About Bern
Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, lies on the northern side of the Bernese Alps on the plateau in the canton of Bern. One of the most photographed cities in the world, Bern is a place that looks straight out of your dreams. The city, one of the best places to visit in Switzerland, is known as one of the most well-preserved cities in the world and this is evident in the way it has lovingly maintained its heritage, culture, and architecture for centuries. One of the best attractions of Bern is its hundreds of fountains dating back to the 13th-century, and each of them is a unique artwork.
The most unusual of them all, and a must-visit on your Switzerland trip, is Kindlifresserbrunnen (Ogre Fountain) depicting a scary medieval ogre devouring children. Now that’s a sight you will not see anywhere in the world! Bern’s Old Town area due to its stunning medieval-era beauty finds a place amongst UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cobbled streets here are dotted with the majestic Parliament building, offices of some major Swiss banks, and grand hotels. In the nearby Kramgasse (market alley) you will pass century-old buildings that were wine cellars and granaries in ancient times.
This is where you can see the residence of Albert Einstein as well. Another famous Bernese attraction is the 11th-century Clock Tower that allows visitors to tour inside and see the still working mechanisms. The viewing platform atop the tower looks onto panoramic vistas of the Bernese peaks. The Bern Cathedral is a must-visit for not only its magnificent Gothic architecture and a huge façade depicting the ‘Last Judgement’, but also for seeing stunning views as far as Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau from its watchtower.
Bern is one of the few cities in the world that allows one to sightsee not only on foot but also from its waters as you swim across its famed River Aare. The long winding river passes through all the major attractions like the Botanical Gardens and Old Matte District. The culinary landscape of Bern is famous as well! Try authentic Swiss delicacies at Restaurant Rosengarten that edges along with the famous rose garden or the magnificently decorated Kornhauskeller with its humongous chandeliers and fresco ceiling. Bern is mostly rainy throughout the year. The summers are warm, yet pleasant with temperatures averaging at around 20°C. The winters are short but cold with snowfall.
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It is also called the Cathedral of St. Vincent or Bern Cathedral. The beauty of this church is that it was built during the middle ages, and stands tall even today. The cathedral played a prominent role in the architecture of the city to what it is today.
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- Pack hiking boots if you plan to trek.
Which are the best places to enjoy shopping in Bern?
1. Spitalgasse: One of the best shopping areas in Bern, Spitalgasse is dotted with international clothing label shops, independent boutiques, Swiss watch stores, and art galleries. Some of the best shops here include Changemaker, Swatch, Dress Code Project GmbH, etc. Don’t miss to explore the huge Globus department store here for everything ranging from fashion labels, cosmetics, fine foods, and homeware.
2. Kramgasse: One of the most fun things to do in Bern in winter sun is to go on a shopping spree at the amazing Kramgasse. The medieval atmosphere of Kramgasse is as amazing as its stores. The entire area is paved in cobbled streets and house centuries-old cellars that have now been converted into shops. You will find the best of Swiss chocolates, watches, wines, handbags, apparel, and carpets here.
3. Old Town area: The six kilometre long cobbled streets of the Old Town area is a paradise for shoppers. Some of the best places to explore are Bazaar58 for its collection of over 10,000 buttons & Indonesian Ikat fabrics, Maison Art for its enamel & glass homeware, and Amuse Brocante for its unique antiquities and concept dresses. If you don’t want to shop, you can spend time window shopping, which is one of the best free things to do in Bern.
4. Christmas markets: During the Christmas time, every nook and corner of Bern fills up with the fragrance of freshly baked bread, roasted chestnuts, coffee, and spiced wines. Some of the most charming Christmas markets in the city are Stars market (on the Kleine Schanze) famous for its huge fondue chalet, Bern Minster (Minster Square) market for its handicrafts & jewellery, and the Waisenhausplatz Market (Orphanage Square) for its caramels, mulled wine, and gingerbread. One of the best things to do in Bern in winter is to try and take a tour of as many winter markets as possible.
What can you do in Bern for free?
1. Visit the weekly markets: Bern is a city of vibrant pop-up farmer’s markets that are a great way to enjoy the sights and fragrances of the city. One of the most interesting markets here is Zibelemarit (Onion Market), (every 4th Monday in November) where you can see 50 tonnes of onions woven in braids with garlic, which is one of the most interesting things to do in Bern in winter.
Other great options are the weekly market (Tuesday and Saturday at Waisenhausplatz), Market of Wild Plants (late April) and the Flea Market (3rd Saturday of every month from May-October).
2. See the House of Parliament: The Swiss Parliament is an imposing building with magnificent architecture edging on the Aare River. Its copper and golden coloured domes and interiors have been decorated by 38 of the most famous Swiss artists.
Free guided tours are conducted 5 times each day daily that narrate the workings of the building and take visitors through all the important areas and the art collections of the Parliament. These tours rank amongst the top free things to do in Bern.
3. Visit the lush Botanical Garden: One doesn’t have to shell out money to spend a beautiful day surrounded by sunshine, cool breeze, and the intoxicating fragrance of thousands of flowers. The garden houses over 5000 types of plants from all over the world including regions like Mediterranean, Asia, Balkans, Himalayas, etc.
Don’t miss to see the patches of pineapple, cherry blossoms, and roses here. You can also see the memorial of the famous artist Paul Klee here, which is one of the most surreal things to do in Bern.







