BERN: CHARMING | SCENIC | MEDIEVAL
The heart of Switzerland is proudly represented by the charming city of Bern. Nestled snuggly in the bend of the Aare River, Bern is home to excellent museums and delightful world-class restaurants which offer contemporary gastronomical offerings and traditional Swiss food. A walk through the cobblestone streets reveal over 100 fountains bearing witness to the many historical buildings lining the medieval streets. Surrounding the city are rolling hills – bright green in the summer months and sparkling white throughout the frosty winters. Equally captivating are views of the stunning Bernese Alps cementing Bern as one of the most scenic cities in the world.
Links take you directly to the establishment's site. For point-to-point directions, check out our custom Google Map.
BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING AROUND
Situated in the heart of Switzerland, Bern is easy to reach by car, train, or plane via Bern-Belp Airport.
The city center itself is easily accessible by foot. You can get around the main shopping area and restaurants by walking, but if you are going to go outside of the city center, it's better to go by tram.
STAY
Beautiful and luxurious hotels await your stay during warm summer months or frosty winter days. From traditionally elegant hotels located in the City Center to contemporary modern, you’ll have no problem finding a place in Bern to accommodate your style.
EAT
A full gourmet spectrum of Michelin rated restaurants offer unique dishes from around the world, served up alongside traditional specialties such as Bernese Rösti, the classic Bernese platter (Berner Platte) or Bernese braided bread (Berner Züpfe) for Sunday brunch. Chocolate lovers are in for special treats as Switzerland is famous for their chocolates like Toblerone. Save room for dessert!
Eisblume - Michelin
Emmenhof - Michelin
Meridiano - Michelin
Sonne - Michelin
DRINKS
Bern has a good nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music. Many restaurants transition into bars as the night wears on, convenient if you’d rather stay in one place. If exploring the evening scene is more appealing, options are plenty with refined jazz lounges and casual bars dotting the city streets.
Cigar Lounge at the Hotel Schweizerhof
SEE & DO
The thriving city of Bern traces its origins back to the 12th century taking you for a walk through history whenever you visit. Medieval architecture is preserved in the city’s many fountains and impressive buildings. Museums and theatre houses are abundant, while beautifully designed churches stand tall and proud.
Within just a few hours' drive, you can find yourself overlooking the city from the stunning Swiss Alps. Whether you visit during the summer or winter months, you will always find this city to be quaint and elegant.
Bärenplatz (BearPark)
Bern City Theater (Konzert Theater Bern)
Clock Tower (Zytglogge)
Matterhorn - Day Trip
Old Town of Bern - UNESCO
Parliament Federal Building (Bundeshaus)
Paul Klee Center (Zentrum Paul Klee)
Rose Garden (Rosengarten)
The Prison Tower (Käfigturm)
SPA
Most spas are located in hotels, so expect great treatments wherever you go. A few spas offer their own take on a specialty massage so make sure to ask for the latest offering when you book.
THE SPA at the Hotel Schweizerhof
SHOP
Spend time shopping on one of the many covered arcades (shopping areas). Protected from the weather, you’ll find plenty of upmarket shops and boutiques to visit. The main shopping streets are the Spitalgasse and Marktgasse while Old Town tends to attract souvenir hunters.
The Swiss are well-known for several kinds of souvenirs including watches and the always popular Swiss Army knife. A popular food item specific to the city of Bern is the Mandelbärli (almond bear) which ranges in flavor from chocolate to honey, vanilla and lemon. Another popular food item not to be overlooked – chocolate.