"It is the most beautiful we have ever seen", Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote about Bern in 1779. Some 200 years later, the UNESCO Commission confirmed Goethe's impression and designated Bern's Old Town a World Heritage Site. Today, the Swiss federal city continues to delight visitors from near and far.
City tours
From the city's landmarks to its secret corners and hidden treasures, from historical backgrounds to surprising insider knowledge: The city tours are as diverse as Bern itself.
How to get there
- By train: There are regular direct train connections to Bern from Solothurn or Biel. Bern railway station is very centrally located, right next to Bern's Old Town.
- By car: The federal city can be easily reached by car via the A1 motorway. Once in Bern, it is recommended that you park your car in one of the city's multi-storey car parkings during your visit and explore the city centre on foot. Driving in the lower Old Town is only permitted for residents and feeder vehicles.
Restaurants
From cosy and down-to-earth to haute cuisine - Bern has just the right restaurant for every taste and occasion.
Where to stay
From backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, from suites in the middle of the Old Town and rooms directly on the Aare to accommodation in the neighbourhood: if you want to spend the night in Bern, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Places of interest
The Zytglogge (time bell tower), the Federal Palace and the Bern Zoo, BärenPark - there is much to discover in and around Bern. These and many more sights are a must on a visit to the Federal City. Museum tips in Bern. Visit theatre, music and dance, cabaret, readings and exhibitions in Bern.
Nice to know
- It's bubbling and fermenting in Bern - with 176 breweries and microbreweries, Bern is considered the beer capital of Switzerland. Locally brewed craft beer belongs to Bern like hops and malt.
- Bern, the birthplace of melt-in-the-mouth chocolate, is a true paradise for sweet tooths. Did you know that the world-famous Lindt chocolate has its roots in Bern?
- River swimming is the number one popular sport in Bern. When the weather is nice, the people of Bern romp around in the Aare and enjoy the summer swimming, Aareböötle and surfing.
