Bern is Switzerland's federal capital and one of Europe's most well-preserved medieval cities — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that most international tourists underestimate. It's quieter than Zurich, smaller than Geneva, and more authentic than both. Here are the 12 best things to do in Bern.
1. Walk the UNESCO Old Town
Bern's old town is one of the finest medieval city centres in Europe, with 6 km of arcaded walkways (Lauben) that allow you to shop, eat, and explore in all weather without getting wet. The sandstone architecture, the colourful fountains, and the narrow lanes are extraordinarily well-preserved.
The core of the old town — from the Zytglogge (clock tower) to the Münster (cathedral) — takes about 2 hours to walk thoroughly. Start at the Nydeggbrücke bridge for the iconic Aare river view.
2. Bear Park (BernBären)
Bern is named after the bear (Bär in German), and the city has kept bears since 1513. The modern Bear Park sits at the eastern edge of the old town, overlooking the Aare River. Three brown bears (Finn, Bjork, and their mother) live in a large, naturalistic enclosure with river access.
Free entry. Open year-round. A short walk from the Nydeggbrücke bridge and the Rose Garden.
3. Rosengarten (Rose Garden) — Best Views in Bern
The Rosengarten sits on a hill just above the Bear Park and offers the best panoramic view of Bern's old town, the Aare river bend, and the Alps on clear days. Over 200 varieties of roses bloom here in late spring and summer.
Free entry. The restaurant at the top has a large terrace — good for coffee or a meal with the view. A 10–15 minute walk up from the Bear Park.
4. Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
The Zytglogge is Bern's most iconic landmark — a medieval tower with an astronomical clock that has been marking the hours since 1530. The mechanical figures perform a brief show at 4 minutes before each hour: the jester rings his bell, the bears march, and the golden knight turns.
Free to watch the exterior show. Guided interior tours run in summer (check Bern tourism website for times). The tower marks the historic start of the old town.
5. Bern Münster (Cathedral)
The Bern Münster is the tallest church in Switzerland (100 metres) and one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture in the German-speaking world. The 234 steps to the tower offer a sweeping 360° view of the city and the Alps.
Small fee for the tower. The famous Last Judgement tympanum above the main portal is the original from the 15th century — remarkably well-preserved.
6. Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)
Switzerland's parliament building is an impressive neo-Baroque structure on the western edge of the old town. Free guided tours run regularly when parliament is not in session, and the interior — particularly the Council Chamber and dome — is genuinely impressive.
Check the Federal Chancellery website for tour times. The terrace in front of the Bundeshaus has a beautiful fountain and views towards the Alps.
7. Einstein House
Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1902 to 1909, working as a patent examiner at the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property. It was during this time that he developed the Special Theory of Relativity (1905). His apartment on Kramgasse 49 is preserved as a small museum.
Allow 45 minutes. Admission is around CHF 6. The Einstein Museum at the Historisches Museum Bern provides much more detail if you want the full story.
8. Swim in the Aare
Like Basel's Rhine swimming, Bern has its own river-swimming culture centred on the Aare. The Marzilibad outdoor pool and river lido at the western bend of the Aare is the most popular spot — Bernese office workers swim the river loop at lunch in summer.
The current in the Aare is fast. Swim only at designated areas and only if you are a confident swimmer. Season runs June to September.
9. Bern Markets
Bern's markets are among the most atmospheric in Switzerland. The Tuesday and Saturday Wochenmarkt (weekly market) on Bundesplatz and Waisenhausplatz fills the old town squares with local produce, flowers, and street food. The Onion Market (Zibelemärit) in November is a special annual event drawing 50,000 visitors.
10. Young Boys Football Match
BSC Young Boys (YB) is Bern's professional football club, playing at the Wankdorf Stadion (capacity 32,000). YB has been Swiss champions multiple times in recent years and the atmosphere at home games is excellent. Tickets start from CHF 20 and rarely sell out except for derbies.
The stadium is a 10-minute tram ride from the old town. Match schedules are on the YB website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bern the capital of Switzerland?
Yes. Bern is the federal city (Bundesstadt) of Switzerland and serves as the seat of the federal government and parliament. However, Switzerland has no single official capital by constitution — Bern is referred to as the 'federal city' rather than the capital. The Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) and most federal institutions are located here.
How many days do you need in Bern?
1 full day is enough to see the main sights: old town, Bear Park, Rosengarten, and the Münster. 2 days allows for a more relaxed pace and includes the Einstein House, a market, and Aare swimming in season. Bern also makes an excellent base for day trips to the Bernese Oberland (Thun, Interlaken, Grindelwald).
What language do they speak in Bern?
Bern is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Locals speak Bernese German (Berndeutsch), a distinct dialect that even speakers of standard German find challenging at first. Standard German and English are widely understood in tourist contexts, hotels, and restaurants.
Is Bern more affordable than Zurich or Geneva?
Bern is generally slightly more affordable than Zurich and noticeably cheaper than Geneva for accommodation and dining. It's still Swiss pricing — expect CHF 20–35 for a main course at a mid-range restaurant — but hotel rates are typically CHF 30–60/night lower than equivalent options in Zurich.
What is Bern most known for?
Bern is most known for its UNESCO-listed medieval old town with 6 km of arcaded walkways, its bear tradition (the city's heraldic animal since the 13th century), its role as Switzerland's federal capital, and its association with Albert Einstein, who developed the Theory of Relativity while living here.