My newest journey took me to the little-known Swiss capital of Bern, the place I bought to spend 3 days and a couple of nights exploring town highlights. It was the right period of time to sink my tooth into this petite capital metropolis and to tick all of the ‘must-dos’ off my listing. Armed with a plethora of suggestions from Bern Tourism, I launched into my 3rd solo journey of the 12 months and jumped two ft first into this charming (and lesser-known) Swiss metropolis. I’ve put collectively this tried-and-tested metropolis break information to Bern, which could simply encourage your individual journey to this charming half of Switzerland.
Metropolis Break Information to Bern
Introducing Bern
In terms of the idea of metropolis breaks, greater will not be all the time higher. You wish to see as a lot as attainable in 2-3 days, so overlaying numerous floor in an enormous metropolis can generally be overwhelming and exhausting. For my part, Bern is the right measurement for a metropolis break. The whole lot is in strolling distance and the primary sights are in a compact space.
Most factors of curiosity are in or round Bern Outdated City, which is proud to be a UNESCO world heritage website. Looping spherical town in a horse-shoe bend is the spectacular River Aare. Brilliant turquoise in color, The River Aare is extremely clear and swimming in it is part of day by day life for a lot of locals.
Getting Round
Bern is a compact metropolis so it’s simple to stroll round on foot, however the public transport system can be incredible and vacationer pleasant. Trams and buses function by way of town and if you happen to’re staying at the very least one night time in vacationer lodging you’ll obtain a complimentary ticket for limitless public transport throughout your keep. Bern additionally gives free bikes across the metropolis centre. For a 20 franc deposit you’ll get free use of the bikes for 4 hours.
Metropolis Break Information to Bern
High Issues to do in Bern
These items must be prime of the listing for anybody visiting Bern or planning a metropolis break to Bern.
- Discover the Outdated City
Town has an unimaginable medieval historical past, and a stroll across the completely preserved previous city seems like a step again in time. The cobbled streets are lined with 6km of lined arcades, which date again to the 15th century. Inside these arcades you’ll discover a mixture of charming boutique outlets, eating places, wine bars and worldwide manufacturers. It’s price protecting a while free merely simply to walk by way of the streets.
- Watch the Zytglogge Clock Tower Chime
Proper within the coronary heart of the Outdated City is the well-known Zytglogge Clock Tower. The principle attraction is watching the glockenspiel chime, which occurs each hour on the hour. The advanced mechanism throughout the clock tower operates the weather of the glockenspiel and it’s mind-blowing to assume it really works precisely the identical as when it was created in 1527. Excursions happen day by day at 2.30pm when you possibly can ascend as much as the highest of the Clock Tower to see the inside workings of the mechanism and unimaginable views of town.
- Climb as much as the Rose Backyard
Towering over Bern on the opposite aspect of the river is the Rose Backyard. Take the trail up the hill and also you’ll be rewarded with unimaginable views over town. It’s right here you possibly can actually admire the distinctive horse-shoe river bend and the Outdated City that sits inside it. It’s stunning at any time of day, however at sundown the world actually comes alive. Convey a picnic and sit on the grass or head for dinner at Restaurant Rosengarten for trendy eating with a view.
- Go to the Bears of Bern
Bears have lived in Bern for over 500 years and are the symbol of town. Traditionally they lived inside a bear pit by the River Aare. Now that point (and animal welfare) have advanced, the bears reside in a BearPark that covers almost 6,000 sq. meters. They roam free within the park on the banks of the River Aare and actually have a designated swimming space within the river.
- Go Swimming within the River Aare
A novel tradition revolves across the River Aare in Bern, which is fascinating to see. The water is extremely clear and locals like to swim within the river each day through the summer season months. On Sundays locals, sail a dinghy (or a ‘gummy boat’) down the river with family and friends. In the event you fancy taking the plunge, there are official spots alongside the river the place you may get in and get out. Locals are more than pleased to assist newbies get out and in of the water, but it surely’s not advisable to go alone.
- Climb the 222 Steps of Bern Münster
One other spotlight that can get your coronary heart pumping is a visit to the highest of Bern Münster. Step inside and marvel on the unimaginable carving and stonework earlier than climbing the 222 steps to the very prime. Right here you’ll discover the perfect (and highest) views of town and you’ll stroll 360 levels across the panoramic viewing platform. Entry to the tower prices 5 Francs.
- Go to the Einstein Museum
Einstein studied in Zurich and later lived in Bern, the place he developed his concept of relativity. There are references to Einstein throughout town, however the Einstein Museum is the spotlight. The Einstein Museum takes a everlasting residency on the Bern Historic Museum and curates his fascinating life from begin to end. You can even go to the residence he lived in on the third ground of Kramgasse 49.
Metropolis Break Information to Bern
The place to Eat
Jack’s Brasserie
Bahnhofpl. 11, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
Jack’s Brasserie is considerably of an establishment in Bern and is known for it’s signature Veal Schnitzel and French delicacies. Though located within the newly refurbished Schweizerhof Lodge, Jack’s Brasserie stays untouched and maintains it’s authentic 1920’s decor. I dined right here throughout my journey to Bern and thought each the meals and repair was incredible. Nice for an upmarket dinner choice.
Kornhauskeller
Kornhauspl. 18, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
Hidden away underneath the streets of Bern Outdated City is that this previous vaulted cellar and granary, which is now a fine-dining Italian restaurant. The house is extremely atmospheric and the dim lighting make it really feel very romantic. I dined from a set menu so didn’t get my private selections right here however the dishes had been contemporary and flavoursome. In the event you don’t fancy staying for dinner it’s also possible to get pleasure from a drink within the bar. Discover out extra about Kornhauskeller.
Picture Credit score © Bindella
Casa Novo
Läuferpl. 6, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
This needs to be probably the most picturesque spots to dine in Bern. Situated proper on the River Aare, it’s the right place to cease for lunch and watch all of the motion on the river. However be warned, Casa Novo (and most different eating places in Bern) shut their kitchens after lunch at 2.30pm, so make sure you head there round 12.30pm if you would like a leisurely lunch.
Eiswerkstatt
Grosser Muristalden 6, 3006 Bern, Switzerland
It’s not a restaurant, but when you might want to cease for a candy deal with make sure you head to Eiswerkstatt for a gelato. Bern is changing into more and more identified for it’s gelato because of the nationwide success of Gelateria di Berna, however now Eiswerkstatt has popped up serving intriguing gelato flavours together with black vanilla and the on-trend salted caramel. Situated proper subsequent to the Bear Park.
Bern Metropolis Information
The place to Drink
Sky Terrace
Bahnhofpl. 11, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
The newly-opened Sky Terrace has quick change into probably the most in-style locations to hang around in Bern. Native’s flock to the Sky Terrace for drinks, aperitifs and open air eating. The stylish rooftop bar has 360 diploma views of town and is located on the highest ground of the posh Schweizerhof Lodge. Non-guests are welcome.
Metropolis Break Information to Bern
The place to Keep
Bellevue Palace Lodge
Kochergasse 3-5, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
For timeless 5-star luxurious there is just one clear alternative in Bern. Bellevue Palace is extremely central and situated proper subsequent to the parliament buildings so is commonly residence to the world’s politicians and A-list. The service goes above and past and the complete resort feels extremely palatial. I stayed on the Bellevue Palace throughout my journey to Bern and couldn’t fault it in any means. Attempt to e book a room or suite dealing with the river for unimaginable balcony views. This can be a fantastic 5 star resort. E book Now.
Schweizerhof Lodge & Spa, Bern
Bahnhofpl. 11, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
For one thing a bit of extra up to date however equally luxurious, take a look at the newly refurbished Schweizerhof. This resort is situated proper subsequent to Bern prepare statin and has just lately added a brand new underground Spa and the tremendous stylish Sky Terrace. The foodie choices are additionally very sturdy with Jack’s Brasserie and a brand new ramen noodle menu out there within the foyer. E book Now.
Metropolis Break Information to Bern
The Most Instagrammable Spots in Bern
- The Rose Backyard at nightfall
- The highest of the Munster
- Plattform Gardens
- Casa Novo Riverside Restaurant
- The Arcades in Junkern Gasse
- The Sky Terrace on the Schweizerhof Lodge
Watch my video of Bern beneath to see extra of this stunning metropolis
What did you consider my video and my Metropolis Break Information to Bern? Are you planning your individual metropolis break to Bern or has this submit impressed you to make a journey? In the event you loved this submit, or assume you possibly can add extra ideas for Bern, please depart a remark within the field beneath! Jess x
For extra info and prime recommendations on Bern make sure you go to the Bern Tourism web site.
This Metropolis Break Information to Bern is a sponsored submit written in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism and Bern Tourism. All phrases, views and pictures are my very own.