What to see and do in Bern and the Bernese Oberland?
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The historic heart of Switzerland, the city of Bern is surrounded by a breathtaking region. Blending medieval heritage, lakeside valleys and dizzying peaks, discover a destination with plenty of character!
What to visit in Bern, the capital of Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland
The Old City of Bern, medieval times on the banks of the River Aare
Nestled in a crook of the River Aare, the Old City is the historic heart of the Swiss capital, founded in 1191. In its cobblestone streets, like Marktgasse and Kramgasse, wander through the medieval arcades that used to open onto vaulted cellars: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nowadays they are home to boutiques, galleries and coffee shops and make the perfect place for a stroll. Not far from there, don’t miss the clock tower (Zytglogge), with its astronomical clock (1530) that comes to life every hour in a striking mechanical dance. Visiting the monument allows you to admire this fascinating device, along with the astrolabe, which reproduces the movement of the stars. En route, have a look at the Ogre Fountain (Kindlifresserbrunnen), depicting an ogre devouring children, which dates back to 1545. Finally, bring your walk through the Old City to a close with the unmissable Bern Minster (Münster); built from 1421 onward, the country’s tallest church features a sumptuous Gothic portal.
In the evening, head to the Matte neighborhood, brimming with small old houses, to enjoy a cheese fondue in a picturesque setting.
The Kunstmuseum, a showcase for art and daring in Bern’s historic center
Founded in 1879, the Museum of Fine Arts Bern (Kunstmuseum) is Switzerland’s oldest art museum but also one of the richest: with over 3,000 paintings, it offers an artistic overview spanning eight centuries, from Gothic to contemporary art. Among its treasures, you discover masterpieces by Paul Klee, such as Ad Parnassum, along with Italian masters of the Trecento like Duccio di Buoninsegna and Fra Angelico. Bernese artists have not been forgotten, with several works by Ferdinand Hodler, including the captivating landscapes of Lake Thun from Leissigen.
The Federal Palace, the symbol and political heart of Switzerland
Housed in an imposing monument to Beaux-Arts style, the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) is the seat of the Swiss government. If you take a guided tour of the building, you will have the chance to explore the rooms where the country’s political decisions are made, with highlights including the domed hall, adorned with superb stained-glass windows and huge staircases, and the Salle des Pas perdus, a vast semi-circular entrance hall, decorated with Belle Époque gilding and frescos.
The museums on the Helvetiaplatz, a duo of museums to explore nature and history
On the other side of the Aare, the Helvetiaplatz is home to two of the Swiss capital’s major institutions: Bern Historical Museum and the Natural History Museum of Bern. The first retraces the development of the city and the region through medieval artefacts, works of art, and everyday objects. The second enthralls you with its collections of minerals, dinosaur skeletons, and animal dioramas. Don’t hesitate to bring your children along, as both museums lend themselves perfectly to exploring as a family.
What to see and do around Bern? Must-visit destinations in the Bernese Oberland
Grindelwald and the Lauterbrunnen Valley waterfalls
An hour’s drive from the capital takes you to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, the jewels of the Bernese Oberland. You first of all discover Lauterbrunnen Valley, which seems straight out of a fairytale: dubbed the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls,” it wins you over with its spectacular falls, especially the Staubbachfälle, which plunge from a height of 300 meters, and the Trümmelbachfälle, underground waterfalls accessed via a network of tunnels and walkways. Further on, Grindelwald is the ideal starting point for hikes on the iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. Set off on foot or mountain bike along one of its many paths and keep your eyes open: you may come across ibex and marmots.
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For a delicious break, enjoy Alpine cheese in a local farm. An authentic experience that will delight your taste buds.
The Schilthorn, a panoramic Alpine balcony
Accessible via a cable car from Mürren, this peak is famous for its revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, which earned legendary status thanks to the Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). The view is one of the finest in the canton of Bern: from the terrace of the Schilthorn at an altitude of 2,970 meters, you admire the scenic view that stretches over a sea of snowy mountaintops, from the Jura to Mont Blanc.
The Giessbach Falls, spectacular waterfalls at Lake Brienz
One hour from Bern, the Giessbach Falls plunge noisily down 500 meters – in a series of 14 stages! – before joining Lake Brienz. You reach these majestic waterfalls along a path or via the Giessbach funicular railway, the oldest in Europe. Once you have arrived at your destination, make the most of the Grandhotel Giessbach, a Belle Époque luxury hotel, where you can sip a coffee with a breathtaking view.
The Emmental Valley, an unspoiled treasure of the Bernese Oberland
To the east of Bern, set off to discover Emmental, a region of rolling hills where flower-strewn chalets and meadows form a typically Swiss backdrop. At the Emmentaler Schaukäserei cheese dairy, you can watch how the famous holey cheese is made. In Burgdorf, turn back time with a visit to the imposing 12th-century castle: overlooking the town, the building contains a fascinating themed room devoted to gold, which used to be gathered from the River Emme.
Emmental cheese has been produced in the eponymous valley since the 13th century. Its famous holes, caused by bubbles of gas released during fermentation, used to be seen as a defect by cheese maturers!
Interlaken, the Bernese capital of adventure
50 km from Bern, Interlaken is a thrill-seekers’ paradise. Paragliding on the slopes of the Jungfrau, bungee jumping opposite the Harder Kulm funicular railway, rafting along the Lütschine, and more. There is no shortage of activities in this resort set among forests, glaciers and rivers. However, the town also serves as a gateway to picturesque Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, perfect for a cruise or a romantic outing.
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Feel like getting away from it all?
See our suggestions for novel trips and must-see places to visit near your home or holiday destination.