CH
Bern
Switzerland’s federal city: arcaded old town, Zytglogge clock and swimming in the Aare
Switzerland’s federal city: arcaded old town, Zytglogge clock and swimming in the Aare
Kramgasse and the neighbouring streets are lined with arcades, cellar shops and colourful fountains. The Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower, has an astronomical clock and figures that perform shortly before the hour.
Join a guided tour inside the Zytglogge to see its clockwork.
Photo: JoachimKohler-HB, CC BY-SA 4.0
Begun in 1421, the late-Gothic Minster is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. Its main portal shows a detailed Last Judgment, and its tower can be climbed for views of the old town and, on clear days, the Alps. The terrace beside it overlooks the river.
The tower has limited opening hours; check before you go.
Photo: Wladyslaw, CC BY-SA 3.0
The domed Bundeshaus, completed in 1902, houses the Swiss parliament and government. Free guided tours are offered when parliament is not in session, and the terrace behind it looks over the Aare.
Book tours online and bring ID.
Photo: August Geyler, CC BY-SA 4.0
Bears have been kept in Bern since at least the 15th century, a nod to the city’s name and coat of arms. Today they live in a riverside enclosure by the Nydegg Bridge, next to the old bear pit. Nearby, the Rose Garden offers the classic view over the old town.
Walk up to the Rose Garden for the best panorama.
Photo: Christine Zenino, CC BY 2.0
The river curls around three sides of the old town. In summer, people walk upstream along the bank, jump in and drift back down to the free Marzili lido. The current is strong, so this is for confident swimmers only.
Only swim where locals do, and know where to get out.
Photo: August Geyler, CC BY-SA 4.0
Bernese specialities include the Berner Platte (a hearty platter of meats, sausages and sauerkraut), rösti, and fondue and raclette in winter. Try Berner Haselnusslebkuchen (hazelnut gingerbread) and local chocolate.
The arcades and cellars hide many cafés and restaurants; markets on Bundesplatz sell fresh produce several mornings a week.
Bern’s main station is one of the busiest in Switzerland, with frequent trains to Zurich (about an hour), Basel, Lucerne, Geneva and the Bernese Oberland. Most international visitors fly into Zurich or Geneva and continue by train; Bern’s small airport has few flights.
The old town is walkable; trams and buses cover the rest. Many hotels provide a free public transport pass for your stay.
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF) and is one of Europe’s most expensive countries.
Swimming in the Aare and visiting the bear park are free.
Museums such as the Zentrum Paul Klee charge entry.
The Bernese Oberland is an easy day trip by train.
Two days covers the old town and the river.
Walk Marktgasse and Kramgasse to the Zytglogge, visit the Minster, the Federal Palace and the Einstein House, where Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905.
Arrive at the Zytglogge a few minutes before the hour.
Morning at the Bear Park and Rose Garden, afternoon at the Zentrum Paul Klee or, in summer, a swim in the Aare.
Bring a waterproof bag for the swim.
🛂 Entry rules: EES and ETIAS
Switzerland is in the Schengen area, which has two EU border systems for non-EU visitors.
EES (in force): since 10 April 2026 the EU’s Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors’ passport details, fingerprints and a photo the first time they enter the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps. Allow extra time at the border on your first trip; later crossings are quicker. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are not registered.
ETIAS (not yet running): a €20 online travel authorisation for visitors who don’t need a visa, such as UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens. It hasn’t started and no start date has been confirmed, so nobody can apply yet; ignore websites that offer to “pre-register” you for a fee.
Visa-free visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area, not per country.
Official information: EU: Travel to Europe (EES & ETIAS) · Reviewed September 2026
Strong current; swim only in summer and where locals do.
Ask your hotel for the Bern Ticket for free local transport.
Picnics from supermarkets keep costs down.
The arcades keep you dry when it rains.
Quick answers for planning time in Bern.
Bern is the “federal city” and seat of government, so it is the de facto capital.
About an hour by train.
Yes, in summer, but the current is strong; follow local advice and swim only if you are confident.
Yes, for its UNESCO-listed old town, relaxed atmosphere and river.
May to September for warm weather and swimming; late November for the Zibelemärit onion market.
Planning a wider trip? Our Switzerland travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.