by Daniel Kraft (cropped) / CC BY-SA 4.0

Well-preserved Medieval Architecture Surrounded by Stunning Natural Beauty

A. About Bern

Nickname:The City of Fountains

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, exudes an enchanting blend of historic charm and modern sophistication, captivating visitors with its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

Nestled along the sweeping curves of the Aare River and surrounded by lush greenery, Bern enjoys a stunning natural setting that enhances its timeless appeal and provides ample recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike.

The city's meticulously preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts narrow cobblestone streets, sandstone buildings adorned with ornate fountains, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, offering a captivating journey through centuries of Swiss history.

Bern’s stunning location, pedestrian-friendly design, safety record, cleanliness standards, friendly populace, and efficient transport systems together create an urban experience that epitomizes the harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern convenience. This remarkable synergy defines Bern as a truly exceptional city in the heart of Europe.

The Good

Location: Situated on a scenic peninsula surrounded by the meandering Aare River, Bern enjoys a unique geographical position that offers both natural beauty and historical charm. Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Bern boasts a central location that provides easy access to the country's stunning Alpine landscapes and picturesque lakes.

Pedestrian Zones: The city's meticulously planned pedestrian zones weave through historic quarters, providing a tranquil ambiance where one can leisurely explore charming boutiques, cafes, and architectural marvels, all free from the intrusion of vehicular traffic.

Safety: Safety is a hallmark of Bern, with its well-organized urban layout and low crime rates fostering a sense of security that allows inhabitants to freely enjoy public spaces and late strolls along illuminated boulevards.

Cleanliness: Renowned for its immaculate streets and pristine public areas, Bern exemplifies cleanliness.

People: The people of Bern are celebrated for their warmth and hospitality, embodying the quintessential Swiss charm that greets newcomers with open arms and delights in sharing local traditions and culture.

Transport: Efficient public transport networks seamlessly connect every corner of the city, offering convenient options ranging from sleek red trams to highly punctual trains, ensuring effortless mobility for commuters and tourists alike.

Negative Aspects

Affordability: The city's affordability may pose problems for some travelers, with high prices for accommodation and food.

B. Best Things to Do in Bern in 2024

In total, we count fifteen sights in Bern. The following sights contribute to a score of 6.10/10 in this highly important category:

# OLD BERN 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Explore the charming Old Town of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone streets wind past medieval sandstone buildings adorned with colorful flags.

City District

by Reaast / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Münster (Minster) 5.5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Visit the striking Bern Münster, a towering Gothic cathedral dominating the city skyline.

Climb the 344 steps to the viewing platform for breathtaking panoramas of Bern and the distant Bernese Alps.

Cathedral

by H. Helmlechner / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Rose Garden 5.5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Perched atop the Aare Peninsula, the Rose Garden in Bern blooms into a floral paradise, offering panoramic views of the city's terracotta roofs and the majestic Alps beyond.

Viewpoint

by Joachim Kohler/ CC BY-SA 4.0  

# Kunstmuseum Bern 5.5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Immerse yourself in artistic wonders at the Kunstmuseum Bern, housing an impressive collection of over 4,000 paintings, sculptures, and installations. Discover masterpieces by renowned Swiss artists like Ferdinand Hodler and Alberto Giacometti.

      • Important Masterpieces: 3
      • Highlight: Blue Horse II, by Franz Marc (1911), 113 × 86 cm

Show Top 4 Paintings (click here)
Show Museum Score (click here)

Fine Arts Museum Gallery Space: ca. 4,000 m2 | Galleries: ca. 20 | Artworks on Display: ca. 300 | Established: 1879

(Click on images to open in lightbox)

# ZYTGLOGGE TOWER 5.5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Step back in time at the iconic Zytglogge Tower, a symbol of Bern's rich history and craftsmanship.

Witness the intricate clockwork mechanisms and figurines that animate this medieval timepiece, encapsulating Bern's blend of artistry and engineering from centuries past.

Lakeside Promenades   

by Mike Lehmann / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Bärenpark 5.5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Bern's old town, this spacious sanctuary encourages visitors to observe the bears' natural behavior in a habitat designed to mirror their wild environment.

Viewpoint

by Хрюша / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Bundeshaus 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Be captivated by the majestic Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), Switzerland's seat of government, distinguished by its grand neoclassical architecture and ornate Renaissance-style domes.

Take a guided tour to admire the opulent interior featuring frescoes, statues, and the impressive Federal Assembly Hall, where Swiss democracy unfolds.

Zoo  

by Mike Lehmann / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Bernisches Historisches Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Nestled in the heart of Bern, the Bernisches Historisches Museum enchants visitors with its striking sandstone façade and vast collection spanning prehistory to modern times.

Within its hallowed halls, treasures like intricately carved medieval altars, Swiss tapestries, and artifacts from ancient civilizations transport guests through the annals of human history.

Country Museum

by ? / CC BY-SA 3.0 / 

# Zentrum Paul Klee 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Celebrating the legacy of Swiss artist Paul Klee, the Zentrum Paul Klee stands as an architectural marvel on the outskirts of Bern.

The museum's wave-like structure houses a fine collection of Klee's works (but none of his famous paintings), from whimsical watercolors to geometric compositions, set amidst landscaped gardens.

Asian and African Art Museum

by Florian.Arnd / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Botanical Garden 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Tucked away near Bern's enchanting old town, the Botanical Garden invites exploration into the diverse flora of Switzerland and beyond.

Botanical Garden 

by Krol:k / CC BY-SA 3.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

= World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Bern

– Aare River 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Embark on a serene journey along the enchanting Aare River in Bern, where the crystal-clear waters meander gracefully through the heart of the city.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lush riverbanks adorned with picturesque parks and charming bridges, offering captivating views of Bern’s iconic medieval architecture reflected in the tranquil waters.

Viewpoint 

by Wolfgang Moroder / CC BY-SA 3.0

– Kramgasse 5

Wander down the historic Kramgasse in Bern’s Old Town, a bustling cobblestone street brimming with character and charm.

– Bundesplatz (Square) 5  

At Bundesplatz, the grandeur of Switzerland unfolds against the backdrop of Bern’s Federal Palace, where the nation’s political pulse beats.

– Einstein Museum 5

– Child Eater Fountain (Chindlifresserbrunnen) 5

– Matte (City District) 5

– Münsterplattform (Lookout) 5

– Käfigturm (Tower) 5

– Kornhausbrücke (Bridge) 5  

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Bern

JUNGFRAUJOCH 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ascend to the majestic heights of Jungfraujoch, often dubbed the "Top of Europe," on an unforgettable Alpine adventure. Travel through breathtaking mountain scenery aboard cogwheel trains, passing through tunnels and picturesque villages before arriving at this snow-capped wonderland. At the summit, marvel at the panoramic vistas of glaciers and towering peaks, or explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory.

City  Distance from Bern: 74 km

by Julius Silver / CC BY-SA 4.0

Zürich (121 km from Bern) 6

Bern, Switzerland's medieval gem, showcases a picturesque old town adorned with sandstone structures, encompassing the charm of its UNESCO World Heritage site, defined by cobbled streets and historic fountains.

Lucerne (110 km from Bern) 6

Nestled amid the picturesque Swiss Alps, Lucerne is a charming city renowned for its stunning natural beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Bern in 2024 (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Bern for at least two entire days:

OLD BERN 6

Münster (Minster) 5.5

Rose Garden 5.5

Kunstmuseum Bern 5.5

ZYTGLOGGE TOWER 5.5

Bärenpark 5.5

Bundeshaus  5

Bernisches Historisches Museum 5

Zentrum Paul Klee  5

Botanical Garden 5

 

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