close up and personal with the Bernese Alps, this is one of the very best day trips from Bern. Practical info: Einstein House is open daily, except for a few weeks at the end of December and in January. Save your favorites. The standard is also as high as youll find outside North America, and in 2017 SC Bern won their second NL Championship in a row their third in five seasons. Installed in the 16th century, the fountains were topped with statues of ideas or biblical scenes such as Samson killing a lion. The oldest art museum in the country opened its doors in 1879 in a purpose-built Eclecticist hall. It is beautifully located, high on a cliff with the sparkling blue waters of the Aare River on three sides. Set in the heart of Switzerland, Bern is the gateway to the Alps. The finely carved choir stalls (1523) were the first Renaissance work of art in Bern. You can find more information about this helicopter flight and book it on Viator. On this 1-hr tour, you can also climb the 130 steps of the spiral staircase to reach the lookout platform at the top. Have a wonderful time in Switzerlands scenic and tranquil capital city! This has been serving the 858-metre hill since 1899 and gets to the top in just five minutes. 50 Capital Cities at Random Quiz The medieval Clock Tower in Bern, Switzerland, seen from the Kramgasse. The collection comprises art from the Italian Trecento (Duccio, Fra Angelico); Swiss art since the 15th century (Niklaus Manuel, Albert Anker, Ferdinand Hodler, Cuno Amiet); and international painting from the 19th and early 20th centuries (Impressionism, Cubism, Expressionism, Blaue Reiter, Surrealism); with particular focus on Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and Pablo Picasso. These are the sights that are definitely worth a visit when you're in Switzerland's capital. The town is known for water sports and cultural activities (surprisingly numerous for such a small town), but it's also a great place to take a peaceful stroll along the lake for a stunning view and a moment of quiet. Some of the preserved big game is impressive, as are the skeletons of The Big Bone Show. The nave and the choir of Bern's St. Vincent Minster have reticulated vaulting with fine 16th-century coats-of-arms. Staying in Bern Switzerland is renowned for being one of the most beautiful (and most expensive) countries in Europe. About 60 kilometers from Bern in the Bernese-Oberland section of the Alps, the town and region is the gateway to a land of mountains, lakes, and rushing rivers. This massive and impressive art museum is home to more than 51,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, and films. The Houses of Parliament (Bundeshaus) rise above the city just a stone's throw away from the railway station. I ordinarily like your site but can't stomach the promotion of animal abuse. Home Travel Guides Switzerland 15 Best Things to Do in Bern (Switzerland). You might never guess it by looking at it today, but this building was originally used for grain storage. It will impress even those that might not think they are interested in plants and flowers. He is represented by a museum designed by Renzo Piano and holding almost half of the work he ever produced. The Rose Garden Park (Rosengarten) is a large open area sitting on a hill slope just across the river from the center of town. These are housed in a Neo-Renaissance edifice, which has a modern extension for temporary exhibitions. Home to the Swiss Parliament, the Bundeshaus sits in the main square of Bern, where you can also find farmers' markets during summer. You will also find a map of all the main Bern tourist attractions mentioned in this article, our picks for the best hotels in Bern and details on how to get around Bern. Good to know: No bags or backpacks are allowed inside the Cathedral tower. 1. Things to Do in Bern Popular things to do Cultural Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Fountains Walking Tours Tours & Sightseeing Specialty Museums Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Historic Sites Outdoor Activities Airport & Hotel Transfers Sports Complexes Food, Wine & Nightlife Multi-day & Extended Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks In winter, Bern's Parliament Square turns into an artificial ice rink that's really popular among locals and tourists. Be sure to check the excellent website for the latest details. Photo swiss-image.ch / Terence du Fresne. The museum made the news recently when it was unexpectedly bequeathed a cache of 1,400 works by the German collector Cornelius Gurlitt. Bern is home to a staggering 100 public fountains. If you have more time, it is really worth visiting for its magnificent valley for hiking and biking too. Bern is home to many markets-from flowers and food to flea markets and some magnificent Christmas marketplaces, the city has something for everyone. Airy and light, it resembles a rolling landscape and is quite stunning! Albert Einsteins link to Bern is strong he lived here for 7 years at the beginning of the 20th century. Found between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the town sits on the river that links the two bodies of water. Its also a good place to visit in Bern when it rains. In the winter, the mountain offers kids' skiing and toboggan runs. Located about 30km east of Bern, Emmental Valley is one of the places that might be worth visiting if you have more time in the area. And the ultimate way to do this is to enter the water at the recreation area at Eichholz and just let yourself drift downstream to the Freiban Marzili. Established in the 12th century, and named after a bear found in a nearby forest, Bern's most important building is the imposing Federal Palace . Getting there: Gurten is easy to access by tram no. Berns central location makes it the perfect base for overnight accommodation and for excursions throughout Switzerland. Good to know: Access is via a steep flight of stairs and there is no elevator, so this attraction is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems. One of the most peaceful and beautiful places in Bern with impressive views of the city. Originally a cemetery (1765-1877), the area became a public park in 1913. If you like to check out some local markets, you have some choices in Bern, too. Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. The Aare River is an intrinsic part of Bern, a beautiful mass of crystal-clear turquoise waters that have shaped the city's life and landscape. The dioramas are impressive even if they are outdated in a way. You may recognize the name of this area by the cheese for which it is famous. Btw, you likely never visited Bern and have no idea what you are even talking about Lucerne's historic core, Old Town, is car-free and a great place to explore on foot while admiring the stunning 17th-century architecture. I hope this will inspire you to visit! You choose one of the basic packages and supplement it with the add-ons of your choice - Another easy choice: Choose one of the three basic packages S, M or L and supplement it with the Price Information for "STAND-UP DINNER PACKAGES". Suggested tour: Bern: 90-Minute Stroll Through the Old Town. So, every year thousands of people skate on this wide and illuminated ice rink, also enjoying mulled wine and cheese fondue at the nearby . In front, on the Bundesplatz is a popular fountain with 26 jets, each one symbolising one of Switzerlands Cantons. The two enclosures are linked by a tunnel, and even allow the bears to take dips in the river. You can also see across the Three Lakes Region all the way to the Jura mountains. And if youve always wondered what the Theory of Relativity actually is, you can find out through an animated film designed for non-scientific minds! about me, my family, and our trips all over the world check the availability and reserve your spot, a big variety of helicopter tours from Bern, Why a Peeing Boy Became the Symbol of Brussels (Manneken Pis Story), Kayaking in Algarve: 5 Top Places (+Map), Best Tours & Tips, 19 Top Places & Best Things to Do in Algarve (+Map & Insider Tips), 11 BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Delft (+Map & Tips), Best Street Food Tour in Rome (with a Local): Review, Photos & Tips, 9 BEST Beaches in Albufeira (+Map, Photos & Insider Tips). This is a gateway to outdoor recreation in the mountains beyond, but be sure not to miss the castle, the old town hall, a walk along the lake, the Panzer Museum, and the Wocher Panorama - the oldest surviving panorama in the world.