Experience Bern: Old Town, Aare and culture

Bern’s Old Town preserves its original urban layout; museums, gardens and markets reveal other sides of the city. The Aare also shapes the way Bern is seen: from viewpoints, you can look out over the river, the Old Town and the surrounding landscape. When planning your trip, you could start by deciding whether architectural history, exhibitions, nature or local traditions should take centre stage.

Old Town, Zytglogge and the Minster

Bern’s historic Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It is considered a unique example of how buildings can be continually renewed without abandoning the original urban layout. Bern was founded as a Zähringer town in 1191; sections of its characteristic arcades have been preserved in their original form. The Old Town is divided into the Lower and Upper Old Town. The Lower Old Town stretches from the Matte district to the Zytglogge.

The Zytglogge was once a city gate. At the top of every hour, its animated figures depict a procession of bears, a jester, a golden rooster and Chronos. On a guided city tour, around 130 steps lead to a view across the UNESCO World Heritage Site; on a clear day, the view extends to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Bern Minster offers another vantage point: climb 344 steps to reach the platform. From there, you can see the Aare, the Alps and the Matte district. Green spaces and shady chestnut trees make the platform a pleasant place to picnic, play and relax. The Minster tower is the tallest church tower in Switzerland.

Another trace of the city’s history can be found at Kramgasse 49. Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1903 to 1905 and developed his theory of relativity there. In 1903, he and his wife Mileva moved into an apartment on the second floor at this address in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Museums and cultural venues

The Museum Quarter Bern is less than a ten-minute walk from Bern railway station. At the Museum of Communication, interactive stations range from film karaoke and a firewall game to a game about data security. The core exhibition covers almost 2,000 square metres. Its content is presented in German, French and English; check the language information before your visit. Stations and content may change over time.

The ALPS Alpine Museum of Switzerland explores how climate change, spatial development and tourism are changing the mountain world, and how urban and alpine worlds coexist. The main exhibition spans two floors. A participatory area called “Lost and Found Office for Memories” offers a personal way to engage with the museum’s themes.

Bern Natural History Museum combines scientific collections with striking exhibition objects. Its historic dioramas of native and African animals are considered unique in Europe; a dedicated exhibition is devoted to Barry, the world-famous rescue dog. The permanent exhibition “Cabinet of Curiosities – The Collection on Display” opens up scientific collections to the public. Families can borrow free themed activity kits with puzzles, matching games and objects to touch. Admission to the Swiss Shooting Museum is free; the museum is fully accessible and wheelchair-friendly.

The city’s art venues offer a range of different perspectives. Founded by Bern artists in 1918, Kunsthalle Bern is dedicated to contemporary art and combines exhibitions with public programmes and interdisciplinary collaborations. Kunstmuseum Bern holds more than 50,000 works spanning eight centuries, including more than 3,000 paintings and sculptures as well as around 48,000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos and films. Regular workshops introduce children to the visual arts.

The Zentrum Paul Klee is housed in a wave-shaped steel and glass building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Its collection includes around 4,000 works, including paintings, watercolours and drawings. The surroundings are also part of the visit: the park and paths around the centre invite you to take a walk among fields and open green spaces.

Gardens, wildlife and views of the Aare

The Rose Garden is situated high above the UNESCO-listed Old Town. From here, you can look out over the Old Town, the Aare loop and the Gurten, and often the Alps too. More than 250 varieties of roses bloom in the garden. The University of Bern Botanical Garden lies on the Aare slope near Altenberg and contains more than 6,000 plant species. In the Alpine garden, the plant world stretches from the Pyrenees through the Alps, the Balkans and the Caucasus to the Himalayas and the Rocky Mountains; more than 1,500 species grow along the path. Seven greenhouses open to the public house plants from different climate zones.

Dählhölzli Animal Park is home to around 200 different animal species in spacious enclosures beside Dählhölzli Forest and right by the Aare. A path follows the riverbank for around five kilometres to Elfenau. The approximate distance and destination give you a clear point of reference when planning a walk.

Markets and Bernese chocolate

The Zibelemärit is Bern’s largest market and takes place every year on the fourth Monday in November. Onion braids, wreaths and figures are at the heart of the market; textiles, jewellery, ceramics and toys are also on sale. If you plan to visit the market, check the exact event dates for your travel dates.

Bern’s weekly markets take place year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays at Bundesplatz, Bärenplatz and Waisenhausplatz, as well as on Gurtengasse, Bundesgasse, Schauplatzgasse and Münstergasse. Flowers, baked goods, fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat and honey are on offer, freshly sourced from Bern and the region. Individual stalls and products may vary; check the market schedule before your visit. Chocolate is also part of Bern’s history: Toblerone originated in Bern. Possible experiences include tastings, praline workshops and chocolate tours around the city. Providers and availability may change, so it is worth checking what is on offer for your visit dates.

Find a hotel to suit your trip

When looking for a hotel in Bern, you can start by listing your main points of interest: would you like to focus on the Old Town and architectural history, visit museums, make time for green spaces or experience a market? Compare a hotel’s location with your own plans for each day and choose according to what matters to you during your stay. That way, your decision reflects the interests behind your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bern, Stettlen, Lengnau, Muri bei Bern, Ostermundigen, Gasel, Wohlen bei Bern, Bern, Kirchlindach, Zollikofen, Köniz, Bolligen, Le Fuet, Zimmerwald.

Go to the main travel overview: Bern.