- Bern was founded in 1191 by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen, who allegedly named the city after a bear he killed on the site.
- The city's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 6 kilometers of covered arcades known as Lauben, which protect pedestrians from the elements.
- Albert Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity while residing in an apartment in Bern's Kramgasse between 1902 and 1909.
- Bernese German, the local dialect, is a Swiss German variant known for its distinct melodic intonation and rhythmic speed compared to standard German.
- The city houses a public pit for bears, a tradition dating back to at least the 15th century, symbolizing the city's heraldic animal.
About Bern
Bern serves as the de facto federal city of Switzerland, characterized by its medieval architecture and the meandering Aare River. The city preserves its historical core while integrating modern landmarks like the Wankdorf Stadium and suburban sites such as Schloss Jegenstorf. Visitors can explore the surrounding landscapes at Bantiger or recreational areas like Moossee. As the political heart of the nation, it balances its role as a government seat with a deep-rooted commitment to heritage preservation.
Highlights of Bern
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Venues
Visit this venue to experience the primary home for professional football in the capital.
Places of interest
Ascend this prominent tower for panoramic views extending across the Swiss plateau.
Historical places
Tour this regional castle to see preserved period rooms and historical estate architecture.
Natural attractions
Hike through this elevated natural terrain for sweeping vistas of the surrounding Bernese landscape.
Places of interest
Walk across this historic wooden bridge to witness early Swiss engineering over the river.
Natural attractions
Spend a summer day at this local lake popular for swimming and lakeside recreation.
Parks
Explore these grounds to learn about the country's national equestrian center and history.
Historical places
Visit this monument to reflect on the historical battle site located on the outskirts of the city.
Top things to do in Bern
The 36 highest-rated places in Bern, ranked by travellers.
1
Venues
Wankdorf Stadium is the home ground of the Swiss Super League club BSC Young Boys, situated in the northern part of Bern...
2
Places of interest
The Bantiger TV Tower is a 196-meter-tall concrete telecommunications mast located on the Bantiger hill, reaching an ele...
3
Historical places
Schloss Jegenstorf is a historic Swiss manor house located in the Canton of Bern, notable for its well-preserved 18th-ce...
4
Places of interest
The Chutzenturm is a 45-meter-high observation tower constructed primarily from regional Douglas fir timber. Located on...
5
Venues
6
Natural attractions
7
Temples
8
Places of interest
9
Natural attractions
10
Places of interest
11
Temples
12
Beaches and ponds
13
Historical places
14
Parks
15
Historical places
16
Venues
17
Natural attractions
18
Places of interest
19
Temples
20
Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
24
Zoos
25
Parks
26
Temples
27
Museums
28
Places of interest
29
Parks
30
Natural attractions
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Bern on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Bern
June through August offers the best weather for swimming in the Aare River and exploring outdoor sites like Bantiger.
2-3 days, providing enough time to walk the Old Town, visit local museums, and explore suburban nature spots.
The city is highly walkable, complemented by an extensive network of trams and buses operated by BERNMOBIL.
The Old Town (Altstadt) is ideal for immersion in medieval history, while the Länggasse district offers a quieter, residential atmosphere close to the university.
Bern is an expensive destination, with high costs for dining, accommodation, and public transport typical of major Swiss cities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 36 curated attractions in and around Bern, ranked by traveller ratings.
Wankdorf Stadium is the highest-rated place to visit in Bern right now.
The largest category is temples, with 9 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Zürich, Geneva, Martigny.
Explore more of Switzerland
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
