First Time in Bern? Here’s 11 Ideas

You’re standing in one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, and you probably don’t even realize it yet. Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town wraps around you like a living museum, but there’s so much more beyond those famous arcades. From climbing church towers to watching bears along the river, this Swiss capital offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s how to make your first visit count, starting with the secrets locals don’t usually share.

Wander the UNESCO-Listed Old Town’s Covered Arcades

When you step into Bern’s Old Town, you’ll discover one of Europe’s most remarkable urban treasures—six kilometers of covered arcades that have sheltered shoppers and strollers for over 500 years. These sandstone “Lauben” create a unique indoor-outdoor atmosphere, protecting you from Switzerland’s unpredictable weather while you explore.

Start your journey on Kramgasse, the main commercial street that’s been Bern’s trading heart since medieval times. You’ll find everything from local Swiss delicacies to international brands tucked beneath these Gothic arches. The arcades connect seamlessly to parallel streets like Rathausgasse and Münstergasse through narrow medieval passageways. Many of these historic buildings showcase Late Gothic elements, with their facades elegantly rebuilt in Baroque style between 1705 and 1745.

Built after the devastating 1405 fire destroyed the original wooden structures, these stone arcades helped earn Bern its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983 for their exceptional urban planning.

Climb Bern Münster’s 222 Steps for 360-Degree City Views

After exploring the covered arcades at street level, you’ll want to gain a bird’s-eye perspective of Bern by climbing the Münster’s iconic tower.

The 222-step ascent through narrow spiral staircases takes you past Switzerland’s largest bell to the first viewing gallery. At 100.6 meters tall, this Gothic cathedral tower is Switzerland’s tallest, offering spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Bern’s red-roofed Old Town, the Bernese Plateau, and distant Alpine peaks.

The climb requires moderate fitness due to the steep, winding stairs, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. You’ll pay around CHF 5 for admission, and the tower’s open daily during tourist hours.

Don’t forget your camera – the photographic opportunities of Bern’s UNESCO-listed cityscape and surrounding landscapes are unmatched from this elevated vantage point. The tower’s octagonal spire features elaborate sculptures and decorative portrait busts that add architectural interest to your ascent.

Watch the Medieval Clock Show at Zytglogge Tower

Once you’ve descended from the Münster’s heights, make your way to Bern’s most famous timepiece for a delightfully different kind of show.

The Zytglogge’s medieval clock show runs every hour, starting four minutes before and culminating precisely on the hour. You’ll watch a charming puppet performance featuring Bern’s heraldic bear, a playful jester, and a crowing rooster—all powered by the original 16th-century mechanism from 1530.

Position yourself on Marktgasse or Kramgasse for the best viewing angle of the tower’s west facade. Arrive 5-10 minutes early to secure a front-row spot, especially on weekends.

The show’s completely free to watch from outside, though guided interior tours offer deeper insights into this marvel of medieval engineering and Bern’s cultural heritage. These 60-minute guided tours are available year-round and provide expert guidance on the clock tower’s fascinating history and intricate mechanisms.

Take the Funicular Up Gurten Mountain for Alpine Panoramas

As Bern’s medieval charm gives way to alpine adventure, you’ll want to catch the historic Gurtenbahn funicular for a quick escape to sweeping mountain vistas. Operating since 1899, this charming railway whisks you up 858-meter Gurten Mountain in just five minutes, delivering spectacular 360° views of Bern, the Aare River, and distant peaks like Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Take the S-Bahn or tram 9 to Wabern, then board the funicular running every 15 minutes from 7 a.m.

Adult tickets cost CHF 5 one-way or CHF 9 return.

At the summit, you’ll find grassy fields perfect for picnicking, barbecue areas, walking paths, and a viewing tower for enhanced Alpine panoramas. The mountain also features winter activities including skiing and sledding when snow permits, plus an exciting toboggan run that operates year-round for additional thrills.

It’s an effortless way to experience Switzerland’s mountain beauty without leaving Bern.

Visit the Bears at Bear Park Along the Aare River

Back in the heart of Bern, you’ll discover one of the city’s most beloved attractions nestled along the picturesque Aare River. The BearPark offers a fascinating glimpse into Bern’s cultural heritage, where bears have symbolized the city since 1513.

You’ll find these magnificent creatures in a spacious, naturalistic habitat spanning 5,000-6,000 square meters on the slopes near the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

The bears enjoy swimming in their dedicated “Bear Bath” area in the Aare River, climbing hills, and exploring caves. You can observe them from multiple viewing platforms connected by accessible walkways.

Entry’s completely free and the park’s open 24/7, though you’ll spot the most activity during cooler morning and evening hours when bears are naturally more energetic. During winter months, the bears retreat to their individual dens for hibernation, much like their wild counterparts.

Explore Switzerland’s Political Heart at the Federal Parliament

After exploring Bern’s charming Bear Park, you’ll want to head to Bundesplatz to discover the Federal Palace, Switzerland’s impressive political headquarters since 1902. This magnificent complex houses the Swiss Federal Assembly and Federal Council in its symmetrical 300-meter structure.

You’ll notice the building’s remarkable construction uses 95% Swiss materials, featuring 30 stone varieties from 13 cantons. The façade showcases limestone, marble, sandstone, and granite, reflecting Switzerland’s geological diversity. Don’t miss the “Three Confederates” statue group depicting the legendary oath scene.

Inside, the domed hall displays symbolic Swiss history reliefs, while the National Council chamber seats 200 members. The building’s cross-shaped layout symbolizes the separation of powers, making it both architecturally stunning and politically significant. The structure underwent its first major renovation from 2006 to 2008, marking over 100 years since its last extensive overhaul.

Drink From Over 100 Historic Fountains Throughout the City

From the Federal Palace, you’ll discover one of Bern’s most charming and practical features as you stroll through the Old Town’s cobblestone streets. Bern’s over 100 historic fountains aren’t just beautiful—they’re functional drinking water sources that locals use daily.

Most fountains date from the 16th century, with eleven masterpieces created by sculptor Hans Gieng. You’ll find elaborate figures like Moses, Justice, and the infamous Child Eater fountain scattered along Marktgasse, Kramgasse, and Gerechtigkeitsgasse.

The water’s perfectly safe to drink unless marked otherwise, so bring a reusable bottle or cup. These fountains historically served as social hubs where medieval residents gathered to exchange news and connect with their community.

These UNESCO World Heritage fountains served as Bern’s original water supply system and continue providing rejuvenating municipal water today. They’re especially invigorating during warm weather wandering.

Head to Rose Garden for Sunset Views Over the River Bend

When the afternoon light begins to soften, make your way to Rosengarten for Bern’s most spectacular panoramic views. This eastern hilltop park offers unobstructed sightlines across the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the dramatic Aare River bend, and distant Bernese Alps.

Sunset transforms the sandstone buildings into a golden masterpiece that’s perfect for photography.

You’ll want to arrive 30-60 minutes before sunset for the best lighting. The garden’s free and open year-round, with multiple vantage points to choose your ideal angle.

From Bern’s main station, take Tram 10 to the Rosengarten stop, or enjoy a scenic 15-20 minute walk from the Old Town via Nydeggbrücke bridge. Alternative transportation includes bus routes 10, 40, and M3 that stop directly at Rosengarten bus station.

Plan 1-1.5 hours for the full experience, including time to explore the beautiful rose displays.

Walk Through Einstein’s Former Neighborhood and House

While most visitors know Einstein for his groundbreaking theories, few realize that his most revolutionary ideas took shape in a modest second-floor apartment on Bern’s medieval Kramgasse. You’ll find the Einsteinhaus at number 49, where Einstein lived with his family from 1903 to 1905 while working at the patent office.

This unassuming apartment is where he wrote his Annus Mirabilis papers in 1905, including the special theory of relativity and work on the photoelectric effect. The museum recreates his living conditions with period furniture, while the third floor showcases his scientific legacy through original documents and photos. Einstein shared this space with his wife Mileva Marić and their son Hans Einstein during this transformative period.

At CHF 7 for adults, it’s an easy 8-minute walk from the train station through Bern’s atmospheric covered arcades.

Browse Local Markets and Sample Swiss Specialties in the Squares

After exploring Einstein’s legacy, you’ll discover Bern’s authentic character comes alive in its bustling market squares, where locals have gathered for centuries to trade everything from fresh Alpine cheese to handcrafted goods.

Visit Bundesplatz and Waisenhausplatz on Tuesdays and Saturdays for vibrant farmers’ markets featuring regional Swiss cheeses, fresh bread, and seasonal produce from Canton Bern.

Don’t miss the famous “Zibelemärit” onion market on November’s fourth Monday or the charming “Graniummärit” geranium market in late April.

Food trucks at Bärenplatz offer affordable warm meals while you browse local crafts and specialties. The Swiss Federal Palace provides an impressive architectural backdrop overlooking the square, making it perfect for photos while you dine.

These markets aren’t just shopping destinations—they’re cultural hubs where you’ll experience authentic Bernese traditions against the backdrop of stunning medieval architecture.

Use Your Free Public Transport Card to Navigate Like a Local

Why pay for transportation when your hotel stay already includes it? Your Bern Ticket comes free with any overnight accommodation and covers all public transport in zones 100 and 101. That means unlimited rides on trams, buses, S-Bahn trains, plus the Gurten and Marzilibahn funiculars.

Just present your completed ticket when boarding—no need for validation or ticket machines. You’ll navigate Bern’s Old Town, reach museums effortlessly, and explore viewpoints without extra costs. The high punctuality of Bern’s transport network ensures you can rely on frequent, on-time service throughout your stay.

The ticket even covers airport transfers if you’re flying into Bern Airport.

Make sure your ticket’s properly filled out with your name, dates, and accommodation details. It’s valid for your entire stay, so use it freely to explore like locals do—hopping between districts and attractions without thinking twice about fares.

The Sum Up

You’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable Bern adventure. Don’t try to rush through everything—this city’s meant to be savored slowly. Use your free transport card to hop between neighborhoods, but remember that Bern’s compact Old Town is perfectly walkable. Pack comfortable shoes for those Münster tower steps, and time your Rosengarten visit for golden hour. Most importantly, embrace Bern’s relaxed pace and let yourself get wonderfully lost in those medieval arcades.