Bern, founded at the end of the 12th century, is rich in historical attractions, many of which are included in the UNESCO list. The city attracts with its two-level layout: the upper part is lively with iconic places, and the lower part invites you to relaxing walks by the river. When planning a trip to Bern, be sure to visit its historical core to enjoy the atmosphere of antiquity and see iconic architectural ensembles.
Attractions, What to see first in Bern
With its German heritage, Bern still retains its European atmosphere. Looking at photographs of Bern sights with their names and descriptions, you can see how European culture influences this Swiss capital.
Bern, located in Switzerland, is a typical medieval city where the symbol is the bear. This powerful animal has become a favorite of all residents and guests of the city: a park and a street are named after it, and a bear is depicted on the city clock. Even gingerbread cookies in Bern are decorated with images of this predator. The city zoo is home to bears that no tourist will miss. Just walking along the ancient streets of Bern, frozen in the 13th century, and enjoying the scent of roses, you can feel the grandeur and uniqueness of this place. Before your trip, be sure to check out our article to find out which attractions you should not miss in this charming city and see first.
Old Town
The heart of Bern contains its ancient part, which is definitely worth a visit. Despite its small size, the Old Town amazes with many magnificent ancient buildings, impressive in their architecture. A walk through its streets takes you back to centuries past: you will admire the astronomical clock tower, fountains and arcades that stretch for kilometers. This historic district of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bern Town Hall
This building, erected at the end of the 14th century, originally served as a shopping center. It attracts high tourist interest due to its unique architecture, including the four-slope roof structure, as well as the astronomical clock and two dials installed under the roof, which attract the attention of passing tourists. On the upper floors of the building there are exhibition and concert halls, where in the summer you can enjoy wonderful classical music.
Federal Palace
When it comes to the main attractions of Bern, one cannot fail to mention this palace, which stands out for its unique architecture in the Florentine Baroque style. The headquarters of the Swiss parliament and the country's federal government are located here. The huge dome of this building reaches a height of 62 meters. Inside the dome, in the lobby, there are statues of great national figures, and on the walls you can see the emblems of the Swiss cantons. Visitors can also watch parliamentary sessions from special galleries.
Zytglogge Tower
"Bell of Time" is the translation of the name of this tower. It is an elegant example of Baroque architecture and has a rich history. In the 13th century, it served as a fire tower, then turned into a prison, and with the advent of the astronomical clock, it became a symbol of the city of Bern and the main indicator of time for five centuries. Its decorated bell tower, decorated with images of planets, angels and mythical characters, offers a magnificent view of the Old Town.
Bernese Fountains
When visiting Bern, any excursion must include a visit to at least a few of the more than 100 fountains scattered throughout the city. Many of them serve as a source of drinking water, which is especially valuable on hot summer days. It is interesting to note the creative approach of the creators, who moved away from traditional fountain concepts. Most of them have a unique themed design, and each fountain is decorated with a colorful figure rising on a column decorated with stucco. Initially, the fountains were made of wood, but were later replaced by stone structures.
Bern Cathedral
When visiting for a short time and not knowing what to see in Bern in one day, pay attention to the cathedral in the Old Town, which is a magnificent example of late Gothic architecture. This tallest temple in Switzerland has a bell tower 100 meters high and a huge bell with a diameter of about 2.5 meters and weighing 10 tons. The interior decoration, although not very luxurious, still attracts attention with its stained glass windows, antique furniture and bas-relief compositions. Tourists can climb the tower and enjoy a magnificent view of the city.
Prison Tower
Until the end of the 19th century, this tower served to hold prisoners, and then was transformed into the city archive, then into a library and a place for holding exhibitions. If you're traveling, be sure to take the time to visit this historic building. On the site of the former fire watchhouse, which was added to the tower during its construction, today there is an observation deck.
Church of the Holy Spirit
In the 13th century, a small chapel stood on this site, from which only the bell survived after destruction. Visitors note the majesty of the structure, built in the Baroque style. The severity, combined with the elegance of the interior, is emphasized by a circular gallery of arches and massive sandstone columns, decorated with graceful stucco elements.
Church of St. Peter and Paul
This Catholic church attracts the attention of tourists with its original architecture, combining elements of Gothic and Romanesque styles. His plan was chosen as a result of an international competition for the best design. At the end of the last century, the interior of the temple was complemented by modernist paintings, adding to its unique character. Today you can hear the sounds of an organ here, which gives the place even more grandeur and an exciting atmosphere.
Paul Klee Center
If you are interested in landscape design, be sure to visit the Paul Klee Museum in Bern. This extraordinary space, dedicated to a famous artist of the last century, represents an innovative approach to organizing exhibition space. Instead of traditional walls, you will find a landscape sculpture created in the shape of a wave. The islet is lush with greenery and its glass and steel hills are home to exhibition halls, theater stages, a children's museum, and conference and seminar spaces. This unique center will not leave you indifferent to art and nature.
Nidegkirche
If, during your trip to Bern, you notice an ancient temple with a green spire, it will be the Niedegkirche, a church built on the site of a ruined fortress. This majestic temple, overlooking the Aara River, welcomes parishioners through a door decorated with bronze bas-reliefs. In front of the entrance there is a monument to the Duke of Zähringen, the founder of the city.
Bern Historical Museum
One of the main attractions of Bern is a museum presenting exhibitions of artifacts from various eras. In this place you can spend several exciting hours exploring the collections of ancient coins, Venetian works and folk crafts, as well as silver items and Burgundian tapestries. Interactive multimedia systems installed in the exhibitions made them even more attractive and accessible to visitors. The museum building also has a space reserved for the Albert Einstein House Museum, which makes a visit even more exciting.
Albert Einstein House Museum
Do you want to know how to make your visit to Bern memorable? Check out the Einstein Museum even if you're not interested in relativity. Here you will plunge into the era of the great physicist, learn about his theories and life. The museum's exposition presents Einstein's personal belongings and shows films about his life, which interested all visitors.
Museum of Fine Arts
A tour of this place is best done with guides in Bern, who will complement your trip with fascinating facts and interesting details. The exhibition of works by the greatest artists will impress not only art connoisseurs. The gray two-story building does not have luxury, but the interior atmosphere attracts tourists with its special flavor. Photo exhibitions and documentary film screenings are regularly held here.
What else to visit from the Sights of Bern?
As you discover Bern, you will immerse yourself in a world of majestic sights and a unique atmosphere. Here you can enjoy not only architectural masterpieces and the art of temples, but also feel the picturesque atmosphere of local restaurants, cozy cafes and authentic cellars. It is not surprising that Bern hotels are always in demand - every tourist finds something special here for themselves.
Botanical Garden
The Bern Botanical Garden, surrounded by greenery on a small hill, is a real pearl not only of the city, but of the whole of Switzerland. This secluded area, located in a picturesque part of Bern, amazes with the variety of plants brought from different parts of the world. Here you can see collections of medicinal herbs, cacti and plants of the alpine zone. After an eventful walk among 6,000 plant species, you can relax by the pond or enjoy a panoramic bird's eye view of the city.
Natural History Museum
One of the museum's main artifacts is an impressive diorama that immerses visitors in the lives of animals in their natural habitat. Of particular interest is the exhibit of a St. Bernard named Barry, who served on the northern pass for 20 years, rescuing frozen travelers. In addition, the museum offers a unique collection of 50 smoky quartz minerals arranged in a meter-long line. Visitors enjoy watching the interactive process of diamond mining, making a visit to the museum exciting and educational.
Park Gurten
The park, despite its location in the city, gives the feeling of a rural holiday. There is a playground and a children's railway, and from the top of the hill there are wonderful views of Bern on one side and the Alps on the other. On hot days, visitors are allowed to swim in the fountain. In summer, a mini-train ride through the park is also available.
Bear Pit Park
Local authorities generously take care of their symbol - bears, allocating huge funds for their maintenance in the park. A true paradise has been created for them here: they play, climb trees, fish and swim in ponds, enjoying life. The uniqueness of the park lies in its location - an oasis of nature in the heart of the city. A transparent plastic fence allows you to take beautiful photographs, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this place.
Discover the charm of Bern with a selection of tours from the travel agency "TurPoisk". The city, the capital of Switzerland, will impress you with its cozy atmosphere and rich history. Visit the old town, where narrow streets, medieval buildings and exquisite fountains await you. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the famous Bern Cathedral, the symbol of the city. Stroll along the Aare embankment and enjoy picturesque views of the river and ancient bridges. Bern will amaze you with its charm and unique appearance. Contact TurPoisk managers to create an unforgettable route and get a complete immersion in the world of this amazing city.
