Location: Bern
Top Things to do in Bern
- 1. Old Town Bern
- 2. Gurten
- 3. Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum
- 4. Rose Garden (Rosengarten)
- 5. Federal Building (Bundeshaus)
- 6. Cathedral at Munsterplatz / St. Vincent (Munster Kirche)
- 7. Tierpark Dahlholzli
- 8. Bundesplatz
- 9. Clock Tower - Zytglogge
- 10. Zentrum Paul Klee (Paul Klee Center)
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland
A powerful force since medieval times, the thriving Swiss capital is an appealing city of museums and collections. Bernmobil is the capital's transit service. A BernCard is valid on trams and buses that serve the city. A free bike service is also an option for getting around. The Historical Museum and the Collection of the Bern Museum of Fine Arts house the art and architecture of millennia. The Einstein House and the Paul Klee Center showcase the work of two of Bern's famous former inhabitants.
Restaurants in Bern
1. Old Town Bern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Ronald Q - Queens, New York
The old town of Bern was very memorable. From the architecture to nature it is just beautiful European city that is easy to fall in love with. The minute you arrive you feel the lay back stress free lifestyle from Switzerland. Everything is nearly walking distance and it's easy to get around. Wish I could have spend more time here but there's just so much to see in Switzerland and so little time.
2. Gurten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 670 reviews
Climb to 858 metres above sea level on the Gurten funicular, by bicycle or on foot, and take in breath-taking views of the capital, the Jura and the Alps. Gurten Park offers a programme of pampering and leisure activities for families, athletes, music fans and gourmets. Montez à 858 mètres au-dessus du niveau de la mer avec le funiculaire du Gurten, à vélo ou à pied et admirez la vue époustouflante sur la capitale, le Jura et les Alpes. Le Gurten propose tout un programme de bien-être et de loisir pour les familles, les sportifs, les amateurs de musique et les gourmets.
Reviewed By mittle - Qaha city,Egypt
Astonishing place with a great view overlooking the city and the astonishing Mountains with the snow covering their tops. The funicular train ride to up the hill is also nice. Be aware of not needing W.C. if you will walk around and forget yourself.
3. Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
The Bernisches Historisches Museum is one of the most important museums of cultural history in Switzerland. The collections of archaeology, history and ethnography include approximately 500,000 objects dating from the Stone Age to the present and representing cultures from all over the world. The hydria from Graechwil, the Burgundian tapestries, the diptych from Königsfelden and a series of ethnographical objects as well as coins and medals are all internationally renowned. Besides these, other highlights of the permanent Exhibitions include the spectacular Bernese sculptures, two Bernese mayoral thrones and much more. The integrated Einstein Museum offers an account of the life and work of the physicist and places it in a fascinating manner in the context of world history. Temporary Exhibitions are regularly staged in the generously proportioned exhibition hall.
Reviewed By OneWayVancouver - Vancouver, Canada
It's easy to spend at least two hours in the Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum You start with a fascinating tour of galleries full of of Neolithic, Celtic, and Roman artifacts from the region, then visit the Egyptian gallery; a Persian sitting room; before entering the enormous Einstein Museum.
The Einstein gallery is a permanent amalgamation of a two-year, two-storey temporary exhibit that documented his life on one floor, and his science on the other. You enter via a grand old stone staircase that has been enclosed in a vaulting hall of mirrors – the effect truly suggests the relativity of space and perception.
Until we went through the detailed exhibit, we never realized what a complicated and scandal-plagued personal life Einstein led. He was quite the ladies’ man, with a series of loves, wives, and mistresses. The gallery that describes his work in theoretical physics manages to explain these concepts very clearly.
Entry is free with a Swiss Rail pass.
This is one of Bern's must-see museums!
4. Rose Garden (Rosengarten)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Bernhard K - Bern, Switzerland
A must for your visit to Berne. Make the Rose Garden the endpoint of a nice stroll through Berne’s Old Town. Starting at the main station in the center of Berne, head towards the Old Town. Explore the covered walkways, stop at the Cathedral and the bear pit bevor climbing towards the Rose Garden. Enjoy the beautiful view of the medieval Old Town surrounded by the river Aare.
5. Federal Building (Bundeshaus)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
The home of the Swiss national government, this building's political significance stands out in an otherwise quiet city.
Reviewed By Shipwrecked49 - UK
A good tour telling you lots of information about the Swiss Parliament system and their two houses. An example of true democracy Building itself is interesting and houses lots of artefacts relating to the history of Switzerland Well worth the hour & a bit tour
6. Cathedral at Munsterplatz / St. Vincent (Munster Kirche)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 831 reviews
Located in the center of the Old Town, this 15th-century Cathedral sports a towering 328-foot-tall spire that dominates the city skyline.
7. Tierpark Dahlholzli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By N K - Rishon Lezion, Israel
Tierpark Dahlholzli is a zoo which is mostly open-air. There is a good variety of animals: deer, bison, bears, snow leopards, and more. You can find a flamingo pong near the entrance and a small aquarium with a terrarium in a pavilion. It's a very nice zoo which you can cover in less than half a day. I highly recommend taking a map when buying tickets since there are several areas: main park, river, and a "tree top walk" to see deer and bison.
8. Bundesplatz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
The social heart of the city, this public square is named for the bear, the animal that serves as Bern's symbol.
Reviewed By Anna H - Chicago, IL
The plaza is dominated by a neo-classical government center. However, it is very people friendly, in that there is an interesting Fountain feature, that is basically just asking for children to play. The sprays are seemingly random, and encompass a large area. Excellent people watching.
9. Clock Tower - Zytglogge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
This prominent landmark has for centuries kept time for Bern's residents and puts on an elaborate show each hour.
10. Zentrum Paul Klee (Paul Klee Center)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 582 reviews
Reviewed By bjorgk - Reykjavik, Iceland
If you're interested in modern art / architecture and Paul Klee, then the Zentrum Paul Klee is a must visit. If not, you can skip the visit as there is not much more to see.
I personally loved the building, museum and surrounding park. I felt the museum was inclusive and welcoming. There was at least one piece reproduced in textured wood for blind visitors, could maybe have been more, and there seemed to be a very interactive school / children's program in place.
As a former museum employee, I understand the need for supervision in the galleries and am not bothered or insulted by it. The same goes for respecting the rules for photography in each museum as you have to consider the fragile and perishable nature of many materials that should be spared flashlight as well as issues of copyright.
Zentrum Paul Klee has a decent cafeteria and museum shop.
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