I loved Bern so much that I took a million photos, and if I had more time and didn’t have to rush to catch a plane, I would have taken even more. Bern is the kind of city where you want to stay and live. These charming streets, the swift Aare River, and the kind-hearted Swiss people just drove me crazy. Today, I’d like to share some of those photos with you and tell you a bit about this city. So, here it is, magnificent Bern in Switzerland:
First of all, it is recognized as the greenest city in Europe. Just look at all the greenery and flowers here. Secondly, the city holds the largest collection of Paul Klee’s works in the world. Thirdly, it has an enormous number of fountains. Additionally, Bern is the birthplace of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and the cradle of the famous Toblerone chocolate.
Bern is all about low painted houses, bell towers, medieval courtyards, and frothy turquoise rivers. Bern inspires and leaves a pleasant aftertaste; after walking through the city, you start looking for similarly picturesque cities all over Europe.
Bern – the city of bears.
And bears are countless here. There are acrobat bears and piggy bank bears, sad bears sitting on children’s chairs by antique shops, and even live bears. This is because the brown bear is the city’s symbol and mascot. It is said that a certain duke named the city after the first animal he encountered on a hunt, which was a brown bear.
Bärenpark is a small moat near the Aare River where several bears coexist peacefully. They are loved by both locals and visitors. A few years ago, Russian president Medvedev gifted Misha and Masha to Bärenpark, but they were later moved to a zoo.
The beautiful Aare river.
The Aare River is the most beautiful river I’ve ever seen, with an emerald hue from the lime. Just imagine, instead of bikes or cars, locals grab waterproof backpacks, jump off a bridge, and swim to work. What’s even more surprising is that quite mature people do this despite the swift current and icy water.
The Rose Garden.
I didn’t rush to the center but went up to the Rose Garden, where over 250 types of roses, rhododendrons, and irises are carefully cultivated. I sat in a cozy café, traditionally ordered freshly brewed coffee and dessert. The whole city was in the palm of my hand. After enjoying the views, I descended the steps, peeking into every courtyard, and headed to the Altenberg or Old Town. Walking through its seemingly time-untouched ancient streets made it easy to feel like I was in medieval Switzerland – everything here has forgotten about time, as if it were still the thirteenth century.
The Zytglogge Clock Tower.
Seeing the Zytglogge bell tower, I approached it. On the eastern side were the famous clock faces by master Kaspar Brunner. This dial shows the most accurate time, day, week, month, moon phase, and zodiac sign. If you wait for the chimes, a rooster crows, and in sequence, other fairy-tale animals appear – the fool, the knight, the chimney sweep, the lion, and the bear.
Bern in Switzerland – Reconstruction in stone
Initially, Bern in Switzerland was built of wood. The locals fully realized the folly of this idea when in 1405, a fire engulfed almost all the wooden houses. They decided to rebuild the city in stone.
The lowest floors of the main streets look like gallery-arcades. These galleries stretch for 6 kilometers and form the world’s longest shopping zone.
On one of the main squares, I came upon a Sunday market selling various goodies, including the famous Swiss cheese and chocolate. But when I turned my head slightly, I saw an antique shop.
Descending into the gallery, my eyes widened: there were old dolls our mothers or even grandmothers played with, antique interior items, porcelain dishes, stamps, postcards, badges, calendars, ancient books, and jewelry. The shop owner was a kind old man who gave me an antique doll.
If you’re looking for other interesting cities in Switzerland, check out my posts about the quietest places in Geneva and a trip to Montreux.
How to get to Bern in Switzerland.
Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to reach this beautiful city.
By Air:
Bern Airport. While Bern has its own airport, Bern Airport (BRN), it’s relatively small with limited international flights. It’s mainly used for domestic flights and some regional European connections.
Zurich Airport. For most international travelers, Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the best gateway to Bern. Zurich Airport is the largest in Switzerland and well-connected to major cities around the world. From Zurich, you can take a direct train to Bern, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Trains run frequently, making it a convenient option. Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Zurich if you’re traveling from another country.
By Train:
Switzerland boasts one of the best public transportation systems in the world, and traveling by train is an excellent way to reach Bern. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) provides efficient and reliable services across the country.
From Zurich. Direct trains from Zurich to Bern depart frequently, with travel times of around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The trains are comfortable, with amenities such as Wi-Fi and dining options.
From Geneva. Direct trains from Geneva to Bern take about 1 hour and 50 minutes, offering picturesque views of the Swiss countryside along the way.
By Car:
Driving to Bern offers the flexibility to explore Switzerland at your own pace. The country’s well-maintained road network makes driving a pleasant experience. However, be aware of the following:
Swiss Vignette: To drive on Swiss motorways, you need a vignette (toll sticker), which can be purchased at border crossings and petrol stations.
Parking: Parking in Bern can be challenging and expensive. It’s advisable to use Park & Ride facilities on the outskirts and use public transport to reach the city center.
From Zurich. The drive from Zurich to Bern takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A1 motorway.
From Geneva. Driving from Geneva to Bern takes around 2 hours via the A1 motorway.
I highly recommend traveling by car, as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
The best hotels in Bern.
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa: Combining historic grandeur with modern sophistication, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is a landmark of Swiss hospitality. Situated near the central train station, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the city. The hotel boasts stylishly appointed rooms, a luxurious spa, and the iconic Jack’s Brasserie, where guests can savor traditional Swiss cuisine. Its rooftop terrace provides a stunning panorama of Bern’s skyline, making it a favorite among visitors seeking both comfort and elegance.
The Bristol: For those who appreciate a blend of modernity and comfort, The Bristol is an excellent choice. This boutique hotel, with its contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere, is located just a short walk from the Federal Palace and the old town. The rooms are chic and well-equipped, ensuring a cozy stay. The hotel’s bar and lounge are perfect spots to relax after a day of sightseeing, offering a variety of drinks and light bites in a stylish setting.
Hotel Allegro Bern: Hotel Allegro Bern stands out for its dynamic atmosphere and excellent facilities. Part of the Kursaal Bern complex, it offers direct access to a casino and various entertainment options. The hotel’s rooms are modern and comfortable, many with balconies offering views of the Bernese Alps. Guests can enjoy international cuisine at the MERIDIAN restaurant, savor Italian flavors at Giardino, or indulge in Asian delights at Yù. The hotel also features a wellness center and fitness area, ensuring a relaxing stay.
Hotel Goldener Schlüssel: As the oldest hotel in Bern, Hotel Goldener Schlüssel offers a unique charm and a rich history. Located in the heart of the old town, this hotel is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Bern’s medieval atmosphere. The rooms are a mix of traditional and modern styles, providing a cozy and comfortable stay. The hotel’s restaurant serves Swiss and international dishes, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and local flavors.
Enjoy your travels and cherish every moment!
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