Bern, Switzerland, rewards travelers who venture beyond the country’s headline destinations with a distinct blend of landmarks, local culture, and easy access to a memorable day trip. Here’s how to plan a trip that covers the essentials without rushing.
Zytglogge and the Old Town
Bern’s UNESCO-listed medieval old town, built on a peninsula of the Aare River, centers on the Zytglogge clock tower, whose 16th-century astronomical mechanism performs a figurine show before each hour.
BarenPark (Bear Park)
Bears have been the city’s symbol for centuries, and this riverside park along the Aare gives Bern’s resident bears a natural, terraced habitat to roam, visible for free from the bridge above.
Day Trip: Interlaken and Thun
An hour south, the lakes and mountain backdrops of Interlaken and Thun offer easy access to the Bernese Oberland’s alpine scenery.
Book Bern Tours & Day Trips
Best of Bern: Walking Tour of Old Town with Expert Guide
From Bern: Premium Panoramic train, Lucerne & Interlaken Alps
From Bern: Swiss Alps, Lauterbrunnen, Beatus Caves Small Group
Zermatt, Matterhorn & Gornergrat Small Group Day Tour from Bern
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: June-September for warm weather and swimming in the Aare River, a local summer tradition.
- Getting around: The old town is compact and walkable, entirely on a UNESCO World Heritage list since 1983.
- River swimming: In summer, locals float down the Aare River through the city — a popular, free activity for confident swimmers.
FAQ
Is Bern the capital of Switzerland?
Yes, Bern is Switzerland’s federal capital, though Zurich is the larger financial center.
How far is Interlaken from Bern?
About one hour by direct train.
Is Bern expensive?
Like most of Switzerland, Bern is relatively expensive, though generally a bit more affordable than Zurich or Geneva.
Final Thoughts
Bern delivers a compact, walkable introduction to Switzerland without the crowds of the country’s biggest tourist hubs, and its proximity to Interlaken and Thun means you can pair city sightseeing with a change of scenery in the same trip.
Want more on Bern? Check out our full Bern destination guide for additional sights, tips, and tour recommendations.
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