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BERN: CHARMING | SCENIC | MEDIEVAL 

SEE & DO: SWISS ALPS

SEE & DO: SWISS ALPS

High peaks, low valleys, and cool lakes live happily in the massively impressive region of classic Swiss scenery that are affectionately referred to as The Alps. Great for summer hiking and fantastic for winter sports, this is a must visit when staying in Bern. Photo By: Martin Abegglen | Flickr

SEE & DO: OLD TOWN OF BERN - UNESCO

SEE & DO: OLD TOWN OF BERN - UNESCO

Among the cobblestone streets of the Old City are tall cathedrals, architecturally stunning buildings, and dozens of Renaissance fountains. An UNESCO site, this impressive city incorporates the modern world into a medieval city. Photo By: Bern Tourism

STAY: HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF

STAY: HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF

This property is a luxury 5-star hotel offering first-class service in a traditional yet modern setting. Renovated to a mixture of French charm and English understatement, this elegant hotel is a treat at the end of a full day exploring the surrounding city.

STAY: HOTEL BELLEVUE PALACE

STAY: HOTEL BELLEVUE PALACE

A beautiful view of the Bernese Alps accompanies a stay at this luxurious tradition-steeped hotel. With a history dating back 150 years, this is the only grand hotel in the capital.

EAT: SONNE

EAT: SONNE

This restaurant is uniquely set in a former farmhouse, stylishly decorated with a secluded terrace set aside for a more intimate atmosphere. Run by a husband and wife, the menu highlights an excellent combination of regional, classic and modern cuisine.

EAT: MERIDIANO

EAT: MERIDIANO

Dishes with a distinct Mediterranean flavor are complimented with a superior wine selection to create an all-embracing fine dining experience. The elegant, modern interior of this award-winning restaurant opens up to an incredible view over the beautiful city of Bern and the distant Alps from which to enjoy your meal.

EAT: EMMENHOF

EAT: EMMENHOF

The chef at this fourth generation family-owned restaurant cooks delectable French influenced regional dishes. A lengthy wine lists boasts a fine selection of Rhône and Burgundy varieties. Photo By: Martin Krolikowski | Flickr

EAT: EISBLUME

EAT: EISBLUME

The menu at this distinctive restaurant is elegant and clever. Changing regularly to accommodate the freshest and most unique dishes, it’s Michelin rating is well-deserved.

DRINKS: SKY TERRACE

DRINKS: SKY TERRACE

Elegantly perched on the rooftop of Hotel Schweizerhof, this bar proudly features a 360° panorama view over Bern’s Old City. Refreshing cocktails and dishes delight with gentle lounge music playing in the background.

DRINKS: MARIANS JAZZROOM

DRINKS: MARIANS JAZZROOM

Only open from September through the end of May each year, this club provides an intimate setting to see top stars on the international Jazz and Blues scene. On any given night, you’ll hear anything from Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Rhythm & Blues to Soul.

SEE & DO: ROSE GARDEN (ROSENGARTEN)

SEE & DO: ROSE GARDEN (ROSENGARTEN)

The Rose Garden is a large park with a wonderful view of the Old Town and Aare River Loop. Serene and relaxing, take a book with you to the pavilion or reading garden. An on-site restaurant means not having to go far away from one of the most beautiful areas of the city. Photo By: T.Kiya | Flickr

SEE & DO: PAUL KLEE CENTER

SEE & DO: PAUL KLEE CENTER

One of the many in Bern, this museum is dedicated to the artist Paul Klee, a famous Swiss modern artist. Housed in a stunning building designed to blend in with the rolling hills of the natural landscape, it features about 40 percent of his extensive life’s work. Photo By: Bern Tourism

SPA: VICTORIA-JUNGFRAU SPA

SPA: VICTORIA-JUNGFRAU SPA

Enjoy modern-day comforts in natural surroundings as you relax in the Roman-inspired pool, open-air hot salt water tubs or steaming sauna areas.

SPA: THE SPA AT HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF

SPA: THE SPA AT HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF

Displaying pure luxury and harmony, this hotel spa offers use of a pool, sauna and hammam facilities. Their new exclusive Venus Shell Massage features clams shells filled with sea minerals and incorporated into a therapeutic massage.

SHOP: CHOCOLATE

SHOP: CHOCOLATE

The Swiss are famous for their high-quality chocolate and when you visit Bern, you’ll discover why. Creating the first milk chocolate and melting chocolate in the 1800s, you can’t leave the city without taking a little bite of history first. Photo By: Eric Hossinger | Flickr

SHOP: ARCADES

SHOP: ARCADES

Multiple weather-protected stretches of shopping promenades can be found throughout the city so you can shop in any kind of weather. The Kramgasse forms the centerpiece of Old Town so start here to begin your shopping experience. Photo By: Bern Tourism

SHOP: BERNESE HAZELNUT LEBKUCHEN

SHOP: BERNESE HAZELNUT LEBKUCHEN

Made from ground hazelnuts, these are traditional Christmas cakes especially from the Bern region. Other delicious ingredients include - almonds, sugar, honey, cinnamon, candied lemon, and orange peel. Yummy. Photo By: Sandstein | Wikimedia Commons

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

Passports

Visas

Weather

Currency

Time Zone

Google Map

 

 

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.  

 

Best Western Hotel Bären

Best Western Hotel Bristol

Holiday Inn Bern-Westside

Hotel Allegro Bern

Hotel Ambassador & SPA

Hotel Belle Epoque

Novotel Bern Expo

Hotel Bellevue Palace

Hotel Schweizerhof

Schloss Hünigen

Sternen Muri

Unique Hotel Innere Enge Bern

 

 

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

Kirchenfeld

La Pendule

La Tavola Pronta

Meridiano - Michelin

milles sens

Pfister's Goldener Krug

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.

 

Bellevue Bar

Café-Bar Turnhalle

Cigar Lounge at the Hotel Schweizerhof

Du Théâtre Bern

Grand Casino Bern

Kapitel

Kornhaus Galerie Bar

Le Ciel

Marians Jazzroom

Sky Terrace

Tredicipercento

 

 

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)

Bern Historical Museum

Botanic Garden

Cathedral at Munsterplatz

Clock Tower (Zytglogge)

Einstein House

French Church

Gurten

Kramgasse Cellar Shops

Matterhorn - Day Trip

Old Town of Bern - UNESCO

Parliament Federal Building (Bundeshaus)

Paul Klee Center (Zentrum Paul Klee)

Rose Garden (Rosengarten)

Swiss Alps

The Prison Tower (Käfigturm)

Town Hall

 

 

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.

 

Aerni

Hammam & Spa Oktogon

Kosmetik Belleza

THE SPA at the Hotel Schweizerhof

Victoria-Jungfrau Spa

 

 

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.

 

Bernese Hazelnut Lebkuchen

Chocolate

Loeb (Upmarket Fashion)

Mandelbärli (Almond Bear)

Marktgasse

Old Town of Bern

Spitalgasse

Swiss Army Knife

Swiss Cuckoo Clock

Swiss Watch

Westside

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