The news listed here is maintained by the regional / local tourist offices, which is why Switzerland Tourism can not guarantee the content. A lot of the old core is from the 15th century and is laced with several kilometres of arcades covering stylish shops and eateries. There are two floors to explore at this museum one scientific in nature and the other decorated to look as it would have done when the family lived here. Morgan Hines. Good to know: Guided tours of the Parliament Building are free of charge and take around an hour. From the Bundesterrasse, which rests on massive retaining walls, there are awesome views of the river Aare below and the Alps beyond. It is a great advantage that we are Uncomplicated, fast and centrally located - in the Kursaal Bern you will find the best conditions S, M or L? Save your favorites. Bern has two Christmas markets that run the entire month of December: one at the Waisenhausplatz and one on the Mnsterplatz. Bachalpsee Lake. You can find more information about this helicopter flight and book it on Viator. If youre hesitant about animals in captivity youll be cheered by the all the room the three inhabitants have and how healthy they look. The old town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thanks to its 6 kilometres of arcades - the locals refer to them as 'Lauben' - boasts on of the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe. Houses and shops, with their street-level arcades and projecting roofs, reflect the prosperity of the citizens of Bern in the 17th and 18th centuries. So the majority of tourists visit Bern for a day, and there are also some day tours to Bern from other major cities in Switzerland. If you spend at least one night/ two days in Bern, you should be able to cover all the places on this list. So if you are visiting Bern in winter, you can only see them through a webcam. I ordinarily like your site but can't stomach the promotion of animal abuse. Click the star next to the maps title to add it to your Google Maps account. Plan your visit with our list of top tourist attractions and things to do in Bern. A visit to the Bear Park, habitat of a family of bears, is a must-do. Established in the 12th century, and named after a bear found in a nearby forest, Bern's most important building is the imposing Federal Palace . Be sure to arrive at Marktgasse several minutes before the hour and youll be rewarded with a fun sight when a circus of mechanical creatures appears and performs a little show. The best thing about this town is that it has preserved its medieval character. Bern and bears, the cities heraldic beast, are inseparable. 15 Best Things to Do in Bern (Switzerland) - The Crazy Tourist Bucket List: Top 15 Best Things to See and Do in Bern, Switzerland Visit the Iconic Einstein Museum Relax at the Rosengarten Marvel at the famous Clock Tower Hike Atop the Breathtaking Gurten Explore the Natural History Museum of Bern Score Great Deals at the Night Markets Meet the Lovely Bears of Bear Park Cruise Along the Beautiful Aare River It is topped with the statue of a bear in full armor, with weapons. 15 Best Things to Do in Bern (Switzerland), Source: Mihai-Bogdan Lazar/Shutterstock.com, Bern: 90-Minute Stroll Through the Old Town, 15 Best Things to Do in Cincinnati (Ohio), 15 Best Things to Do in Mirandela (Portugal), 14 Best Things to Do in Blytheville (Arkansas). Youll find everything from luxury goods to traditional Swiss knives, and Einstein-themed souvenirs. But in itself, yes, Bern is absolutely worth seeing. Just above the western gate tower in the old section of town, this 23-meter tower is decorated with an immense astronomical clock. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Bern - UPDATED 2023 - Tripadvisor Inside you can admire the 16th-century carved choir stalls and the Dance of Death stained glass window from around the same time. Visitors who prefer to travel by train may take advantage of the dense rail network with its direct connections to the major European cities. events@bern.com, Bahnhofplatz 10a When we visited, the bears were hanging around in the forest part of their large enclosure. Everything is open to the public, although access is restricted when Parliament is in session. The finely carved choir stalls (1523) were the first Renaissance work of art in Bern. There is a magnificent Baroque organ (1726-30), with 5,404 pipes, and fine modern stained glass (1947) in the south aisle. Because many of Klees works are very sensitive to light, they are shown on a rotational basis along with pieces from other artists. TIP: There are several excellent dining options on Gurten, including the buffet-style offerings at Tapis Rouge and tasty brunches at the Pavilion. The little town of Biel maintains its historic center and has a charming bilingual tradition. There are also several outdoor swimming pools on the banks of the river, including the famous Marzili pool complex, which offers several pools and beautiful views of the Parliament Building. The building housing the museum is worth a visit in its own right! In Switzerlands capital you have to make time for the Swiss Federal Assembly. Perhaps the most famous building in Bern, the Berner Mnster is also known as the Bern Cathedral or the Cathedral of St. Vincent. Official website of Bern Welcome - Bern Welcome Both bridges are quite picturesque and the surroundings even more so. In the Matter chapel (seventh bay in the south aisle) is the Dance of Death window (1917), with 20 scenes from the Dance of Death (1516-19) by Niklaus Manuel-Deutsch. German-Swiss painter Paul Klee's work is perhaps some of the most recognizable and famous of all paintings from the first part of the 20th century. Things to do - Bern Welcome Things to do Zytglogge (Clock Tower), Parliament Building and Bern Animal Park, BearPark- there's so much to discover in and around Bern! Also note the ornately carved choir stalls dating back to the 16th century, a Gothic font in the apse, and a magnificent Baroque organ from the early 18th century. In summer the River Aare provides an opportunity for the ultimate bathing experience; very good, experienced swimmers allow themselves to drift along in the clean Aare while enjoying a view of the Houses of Parliament. It takes about 1.5 hours and is a great first introduction to the city! You can also see across the Three Lakes Region all the way to the Jura mountains. You can rent them locally but do some more research as to where exactly to go and what to see if you decide to spend more time here. There are cultural and historic gems scattered throughout. Bern is home to a staggering 100 public fountains. The Auge and Bourg quarters leading to the upper town perch in a picturesque location above the rocky banks of a bend in the river; in the lower town are the districts of Neuveville, on the left bank, and Planche, on the right bank. How to use this map:Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Lucerne's historic core, Old Town, is car-free and a great place to explore on foot while admiring the stunning 17th-century architecture. There is also a charming miniature railway for children. TIP: Its well worth coming here even if you dont have the time or interest to visit the museum. The Onion Market(Zibelemrit) which takes place on the fourth Monday in November is particularly worth visiting: visitors to the traditional market dedicated to onions start pouring into the city in the early hours. The 360 views from the tower are wonderful. A nice complement to the Historical Museum, this minor attraction holds the second floor flat where Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905. From the tree-planted Bern Minster terrace, there is an attractive view down into the Aare valley; and if you can make it up the 254 steps of the tower, the views over the city are outstanding - especially on a clear day when the Alps appear as a backdrop. You can bring a picnic and stop here for lunch, or enjoy a meal at the lovely Restaurant Rosengarten. Spring and early summer are the most beautiful times, when ithe223 rose and 200 iris species are in flower. Start Your Day With a Cozy Breakfast Image of a Coffee Shop and Bakery by TouringSwitzerland.com 1. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Visitors are welcome to climb to the observation platform, which sports some impressive views. Skating in front of the Parliament. About 60 kilometers from Bern in the Bernese-Oberland section of the Alps, the town and region is the gateway to a land of mountains, lakes, and rushing rivers. Its part of the Bern Historical Museum (Bernisches Historisches Museum), Switzerlands second-largest institution of its kind. In the foreground is the Zhringen Fountain, surmounted by a bear in armour, the city's heraldic device. Suggested tour: Bern: 90-Minute Stroll Through the Old Town. This wooded park is divided between a free and paid sections: In the free enclosures beside the Aare youll pass wild boar, chamois and ibex, as well as a small farm with domestic animals like horses and goats. If you like to check out some local markets, you have some choices in Bern, too. Practical information: Gurten funicular runs daily the whole year round, except for a few days of annual maintenance. For the best views of the Aare, head to the Nydeggbrcke bridge, Bern's most famous and beloved bridge, which connects the old and new parts of town and offers fairy-tale views over red rooftops. The tower was first built as a watchtower in the 1200s and was later used as a women's prison, with the present clock installed in the early 1500s. You need at least 1.5-2 hours for a quick visit to the Bern Historical Museum/ Einstein Museum. CH-3001 Bern If you walk to/from Bear Pit or Rosengarten Park, youll likely cross Nydeggbrcke anyway. Bears have continued to be kept in Bern ever since, and they were moved to the Brengraben (or Bear Pit) in 1857. TIP: Some day tours that visit Bern from Zurich or Lucerne also include a stop here (see this popular tour it has the most complete itinerary for a day trip to Bern including Emmental Valley). Its verdant hills are dotted with cows and farmhouses, set against a breathtaking backdrop of the Bernese Oberland. Bern has a lovable UNESCO listed old town tucked into a long meander of the River Aare. All around the square are cafs, shops, and Renaissance-style buildings as well as the Banknote Museum. This means that the area can be very busy, so if you are visiting in this period, be prepared for long queues. This picturesque tower has a rather grim history. You can find more info and opening times here. The habitat was modernised in 2009, when a new space was opened next to the original pit. Be sure to climb up the tower-it's free, and the views improve with every step. It is reasonably priced and has a large sun terrace with some fabulous views. Web Visit website. If you travel more, you learn to acknowledge the good and the not so good stuff without judging it. Tina Turner was a global superstar born in the United States - but the music legend, who died Wednesday at 83, took solace living in Switzerland for decades . After 1623, French-speaking Protestants became the main worshippers in the church-a big change from the church's origins as a Dominican monastery. Even though Gurten is not that high (858 m (2,815 ft)) and is rather a hill than a mountain, it offers nice 360-degree views across the city and the Alps. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Spread over four floors, this unique spa is housed in a beautiful building that was once the home of Switzerlands first gas boiler. Getting there: If you dont have a car, you can easily get here by bus #12 in the direction Zentrum Paul Klee from the old town. The integrated Einstein Museum is a must-see, containing lots of footage, photography and objects illustrating his time in Bern when he devised his Theory of Relativity. It has rather short opening hours usually from around 11 AM to 4 PM. Bern was also Albert Einsteins home town for the first decade of the 20th century. From irresistible cuddly bear toys to bear-shaped cookies, bear chocolates, etc. Things to Do in Bern Popular things to do Cultural Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Fountains Walking Tours Tours & Sightseeing Specialty Museums Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Historic Sites Outdoor Activities Airport & Hotel Transfers Sports Complexes Food, Wine & Nightlife Multi-day & Extended Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks The only drawback is that a great deal are likely to have been stolen by the Nazis in the 30s and 40s. Klee was born just outside Bern and went to Gymnasium in the city. Visitors come around for mountain paragliding, canyon jumping, and hiking, as well as for Interlaken's many spas and wellness centers. ct intro final View All Trips The capital city of Switzerland is small and compact, with a lovely atmosphere, picture-perfect cobblestone streets and beautiful views of the river Aare. The real secret behind Berns success, however, is its relaxed atmosphere. The Einstein Museum is a fascinating place too, with lots of photos, footage, and documents connected to his time there. In the squares of the city centre colourful weekly markets present their wares. If you're looking for a winter getaway with stunning scenery, look no further than the city of Bern. If you have more time, it is really worth visiting for its magnificent valley for hiking and biking too. Written by Jim O'Donnell and Diana Bocco Updated Mar 23, 2023We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). His Writings on Form and Design Theory is considered one of the most important theoretical works on art ever written. When you walk them, you hardly notice when one street turns into the other it looks almost like one long road. It was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and commissioned by Klees daughter, who donated all of her inheritance to the city of Bern. Bern has kept its own bears since at least the 16th century, and they were moved to this park on the opposite bank of the Aare in 1857. Top 15 Best Things to do in Bern, Switzerland - Out of Town Blog There are 100 fountains. The late Gothic creation is a three-aisled, pillared basilica that was under construction from 1421 until 1893, when the addition of the octagonal upper section and the openwork spire was completed. A 10-minute walk from the center and on a tram line. These mechanical figures, the astronomical clock and the clock itself are all controlled by the same mechanism. The stained glass windows are exceptional too, with the most memorable being Matter Chapels Dance of Death. A castle dominates the town, while its flower-lined pedestrian walkways make the town stand out. They run guided tours and creative workshops for all ages. Home Travel Guides Switzerland 15 Best Things to Do in Bern (Switzerland). Its a popular spot to pose for a photo you can climb the stairs to the top and stand where the statue would be. The museum is found on the Helvetiaplatz just across the Aare from the Old Town. The Aare River is an intrinsic part of Bern, a beautiful mass of crystal-clear turquoise waters that have shaped the city's life and landscape. If you are planning to spend a night or two in Bern and are traveling by train, you can stay pretty much anywhere in the old town. Bodies of Water. And theres a big playground here as well, so if you are visiting Bern with kids, this might be a good place to blow off some steam. Getting there: Gurten is easy to access by tram no. Bern is really picturesque, with its medieval architecture lovingly preserved. Bern Old Town One of the first places to see in Bern is its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage site. Located on the eastern outskirts of Bern, Zentrum Paul Klee is the best art museum in Bern. Attending a sports event may not be the first thing on your mind in a city flush with art and sights. Emmentaler Schaukserei in Affoltern also organizes guided tours of a show dairy farm. Here you can check the availability and reserve your spot. Best Things To Do in Bern Switzerland in 2 Days Safety, transport links, infrastructure and local attractions are the reasons why the region around the Swiss capital is the second strongest economic area in Switzerland. The Swiss capital of Bern is a picturesque city filled with Medieval structures, cobblestone streets, limestone arcades, and lush greenery.With its eclectic mix of culture, history, nature, and breathtaking scenery, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.I would actually even say, it is the most beautiful city in the country. Seriously?! +41 31 328 12 12 The Palm House is particularly interesting as it focuses on tropical food-producing plants such as bananas, coconuts, and coffee. At the tip of the old center, near the Bear Park. 19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bern | PlanetWare Just outside the Bundeshaus is the Bundesplatz, where an impressive vegetable and flower market takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. You might never guess it by looking at it today, but this building was originally used for grain storage. Even his 1921 Nobel Prize certificate is on display. This is a popular viewpoint with a small park where youll find some benches to relax. The city originally had wooden fountains and these elaborate stone fountains were built to replace them. Their home stadium has a capacity for 17,000 and regularly sells out during the season from September to March. Your knowledgeable guide will bombard you with interesting facts about the Swiss federal government, its founding myths and Berns 150 years as capital. Three other buildings cover desert, tropical, and subtropical vegetation and environments. Aerial view of Bern's Old Town and the River Aare. In winter, Bern's Parliament Square turns into an artificial ice rink that's really popular among locals and tourists. You may recognize the name of this area by the cheese for which it is famous. The two enclosures are linked by a tunnel, and even allow the bears to take dips in the river. Bern | Switzerland Tourism The Zhringerbrunnen (Zhringen Fountain) close to the Zytglogge clock is worth a special mention too. Inside the tower, you can also see the largest bell in Switzerland Grosse Glocke (Big Bell) which weighs 10 tons. From its covered arcades to its prestigious title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is uniquely charming and very relaxed. What to expect when visiting Bern your Bern travel guide. And if youre lucky enough to be visiting at Christmas, check out the festive markets at the Waisenhausplatz and the Mnsterplatz. Bern is the seat of Switzerland's government. To get close up and personal with the Bernese Alps, this is one of the very best day trips from Bern. Visit Switzerland's Bern Old Town & See Why The Medieval - TheTravel 1. The rose garden also has 23 rhododendron species that flower in May, as well as a graceful pond with lilies that bloom in July. Theres also some archive correspondence, like authentic letters sent by Paul von Hindenburg. They played an important role in society and provided a place for locals to meet up and exchange gossip. 9 which takes just about 20 minutes from Bern city center. I also think the Natural History Museum of Bern is worth visiting just to see the Swiss mineral collection, particularly the giant transparent quartz crystals. Its also a good place to visit in Bern when it rains.
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