Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, is not only beautiful but is also perfect for a day trip. Here’s our complete guide to Bern, together with 10 unique things to do in Bern in 1 day.
We took our day trip from Basel by train (although you can easily make the same trip from Zurich by train also), and in our minds the city of Bern is wildly underrated. We absolutely loved it, and still rave about it to anyone who will listen. The solid and imposing architecture, the mesmerising turquoise waters of the river Aare, the fresh crisp air! It’s not like any city I’ve ever been to, and you won’t be disappointed.
It’s super easy to visit Bern on a budget as well. In fact, most of the activities we’ve included on our itinerary are free to enjoy. The rest are all under CHF 10.
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A FEW FACTS ABOUT BERN
Bern is a medieval city founded in 1191. Legend has it that the city was named by it’s founder after a bear, having vowed to name it after the first animal he encountered on a hunt. To this day little bear emblems can be found everywhere, and the city still has its very own bear enclosure.
In addition to being the seat of government, Bern is also home to the headquarters of the Swiss National Bank as well as the Swiss National Library.
Bern is not just the Federal Capital though, but also apparently the “Beer Capital” of Switzerland. The canton of Bern contains the highest density of micro breweries.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BERN
In terms of weather, the warmest months in Bern are between June to August (peak season) with temperature averaging between 14 to 24°C. It does rain the most during this period but this shouldn’t be enough to ruin plans.
The issue with peak season is that it’s obviously the busiest, which means bigger crowds and needing to book wherever you go.
The shoulder seasons are March to May and September to November. These months are much cooler although still averaging as high as 20°C during the warmer months. We went in April 2022 and it was perfect weather – very sunny, not cold and perfect sunshine!
DAY TRIP TO BERN – THINGS TO DO IN BERN SWITZERLAND
Bern has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with lots of things to see and so. We’ve put together a short list of the things we did while in Bern:
Bundesplatz (Government Plaza) and Bundeshaus (The Federal Palace)
Bern was chosen as the Federal Capital of Switzerland in 1848, and the Parliament building was completed in 1902. The Bunesdeshaus, with its grand buildings and terrace, is a great photo opportunity. Free guided tours are also available on certain days but only with advanced booking
Bern Market
Located in Parliament square the weekly market is a great place to pick up fresh flowers, baked goods, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The stalls are run but small Bernese businesses and local farmers, and takes place every Tuesday and Saturday
The Bridges
There are a total of 18 bridges spanning the river Aare. Three of these bridge are within easy walking distance of the old town of Bern, Kornhausbrucke, Nydeggbrucke, and Kirchenfeldbrucke.
All three are grand and beautiful in their own way, and definitely worth a cheeky pic!
Aldstadt Von Bern (Old Town of Bern)
The old town formed the original city of Bern founded in 1191, and was named a UNESCO heritage site in 1983. With trams, flags, people and coffee houses you won’t be short of things to see and do.
Bern’s Beautiful Fountain
Bern is sometimes referred to as the city of fountains. There are more than 100 fountains throughout the city, most of which still provide safe and free drinking water. Make sure to fill up your refillable bottle!
Berner Munster (The Cathedral of Bern)
Built in the Gothic style using grey sandstone, its construction started in 1421, but was not completed until 1893! The minster still holds the title for the tallest church spire in Switzerland. Guided tours are available, or you can hire an audio guide for CHF 5. The tour should take no more than 45mins.
Rosengarten
Take a nap on the lawns, read a book on a bench, or marvel at the views over the rooftops of the historic old town, Munster, and the meanderings of the Aare river. The rose garden is a tranquil oasis mere steps from the bustle of the city below. The climb up to the park is steep, but the view alone is worth every step.
Take a stroll or even float down the Aare River
The turquoise green waters of the Aare river are so inviting that every summer thousands of locals and visitors jump in and float through the city. If you’re not feeling brave enough, you can always take in the views from the river banks instead.
Zytglogge
Located in the Aldstadt, the clock tower was built in the early 13th century. During its 800 year history the tower has been used as a prison, a guard tower, a place for community congregation, and a civic monument. The musical mechanisms certainly put on a show drawing a large crowd every hour. Guided tours of the tower’s interior are also available with advanced booking.
Einsteinhaus
Albert Einstein actually lived in Bern for a while, and his apartment has been turned into this beautiful and interesting museum. The museum is one of the most popular attractions right in the centre of the old town. Admission is around CHF 7 and should take no more than about an hour.
WHERE TO EAT PLANT BASED OR VEGAN IN BERN
Vigneron Weinbistro
This is a vegan friendly bistro, artisanal bakery and food store. The bistro menu is mostly vegan with the exception of some cheese options here and there, and serves salads, sandwiches, and maze boxes.
Tibits
is a small chain of vegetarian buffet restaurants serving a huge array of delicious vegan options. It’s a self service set up featuring salads, soups, hot dishes, sandwiches and desserts (vegan desserts!!). Everything is labelled and you pay for your food by weight.
Energy kitchen
Although not vegan or vegetarian this place has a food selection of vegan options, including sandwiches, salads and ramen. There’s also a selection of vegan friendly smoothies.
PLACES TO STAY IN BERN
Like all major European cities there are some really great places to stay, and something for all budgets. Here’s just 3 examples of what you can expect:
Luxury: Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern from £537 per night
Comfort: Hotel Shweirzerhof Bern & Spa from £376 per night
Budget: Akomo Bern from £150 per night
Bear in mind that Bern is a capital city and as such the cost of accommodation is a little higher. All three of these options are in the city centre and this is obviously reflected in the price. If the budget is tight you may want to take a look at options a little further out.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN BERN
There’s a superb network of trains, trams and buses that will take you to most of the attractions you would want to visit in a day.
For those staying overnight in any of the hotels, apartments and hostels in Bern you will qualify for a free Bern Ticket. This ticket offers free travel in transport zones 100 and 101, which is basically all of Bern.
If like us, you are travelling in for the day simply pick up a Bern 1 day travelpass for around CHF 9.20. This will give you unlimited travel within zones 100 and 101.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO BERN
Airport
The nearest international airports to which most airlines will fly are Zurich and Basel. There is an airport in Bern but it is very small and not all airlines service it.
Driving
The roads are pretty standard for Europe so nothing noteworthy there. The drive from Basel to Bern is the shortest at 1hr 15mins, then it’s Zurich at 1hr 30mins, and finally Geneva is the longest at almost 1hr 50mins.
Train
Bern has great train connections including Basel and Zurich which both take around and hour, and Geneva which takes closer to two.
That was our list of 10 unique things to do in Bern in a day on a budget. Feel free to let us know what you thought in the comments below, and contact us if you have any of your own recommendations or to request a topic. Also check out our other posts for more travel tips and destination guides.
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