Bern, Schweizer Mittelland

Bern, the federal capital, is situated in the heart of Switzerland, which in turn lies at the center of Europe. Thanks to its central location, Bern is easily accessible and a favorite starting point for trips and excursions to the Alps, the Bernese Oberland, the Swiss Mittelland (Emmental, Seeland), the Jura, Lake Geneva and its surroundings, the Swiss interior and the Valais. An additional attraction of Bern as your base is that it is possible to discover virtually the whole of Switzerland on a day or half-day excursion.

UNESCO: the Old Town of Bern has been featured in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983. Take a look round this fabulous cultural site and enjoy the charm of the covered arcades, cobbled streets and decorated facades. 

Attractions

  • Bear Pits & Park: Legend has it that the founder of Bern, Berchtold V von Zähringen, killed a bear on the Aare peninsula and this led to the town being called Bern (from German "Bär").
  • Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Gardens are located right in the heart of the city. The gardens cover a 2-hectare area featuring around 6'000 plant species growing outdoors and in seven greenhouses.
  • City of Fountains: Today numerous fountains call to mind the heroes and past historical events of Bern.
  • Clock Tower - Zeitglockenturm: The Clock Tower (Zeitglockenturm) was Bern's first western city gate (1191 - 1256) and is now one of Bern's most important sights.
  • Dählhölzli Zoological Gardens: Especially in good weather the Zoological Gardens are a perfect excursion destination for relaxed walks along the River Aare.
  • Elfenau: The Elfenau Estate is among Bern's most beautiful green areas and in 1918 the City of Bern acquired the Elfenau and set up the Municipal Nurseries there.
  • French Church: The French church is now the city's oldest church.
  • Gurten: The park out in the green creates a pleasant ambience for seminars and meetings and is a culinary highlight for gourmets.
  • House & square of Parliament: The House of Parliament are the seat of the Swiss government (Federal Council) and the parliament (National Council and Council of States) and are open to the public.
  • Kornhaus: The Kornhaus is regarded as one of Bern's chief examples of High Baroque architecture. As it was no longer serving its original purpose of "larder" since the start of the 19th century, it was, in 1893, turned into a festival venue.
  • Käfigturm (Prison Tower): As the name Käfigturm (Prison Tower) suggests, this gate tower was constructed as a prison. It is Bern's second tower and was the second city gate.
  • Münster Cathedral: The Cathedral is the most impressive example of Late Gothic architecture of the city. The basilica with its three naves towers above the roofs of Bern's old town.

Events

Bern Tourism sets the trends and is proud to present you with a selection of all-year top events. Whether your preference is for an atmospheric festival, a fiery dance show or a sporting event, there's bound to be something going on that's just right for you.

Shopping

The main shopping streets in Bern, Spital- and Marktgasse, are right in the centre of the Old Town of Bern. Thanks to 6 km of arcades, Bern has one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe. Shopping in Bern is especially enjoyable on bad-weather-days, because you're protected by the covered arcades.

The Old Town also has dozens of inviting restaurants, bars and cafes. Colourful markets selling fresh vegetables, flowers and meat produce are held on Bundesplatz and Münsterplatz every Tuesday and Saturday.