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Weekend Guide to Bern, Switzerland
- Eveline | Rail Voyage
- Aug 12
- 6 min read
Bern - a green place where fairytales come alive. Wander the beautiful old town, swim in the turquoise river, enjoy fantastic food or go on a day trip to the mountains. It is the perfect place for an unique getaway combining culture, cuisine & nature.
In this article you will find top things to do, most unique stays and places to eat in Bern - everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Switzerland charming town.
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Table of contents
Top Things to do in Bern
Bern is a beautiful town in Switzerland offering a wide range of things to do. Here you can enjoy a day admiring some of the most incredible nature Switzerland has to offer, wander through the incredible history of Bern, stay at unique hotels & dine at historic restaurants. Here is a compiled list of the most unique things to do & places to visit in Bern.
Bern Old Town - an UNESCO heritage
A medieval fairytale with its quaint alleys and stone buildings. Step into this UNESCO heritage site dating back to 1191. This part of Bern offers unique vaulted sandstone cellars, used as store supplies in the past. Nowadays they are the home to trendy restaurants, bars and second hand shops.
Don't miss strolling down to the bridge of Nydeggbrücke at sunset for the most unbelivable views of the turqouise river next to the small houses, looking like something taken straight out of a Disney film.
Zytglogge - Bern's famous clock tower
An incredible medieval mechanical piece of engineering still going strong and one of the most important landmarks in Bern. Every hour you can catch a glimpse of the unique puppet show performed by a golden rooster, bears, a jester and Cronos, the god of time.
Don't miss climbing the clock tower all the way to the top to see this clock artpiece from inside, and at the same time catch the most spectacular view of Bern from above.
Rosengarten
A flower haven on top of Bern and one of the best spots for sunset watching. Here you'll find more than 220 different types of roses. A place to unwind and get close to nature.
Park im Grünen
Catch a funicular to the green top of Bern, 858 meters to be exact. Watch the snowy caps of the Bernese Oberland region, city of Bern and the stunning Aare river.
Where to stay in Bern
Whether you're seeking luxury, a charming bed and breakfast or an old historic stay. All of these stays will make your Bern visit extra special.
Homemade breakfast, artsy rooms & a stay that feels like being welcomed home at Albert & Frida Guesthouse.
Albert & Frida Guesthouse (€€)
Welcome to this charming boutique hotel located in an old house next to the turqouise Aare river and in the heart of Bern's old town. Enjoy a home made breakfast & hosts that will make you feel like being at home. Book your stay here
National Hotel (€€)
Iconic building situated close to the train station. Ride the vintage elevator and enjoy breakfast in a beautiful vintage room. Book your stay here.
Hotel Bellevue (€€€)
The most elegant five star luxury hotel in town. Throughout the years it has hosted iconic people such as Charlie Chaplin, the Queen of England and Nelson Mandela. Once checked in, you'll never want to checkout. Book it here.
Bern Top Restaurants
The historic Kornhauskeller.
Bern's food scene is thriving. Here you’ll find a wide range of vegan restaurants, restaurants in iconic historic buildings or different small cool concepts. Something for everyone!
Kornhauskeller - Stunning restaurant located in an old vaulted cellar. They offer a great dining environment & a vegan menu for all plant lovers!
Restaurant Zoe - Green Michelin star awarded restaurant. Zoe is ancient greek for "conscious and meaningful life and experience". Here you'll find vegetarian cuisine & a restaurant committed to doing their own harvesting.
Jul - In the mood for fondue? At Jul you can get the vegan version!
Beans & Nuts - Great for breakfast and lunch. All dishes are plant based.
Bakery Bakery - A vegan heaven. Perfect for a brunch or something sweet.
Casino Bern - Are you into dining in beautiful surroundings? Then you should consider Casino Bern!
Da Nino - Vegan delicious pizza anyone?
Restaurant Rosengarten– Restaurant with a view of Bern.
Bern Top Cafés & Bars
Coffee at the beautiful Casino Bern & Coffee at VERSA
Friend or Foe Speciality Coffee Market - High quality espresso bar.
Rösterei Kaffee und Bar - Popular café offering high quality coffee & pastries.
Jusq'a - Cosy little coffee bar.
Coffee Coaching Club - Great place to grab a fantastic cup of coffee.
Klösterli Weincafe - Wine café offering great wines, lunch & dinner.
VERSA - Coffee, bar & pastries. What more do you need?
Café Alpin - tucked into an old cellar, a great place to grab something to drink before dinner.
Restaurant Altes Tramdepot - Brewery and restaurant in an old tram station. Iconic!
Restaurant Altes Tramdepot & Café Alpin
How to go to Bern
Switzerland is famous for it's scenic trains - here the incredible Bernina Express.
I'll always opt for the train & embarking on a “Rail Voyage”. From Hamburg or Amsterdam you can board a direct night train in the evening and arrive in Basel in the morning. From here you take an hour train to Bern.
You can also easily go to Switzerland from France, Italy & Austria to Switzerland. Would highly recommend taking a train in Switzerland - an extraordinary experience!
New Generation Nightjet - Sleeper cabin for two people between Germany & the Alps.
Top tip - before boarding a night train, buy some snacks, bring a book or download a movie and transform transportation into a cosy part of the experience! You can also travel from Hamburg by day train, but then you need to change train in Copenhagen. Book tickets for the night train at nightjet.com and day trains at bahn.com or sbb.ch
When to visit Bern
Bern is a charming city year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you're after.
Spring (April to June) is one of the most beautiful times to visit. The city is blooming & you can stroll along the Aare River or through the Rosengarten while cherry blossoms and fresh greenery create those postcard-perfect views. Temperatures are mild, and outdoor cafés start to fill with locals soaking up the sun.
Summer (July to August) is perfect for a lively atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Bern comes alive with open-air concerts, river swimming in the Aare (a beloved local tradition!) & sunny days perfect for exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Just keep in mind it’s the peak tourist season, so book accommodation in advance.
Autumn (September to October) offers crisp air, golden light & fewer crowds. A great time for wine lovers and hikers as the surrounding countryside is full of scenic trails. Bern’s old city looks especially magical under the colours of fall.
Winter (November to March) transforms Bern into a cozy, quiet escape. While snowfall in the city is light, nearby ski resorts are easily accessible by train. December brings festive Christmas markets and twinkling lights, making it a peaceful winter getaway.
Insider Tip: Late spring and early autumn offer the perfect balance of good weather, fewer tourists & gorgeous scenery — ideal for slow travellers.
How to get around in Bern?
The regional transportation system is well developed in the city. If you’re staying at least one night in a tourist accommodation in the city of Bern, you’ll receive a complimentary Bern ticket. With this ticket you travel for free on public transport in zones 100/101 operated by the Libero Association throughout your entire stay. The ticket also includes the popular Marzilibähnli and Gurtenbahn funicular railways and the elevator to the Minster Platform.
Hopefully now you feel ready to explore Bern! One of the most charming cities in Switzerland.
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Enjoy your Swiss dream voyage!
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