Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is renowned for its picturesque old town, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Having spent a few days in Bern during the summer of 2022, I have put together a list of the 8 best places to visit in Bern, which are all places that I visited and that I loved.
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- 1. Rosengarten (Bern Rose Garden)
- 2. Kramgasse Street
- 3. Cathedral of Bern
- 4. Bern Fountains
- 5. Swiss Parliament Building
- 6. Zytglogge Clock Tower
- 7. Gurten Kulm
- 8. Nydeggbrücke
1. Rosengarten (Bern Rose Garden)
The Bern Rose Garden is located on a hill overlooking the old town of Bern, Switzerland. It’s a beautiful park filled with colorful roses, manicured lawns, and stunning views of the city and the distant Alps.
One of the highlights of the Rose Garden is the panoramic terrace, offering sweeping vistas of Bern’s medieval rooftops, the majestic Bernese Alps, and the Aare River winding its way through the city. It’s a great place to capture memorable photos or simply soak in the natural beauty.
2. Kramgasse Street
Kramgasse Street is a charming and historic thoroughfare located in the heart of Bern, Switzerland. It’s a bustling pedestrian street lined with colorful buildings, quaint shops, cozy cafes, and cultural landmarks, making it a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Bern’s old town. As you walk along Kramgasse, you’ll be surrounded by centuries-old buildings adorned with decorative facades and traditional arcades.
The street is very nice to walk through and never felt super busy even if it was peak afternoon.
3. Cathedral of Bern
The Cathedral of Bern, also known as Bern Minster, is a Gothic-style cathedral located in the old town of Bern, Switzerland. Construction of the cathedral began in the 15th century and continued for several centuries, resulting in a blend of architectural elements from different periods. One of the notable attractions within the Cathedral of Bern is the astronomical clock, located in the north transept. This clock, dating back to the 15th century, displays various astronomical features and has moving figurines that perform a daily ritual at noon.
If you would like to visit inside the Cathedral of Bern, it is free. However, when I travelled to Bern, I did not visit the inside of the cathedral because it was past closing time. I suggest coming within opening hours if you would like to have a peak of what’s inside!
4. Bern Fountains
Bern is famous for its abundance of fountains scattered throughout the city. Here are several reasons why Bern has so many fountains:
- Historical Hygiene and Drinking Water: In the past, clean drinking water was not readily available, especially during medieval times. Fountains served as essential sources of clean water for the population, ensuring access to safe drinking water and promoting hygiene.
- Symbol of Wealth and Prestige: Fountains were often symbols of wealth and prestige in medieval Europe. The elaborate design and craftsmanship of Bern’s fountains reflected the city’s prosperity.
- Artistic Expression: Many of Bern’s fountains are works of art, showcasing intricate sculptures, allegorical figures, and historical motifs. These fountains therefore served as expressions of artistic creativity and cultural identity.
- Tourist Attractions: Over time, Bern’s fountains have become iconic landmarks and tourist attractions. Visitors to the city often enjoy exploring the various fountains, each with its own unique design and story.
As you walk through the Old Town, you will see many of them. It was interesting to see the different design of every fountain.
5. Swiss Parliament Building
The Swiss Parliament Building, located in Bern, serves as the seat of Switzerland’s federal government. The building’s design is impressive, featuring a grand facade with neoclassical elements, majestic columns, and a central dome. You can take guided tours inside the Parliament Building to learn about Switzerland’s federal system, the role of the National Council and the Council of States, and the country’s democratic principles. The tour offers insights into Swiss politics, governance, and the history of the federal state. Click here to reserve. It is free but you need to reserve at least three days in advance.
The surrounding area of the Parliament Building, known as the Federal Square (Bundesplatz), is a lively public space where you can relax, enjoy views of the nearby Aare River, and observe the democratic process in action during parliamentary sessions and events.
When I visited the Swiss Parliament Building, I did not visit the inside, but instead, walked around their public space, the Federal Square and the Bundeshausterrasse, a hidden viewpoint.
6. Zytglogge Clock Tower
The Zytglogge Clock Tower, dating back to the 15th century, is a masterpiece of engineering and artistry. One of the most striking features of the Zytglogge is its astronomical clock, which was installed in the 15th century. The clock mechanism is highly intricate and displays various astronomical features, including the positions of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the phases of the moon and the zodiac signs.Climbing up the tower allows you to enjoy panoramic views of Bern’s historic rooftops.
When I visited, I did not go inside the Zytglogge. Although it offers great views of the city, I found other viewpoints that offered free panoramic views of the city. However, the clock itself seems very interesting so if you are interested in visiting for the engineering aspect, it would be right for you!
7. Gurten Kulm
Gurten Kulm is a captivating mountain summit located just outside Bern, Switzerland, offering panoramic views and a range of recreational activities.
To get to Gurten Kulm, you need to make your way to “Gurtenbahn” on Google Maps, which is where the beginning of the funicular to the top of the mountain begins. From the center of Bern, it is only a 15 minute tram ride. It is even very walkable (2.7km one way).
To get up Gurten Kulm, you can either take the funicular, walk or bike. We decided to take the funicular. For prices and operation times, click here.
The journey to the top via the funicular railway is an adventure in itself, providing breathtaking vistas of Bern and the surrounding Swiss countryside. At the summit, you can explore walking trails, enjoy picnics in scenic spots, and even visit the children’s playground. Something that we did at the top was climb the “Gurten observation tower,” which is a spiralled staircase that brings you to panoramic views of the city. The observation tower was free.
8. Nydeggbrücke
The Nydeggbrücke is a picturesque bridge spanning the Aare River in Bern, Switzerland. Its elegant stone arches and decorative railings offer stunning views of the river, the old town, and the surrounding landscapes. Walking across the Nydeggbrücke is a delightful experience, especially during sunset when the warm hues reflect off the water and illuminate the historic buildings along the riverbanks.
You can also walk along the Aare River, where you will get a better view of the Nydeggbrücke and its grandiose arches. To get to the Aare River, there are stairs once you get off the Nydeggbrücke bridge to bring you near it. I loved walking by it because it was a great object for photography.
Jessie Across the World 