Bern travel guide

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, experiences a temperate oceanic climate. This means that the city enjoys warm, moderately hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures in Bern, from June to August, typically range from 20°C to 25°C. This is the wettest season, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms. The winters, from December to February, are usually cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, and heavy snowfall is common.

The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, are generally mild and relatively dry. Spring, from March to May, sees temperatures gradually rising from 10°C to 20°C. Autumn, from September to November, experiences gradually cooling temperatures with averages between 10°C and 20°C. It's worth noting that the weather in Bern can be quite changeable, so it's recommended to pack clothing for all conditions. Also, the city's altitude of over 500 meters can make the climate cooler than other regions at the same latitude. This can make the winter feel particularly chilly, so warm clothing is essential if you're visiting during this season.

With its blend of traditional and modern culture, Bern is more than just a wonderful city in Switzerland. It's a hub for diverse experiences, boasting top attractions that range from historical landmarks to modern marvels, offering a glimpse into Switzerland's rich heritage and innovative spirit.

One popular place to visit in Bern is the unforgettable Cathedral of Bern. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn't miss on your trip to Bern.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Bern, check out our list of top attractions below. Discover the best places to visit in Bern, including the fascinating Cathedral of Bern, UNESCO - Bern Old Town, Rosengarten Bern, Zytglogge, and Bundesplatz.

Take a closer look at the city map below for the exact locations of all the top attractions in Bern.

A visit to Bern gets more exciting with memorable experiences. And the city is just perfect for that, with plenty of fun activities. Walking Tours, Historical Tours, Full-day Tours, and more are just some of the options you could explore to fully immerse yourself and make the most of your time.

In this travel guide, we've included some of the best things to do in Bern, adding a special touch to your journey in this vibrant city. Explore bustling markets, embark on scenic hikes, sample local delicacies, or immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of Bern. Browse this diverse array of unforgettable experiences Bern offers and let your adventures begin!

In Bern, travelers are spoiled for choice with a dazzling array of 13 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. But among this sea of options, one category reigns supreme: Activities.

Activities offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Bern. For example, the fantastic Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour.

Bern also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience. Bern Data eSIM 0.5GB daily to 50GB 30 Days, for example, is the cheapest Self Guided Tour option in the city. This experience costs around 3 EUR.

Elevate your upcoming Bern adventure with unforgettable experiences by booking top-rated tours in the city. Uncover the finest tours, activities, and tickets awaiting you in Bern right below.

Discover the best things to do in Bern. Choose from 84 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Bern. Click the green button to view your options and discover a variety of exciting things to do in Bern.

Bern, the captivating capital of Switzerland, is a food lover's paradise. The city is teeming with culinary treasures waiting to be discovered, from bustling street markets to upscale dining establishments. The Old Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places to eat in Bern with a plethora of eateries offering local and international cuisines. Don't miss out on tasting the traditional Bernese Platter, a hearty dish of various meats and potatoes, or the Berner Rösti, a potato dish often paired with meat or eggs. For more upscale dining, the Gerechtigkeitsgasse is known for its high-end restaurants serving exquisite Swiss and European dishes. Street food lovers should visit the Waisenhausplatz market, where vendors serve everything from Swiss cheese to locally produced wines. For a sweet finish, indulge in the famous Swiss chocolate or the Bernese Leckerli, a hard spice biscuit. Remember to pair your meals with a local wine or beer for the complete Bernese culinary experience.

Bern, home to a delightful blend of old charm and contemporary chic, is a haven for shoppers. The city's distinct fashion scene and local craftsmanship make it the best place to go shopping in Bern. Start your shopping journey at the iconic Kramgasse, where you'll find an array of boutiques that showcase local designers and high-quality Swiss watches. The Bernese arcades, one of the longest covered shopping promenades in Europe, offer an elegant and comfortable shopping experience, rain or shine. For a more modern shopping experience, head to Westside Shopping Mall, an architectural marvel housing over 70 stores.

Don't miss out on visiting the traditional markets like Waisenhausplatz and Münstergasse, brimming with fresh produce, antique books, and unique trinkets. When looking for souvenirs, be sure to pick up the Bernese honey, Swiss cheese or a cuckoo clock, symbols of Swiss craftsmanship. Remember, shopping hours in Bern typically run from 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays, and most shops are closed on Sundays. Happy shopping!

Discover the best free things to do in Bern, a city steeped in history and Swiss charm. Start at the Bundesplatz, where the Parliament building stands majestically. Don't miss the captivating light and sound show projected onto the building's facade each evening. Stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with well-preserved medieval architecture, fountains, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower. Witness the intricate astronomical clock mechanism in action on the hour. Visit the Bear Park, home to Bern's symbolic animals, where you can watch them frolic in a natural habitat. Explore the Rosengarten, a beautiful rose garden offering panoramic views of the city skyline. If you're an art lover, visit the Zentrum Paul Klee, which offers free admission on select days, housing the world's largest collection of works by Swiss painter Paul Klee. Lastly, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the open-air markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays, where you can sample Swiss cheeses, breads, and other local delicacies. These activities are a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry and are sure to create lasting memories of your visit to Bern.

Booking budget-friendly flights to Bern is a crucial part of planning your trip to the city. This section will guide you through the process, helping you find the best deals for your journey.

Booking in advance is a smart move when traveling to Bern. Airlines release their best deals months ahead of departure, so early birds catch the lower fares. Consider flexible travel dates while planning your visit to the city. Mid-week and off-peak seasons often offer more wallet-friendly options.

To help you find cheap flights to Bern, you can use the powerful booking widget below. Enter your departure city, choose between round trip or one-way, pick your fare class, select travel dates, and specify the number of travelers. Click "Search" and the widget will do the rest. You'll see a list of flights matching your criteria, making your trip to Bern even more convenient.

Fine-tune your search with filters to sort by price, airline, layovers, and more. Once you've found your ideal flight, click "Book" and you'll be redirected to the booking page to complete your reservation. Enter your payment details and receive a confirmation – it's that simple!

Remember to book ahead, stay flexible, and utilize the widget's features to make your journey to Bern both affordable and unforgettable.

Travelers visiting Bern can easily access the city via Bern, offering direct connection to 2 destinations worldwide. To streamline your travel planning process, explore the most popular flights to Bern below. Discover direct routes from major international hubs and convenient connections tailored to suit your travel preferences. Click to delve into the diverse array of flights available to Bern and embark on an unforgettable journey.

Renting a car in Bern is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace. A wide variety of popular car rentals are available to choose from in Bern, ensuring you find the best car for your travel plans.

Check out all the options available and book your car rental in Bern for your upcoming adventures in Switzerland below. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Bern. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Bern, Switzerland, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure about where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Switzerland. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Traveling to another city or region in Switzerland? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Bern to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Switzerland on the selected dates.