Situated on the banks of the glistening Aare River, Bern is a city that has more than earned its place among Switzerland’s most magical cities.

Whether you’re into UNESCO World Heritage Old Towns, jawdropping feats of architecture, absurdly elaborate fountains, or… bears (both real and statue), Bern has it! Bundled up with a delightful array of surprises too, from thoroughly geeky museums and hidden cellar shops/bars, to views and vantage points that’ll have you foaming at the mouth at every turn.

… oh, in case you couldn’t tell, I really liked Bern. And I’m here today to help you do it justice.

In this guide, I am going to share all best things to do in Bern, Switzerland… ending with some unbelievable day trips, including one with unlimited free cookie samples! (Yes, I really am for real) I hope you find it helpful.

My Free Map of Things to Do in Bern

For a free map that includes all the activities below (plus recommendations for food, drink, etc.), head to my VIP Zone!

1. Wander around Bern’s Altstadt

Alright – let’s get the big ‘must do’ out of the way: you can’t come to Bern, and not frolic around its legendary Altstadt (or Old Town).

Flaunting UNESCO World Heritage status since 1983, this is Bern’s historic heart and where any first time visit should begin.

This idyllic medieval city centre, known for its rich sandstone buildings, is an amazing place to wander aimlessly for several different reasons.

For one, this part of town is known for its solid 6km of covered arcades where you can take window shopping to the next level with beautifully decorated store windows and displays scattered along the arcade’s edges. And yes, I did say covered, which means you can ogle your heart out rain or shine.

Trust me when I say there are endless shops to check out here, but some spots you should definitely have on your radar include…

• Swiss Design Market, dedicated to Swiss creativity and craftsmanship
• Feinedinge, filled with cute local gift ideas
• Klötzli Messerschmiede, home to the most charming window displays with an actual teddy bear version of their workshop (possibly one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen)

Even more unique than the shop windows, though, might be the series of cellar businesses that run in tandem with these arcades. Once used for the storage of goods, these vaulted cellar spaces have now been converted into restaurants, shops, and cafes – there for your nosy perusal whether you’re looking for a haircut, a bite to eat, or just some retail therapy.

And besides shopping, all around, in keeping with its nickname, the City of Fountains, you can find plenty of unique fountains scattered around the Old Town as well, from the basic to the child-munchingly ornate. 

One definite must is to stop by the frightening Kindlifresserbrunnen… also known in English as the Child Eater Fountain.

Dating from 1546, this infamous fountain statue depicts an ogre devouring children, with many theories as to its origins, but zero debate about its creepiness.

Other fountastic highlights include the…

• Mosesbrunnen, which depicts Moses and his ten commandments
• Zähringerbrunnen, which depicts a bear in armour with a cub at his feet
• Simsonbrunnen, depicting the famous tale of Samson fighting a lion with his bare hands
• Schützenbrunnen, which shows a marksman along with his literal gun-wielding bear friend.

And the controversial Meret-Oppenheim-Turmbrunnen, which stands as a ten-meter high stone column with water and plant features hanging off its unique facade… considered by many locals to be an eyesore.

With the Old Town being as compact as it is, you’ll no doubt discover plenty of your own if you just set aside an hour or two to explore, but to help guide you, some must-sees include… 

Rathausplatz, home to Bern’s 600 year old town hall, as well as the Vennerbrunnen, which dates back to 1542. On the corner here is also the church of St Peter and Paul found along Rathausgasse, an adorable street which is filled with all kinds of charming shuttered facades.

Another stunning stretch of the Old Town is the quiet and beautiful Junkerngasse, which might not have much to offer by way of shops but feels like a true step back in time. 

And if you’re looking for a fancy but beautiful place for a bite, the restaurant at the Kornhausforum looks absolutely stunning. 

Of course, one unmissable must while in Old Town is to…

2. Admire the iconic Zytglogge (Clock Tower)

Bern’s absurdly photogenic clock tower has kept time since the early 13th century, when it served as the city’s western gate. Following the fire of 1405 it was rebuilt, with the spiffy addition of an astronomical clock later in the 1500s.

Today, the clock continues to delight crowds when it strikes each hour with a very short performance of whirring figures and chimes… often starting just before the hour mark. 

Those especially keen can join a short tour inside to climb the tower and see the gears in motion. Or just settle for a little informative display tucked away in its arched walkway.

While you’re in a tower-ful mood, though, you should also make sure to check the other remaining tower off your list, the 49m tall Käfigturm.

Though not as grand as the Zytglogge, it’s still worth seeing, and believe it or not, today it’s actually home to a political forum space.

Now, once it’s time to clock out of this Old Town centre, continue onwards to one of the most iconic sights of Bern just a few minutes away and…

3. Stop to admire the Bundeshaus (Federal Palace of Switzerland)

Home to Switzerland’s federal parliament since 1902, this grand building is one the most elegant features of the Bern skyline, looking impressive from all angles, but probably best known by most visitors for its impressive terrace which offers panoramic views over the Aare River valley.

And yes, it somehow gets even more stunning at sunset.

For mega nerds, though, you can even tour the inside for free if you book ahead… Though English tours are rare, the stunning interiors are well worth faking your way through understanding French or German. 

During the tour, you get to explore a few main areas, starting with the central domed hall.

At the top is a glass dome showcasing the coats of arms of all the Swiss cantons… except for one – Jura, founded later than the rest in 1978, and therefore given its own awkward spot to the side.

On all four walls of the hall, you’ll find large stained glass windows depicting Switzerland’s main regions as well as their primary industries and money-makers, and to the side, stone statues of the Three Confederates, the founding fathers of Switzerland, weighing in at 24 tonnes of Italian stone… ironically, some of the only material in the whole building that isn’t Swiss-sourced. 

The National Council Chamber is another highlight. Here, the focal point is a 12 metre wide mural depicting a quintessentially Swiss landscape. 

Inside though, there’s a fun hidden secret – a silly fish on a cliff as an April fool’s joke, also known in French as a poisson d’Avril, which translates literally to April fish. Since the building was inaugurated on April 1st, it just makes sense.

During the tour you’ll also see the Council of States Chamber with its stunning chandelier and massive wall fresco.

And if you’re lucky you might even spot the President’s office door, and the glorious hall it connects to with some of the most amazing views.

Of course, you have to return to reality at some point, so let’s bring you down to earth quite literally, by hopping on Marzilibahn funicular from the Bundesplatz.

Here, you can journey onwards to…

4. Explore the Mattequartier

Once Bern’s craftsmen’s and tanners’ quarter, these narrow alleys and converted workshops now house creative studios and tiny cafés. 

As you enjoy your riverside amble, you can finish your walk over at the Matte Lift – an elevator service that has been saving local legs for over 125 years by whisking them up to Münsterplatz above with minimal effort. 

Those who prefer a workout, though, can also brave some of the medieval covered steps that run along this area, the most famous of which are the 183 steps of the Fricktreppe. 

No matter how you choose to get back up though, your next must-do is to… 

5. Visit the Berner Münster and climb its incredible tower

This is the largest religious building in Switzerland, with a key highlight greeting you…. before you even walk in.

The main portal here is a true work of art, with 294 tiny sculptures depicting the Last Judgment… a work so beautiful it was spared during the Reformation, when most of the cathedral’s other art works were removed.

As a result, the interior is fairly plain, but the ceiling and stonework is still worth admiring.

And for those with the leg strength, the tower here is the highest you can climb in Switzerland, offering truly unbelievable views extending all the way over to the snow-dusted Alps on a clear day. 

… If you can survive the 344 steps to get there. 

But speaking of viewpoints, it’s time to move onto our next Bern must-do, which is to… 

6. Enjoy the amazing views from the Rosengarten

When the season is right you can sniff over 250 varieties of roses here, and even admire colourful cherry blossoms in the spring.

Winter… was a little more barren, but even so, the frosty views were reason enough to visit, with a stunning panorama over Bern’s Old Town rooftops and all its most iconic towers.

Plus, a short walk downhill will then bring you to another one of Bern’s most popular must-dos, which is to…

7. See Bern’s BearPark

For centuries, the city of Bern kept bears confined to its infamous Bear Pit, a practice that (naturally) sparked a number of concerns and complaints. 

And so, the adjacent BearPark, created in 2009, opened up the roaming space for the bears significantly, creating a 6000m2 space for them to explore and relax. 

Today, it’s inhabited by the bears Finn and Björk, plus their daughter Ursina, and this bear park is one of Bern’s biggest tourist draws. While a winter visit meant the bears were sleeping during my visit, this spot also boasts some of the prettiest views in town, so worth checking out in any case.

And afterwards you can grab a bite at the Altes Tramdepot Brauerei Restaurant, known for their rösti and massive towers of craft beer, with Canadian specials as well!

If you’re feeling for a nerdier activity though, another classic Bern to-do is…

8. Fangirl over Einstein all over the city

Because yes, Einstein did once call the city home, and even developed his groundbreaking Theory of Relativity right here.

Little surprise then, that tracing his footsteps is another popular tourist activity. 

You can, for instance, stop by Einstein House, a very small museum in the heart of Old Town, where Einstein lived between 1903–1905. Inside, the small but atmospheric apartment is preserved with period furnishings and panels summarizing his life story. 

Or if it’s a photo opp you want, you can seek out the several Einstein benches in Bern, where you can get up close and chummy with one of the finest ever minds in science.

The one at the Rosengarten and then further along near the BärenPark both offer excellent views, but the one in front of the Bern History Museum (also home to the Einstein Museum), might give you the most privacy for the silliest photos you want.

Actually seeing the Einstein Museum is, of course, another must-do for super fans. 

Located inside the Bern Historical Museum, this extensive collection dives into Einstein’s time in Bern and his scientific breakthroughs…. But also walks you through his life story and the surrounding historical context from his birth in Ulm in 1879 and childhood in Munich to the end of his life as an American citizen.

Highlights include an embroidered tablecloth from Einstein’s mother that formed part of her dowry, some Nobel peace prizes, and random personal objects like Einstein’s coffee grinder and old diplomatic passport.

Though I was personally more interested in bombshell new-to-me facts like how Einstein divorced his first wife to marry his cousin, and how Israel tried to make him their president at one point.

Now, since we’re already here, it’s worth mentioning that another must-do in Bern is to…

9. Explore the Bern Museum Quarter

Home to 11 cultural institutions, including the Bern Historical Museum, which houses the aforementioned Einstein Museum. 

But as the second-largest museum in the country, it also houses various artifacts from across Bernese and global history, so worth checking out in any case, whether you’re interested in seeing Egyptian mummies, treasures from the Orient, or exhibits from various chapters of the Bern’s history.  

Other museums you’ll find within a 10 minute walk in this district include the Natural History Museum, home to a massive showcase of regional animals, with its star attraction being Barry, the legendary St Bernard known for making over 40 rescues in his lifetime. 

There’s also the quirky and interactive Museum of Communication, as well as the small Alpine Museum of Switzerland… which has some very unique contemporary exhibitions related to mountains & people. During my visit, for instance, there was a big exhibition all about Greenland.

But hey, even if you don’t end up visiting too many museums, the walk along the Kirchenfeldbrücke alone is worth the detour, with amazing views every step of the way.

If you are a museum person, though, you are definitely spoiled for choice and might benefit from buying a Bern Museum Card which includes entry to most of the city’s main museums, including ones outside of the Museum Quarter, like the Kunstmuseum Bern, Switzerland’s oldest art museum.

And the Zentrum Paul Klee. A short tram ride east of the centre, this striking wave-shaped museum (designed by Renzo Piano) houses over 4,000 works by Swiss artist Paul Klee. The architecture alone – rolling glass and steel that mirrors Bern’s surrounding hills – is worth the visit. 

Inside, it’s a modern art lover’s dream of colour and whimsy, with pieces on display from both the museum’s extensive Paul Klee collection, along with works from other prominent modern and contemporary artists. 

10. Get out around the Canton of Bern

Now, while we’ve covered fairly good ground in Switzerland’s compact capital, outside of the city’s central core, the Canton of Bern has much more to offer.

Close to the city, for instance, there’s the lovely Gurten, a beloved local mountain which offers great views and leisure activities.

And if you’re into super niche records and accolades like me, you can head over to the hilariously named Wankdorf to see the world’s largest digital station clock, which stands outside the SBB head offices as an enduring symbol of punctuality and innovation… because sure, while on the face of it, it’s just a giant version of a regular station clock, it does hide a pretty fun secret. 

… Every so often the pieces of the clock face scramble and reassemble in unique formations!

In any case, if you’re down to venture farther out, my personal pick as an easy half day trip would be to…

11. Enjoy the wonders of the Kambly Erlebnis

A 35 minute train ride from Bern Central Station is the village of Trubschachen, where the world famous biscuit brand Kambly has been producing their treats since 1910.

The wildest part? You can sample every single one of their creations until you find your favourite. All 100+ of them… and yes, in case reading between the lines isn’t your strongsuit, I do mean they have unlimited free cookies here.

And no, admission doesn’t cost a single thing!

If the sugar crash has you needing a place to sit down, you can also enjoy a magical movie about the company’s history. 

Another excellent half day trip would be to… 

12. Venture out to lovely Thun

Found only 20 minutes away from Bern by train, Thun is a fairy-tale town filled with fun surprises, like surfers you can watch in the middle of town, right on the river… along with gorgeous covered bridges filled with overflowing baskets of flowers, the most beautiful pastel-coloured buildings lining waterways with swimming swans and even its own hilltop castle dominating the skyline.

And yes, of course there are plenty of epic views close by too, from fairy-tale castles like Oberhofen Castle to incredible glossy lakes like Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Of course, it’s worth noting that many consider Thun to be the gateway to one of the country’s most stunning regions, which leads us to our next must-do which is to…

13. Experience the beauty of the Bernese Oberland

This is the southernmost portion of the canton of Bern, and also its highest, meaning excellent views for days.

Of all the regions I’ve visited in Switzerland, this is probably my favourite. 

From the epic waterfalls and views in the Lauterbrunnen Valley to breath-taking lakes like Oeschinensee and Blausee, the Bernese Oberland might be Switzerland at its most dramatic and photogenic. 

Interlaken, situated in between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, which is what gives it its name, is also a popular base for endless adventure opportunities.

But if I had to pick a lesser known must-see in this area, it’d be to… 

14. Visit the underrated city of Meiringen

This is a city that I hear very little buzz about, which is puzzling since it has so many wonderful obscure bragging rights.

As the humble birthplace of the mighty meringue, this scenic city is where you’ll find the Reichenbach Falls, as immortalized in Sherlock Holmes. As a result, it even has its own Sherlock Holmes Museum!

Literary bragging rights aside, Meiringen is also home to a number of natural wonders like the stunning Aare Gorge, which you can meander through for some of the coolest views in the country.

And from here, you’re not far from one of my absolute favourite experiences in Switzerland, which is to… 

15. Ride the Gelmerbahn and hike around Gelmersee

The viral sensation known as the Gelmerbahn is a famous open air funicular ride in the Haslital region of Central Switzerland was originally built in 1926 to transport building materials for the dam up top.

Today, the Gelmerbahn can whisk 24 passengers at a time away on one of the most unique open air rides in the country.

I have to say: most videos from this ride are sped up for dramatic effect, so any viral Reels you see calling it “an alpine rollercoaster” are straight up lying, but it’s still well worth the trip because the end stop of this ride is the stunning Gelmersee, a glorious turquoise lake that is so vibrant, you’ll want to slurp it up like Gatorade.

There’s a really cool suspension bridge here as well. 

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Bern?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Bern activities to this list. Happy and safe travels!