Walking Tour Bern, Switzerland | 15 Things To Do

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is one of Europe's most enchanting cities. Founded in the 12th century, the UNESCO Old Town of Bern sits atop a hill surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Are River and patches of luscious green emerald forests. Bern, feeling more like a big town rather than a city, offers the perfect blend of charming gothic architecture, lively street vibes, and nature. Today I'm going to reveal my 14 favorite places to go in Bern, no matter what season it is. If you have just one day in Bern, don't worry, you can easily follow this route and make a self-guided walking tour. Also, don't forget to like this video and subscribe to the channel if you find this information helpful. Let's start down along the river at Bern's oldest bridge, Untertorbrüche, which was the only Are bridge in Bern until the 19th century. This bridge will lead you into the Mathequartier, one of Bern's smallest and oldest medieval neighborhoods. Historically, it was famous for its workshops and mercantiles and, through the years, has continued to stay true to its roots. Walking the quaint streets of the Mathe, you will still find craftsmen workshops, tiny boutiques, and cozy cafes. The neighborhood has a charming village vibe with its beautiful trees, benches, fountains, and it even has a communal library. Make sure you check out the Landetor ruins, a 13th century gate along the river which was once the only direct access into the lower town. Keep walking along the Are and you will reach Marzili. You'll find a lovely little park with views of the city, perfect for picnicking or relaxing. During the summer months, Marzili is known as being a hot spot for Are river swimming. You can go to the Marzilibad where you will find a giant park along the river with several staircases from which you can swim in and out of the Are. Cross the Dalmatsikei Brüche and head to the left down Dalmatsikei street. Walking along the street, you will have stunning views of the city of Bern from below. You can stop and sit along the riverside staircases and soak up the views of the magnificent Bundeshaus and Mundstift. Continue down passing a few riverfront restaurants and you will be led to a path through the forest where you will feel back in nature again. When the forest gives way, you will arrive at Berengraben, the famous natural park along the river where the bears of Bern are living. The Berengraben is a Swiss heritage site of national significance and is particularly of importance in Bern because the bear is the symbol of Bern and if you're there at the right time you may even be able to see one of these beautiful bears roaming around. Just up the hill is the panoramic Rosengarten park. On the walk up, you will witness striking views of the old city and begin to see the surrounding areas of Bern. At the top, you will have a bird's eye view of the entire city and see how the river makes a horseshoe bend around it. In the park, you will find an array of plants, flowers, and trees along with a lily pad pond. It's a great place for having a picnic or an Aperol, which in Switzerland, Aperol means happy hour. Head back down the hill and cross Niedegbrüche bridge. From the north side of the bridge, you will have a clear view of Untertorbrüche and can appreciate just how old it is. You can also see the Mottekortier from above along with the majestic Niedegkirche church. After crossing the bridge, you will be led into the old city of Bern onto Kramgasse street, one of medieval Bern's most popular streets that served as the main marketplace. You will notice doors leading underground into old cellars which have mostly been converted into bars and shops. Kramgasse is also where Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905 Up the street, take a quick detour over to Rathausplatz where you'll pass Bern's oldest pharmacy dating back to 1527. From Rathausplatz, you can admire the Rathaus, which means town hall in German. It was originally built around 1406 and after being remodeled several times throughout the centuries, still to this day, it is where the parliaments of Bern hold their meetings. Next to it, you can see the first catholic church built in Bern since the reformation of the 16th century. It was built in the style of the romanesque and french cathedral gothic. Head back across Kramgasse towards the 600 year old Munster, the tallest cathedral in Switzerland with a height of 100.6 meters or 330 feet. Next to the Munster lies the former churchyard now known as the Munster Filled with chestnut trees, green grass, games, benches, and delightful views of the city and alps, it's a lovely place to pass time. Also make sure to walk around the Munster to see it from the front. Just up the street is one of Bern's most recognizable landmarks and the oldest monument, the Zickloche clock tower. It was originally built in the 13th century and has since served as a guard tower, prison, and clock tower to name a few. The astrological clock and musical mechanism were installed in the 15th century and thus the tower got its name Zickloche meaning time bell in German. If you're lucky enough to be there on the hour, you can watch the unique hourly show of the clock, music, and all its moving mechanisms. Next, take a walk across Kirchenfeldbrücke, a high bridge with views of the city and the Are river on both sides. On the other side of the bridge, you will see what looks like a castle but it is in fact the Bernese historical museum. With over 500,000 pieces in the museum, it is worth a visit if you are interested in learning about the history of Bern. Either way, the architecture of this museum is an interesting sight to see. Next, cross back over the bridge and head to Berenplatz, once a market for horses, wood, and cattle, and now a bustling plaza with restaurants. If you're there on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you'll have to be sure to stop by their weekly markets and check out the selection of food, artisanal crafts, and other goods. Just next to Berenplatz, you will see the giant Bundeshaus, also known as the Federal Palace of Switzerland. It is considered one of the most important buildings in Switzerland as it houses the federal council and assembly and is the seat of government in Switzerland and parliament of the country. Walk through to the other side of the Bundeshaus and you will have a grand view of Bern and on clear days, you can even see the Alps. The Bundeshaus is a popular area for locals to gather and admire the beautiful countryside views, especially at sunset. Just next to the Bundeshaus, you will see another park along a hillside. This is the Kleine Chance, another popular park and lookout point lined with benches and trees. Make sure to walk over the hill to get a bird's eye view of this beautiful little park and then back on the other side where you will walk down a path through the trees. On this side of the park, you have a big grassy area, a fountain and in the spring and summertime, it turns into a botanical paradise with an array of plant and flower species thriving. If you're here during the holidays, it turns into a winter wonderland which you won't want to miss. Last but not least on our list is Große Chance. Once part of the city fortifications, the Große Chance is now a large roof terrace in front of the main building of the University of Bern. It is one of Bern's highest parks with sweeping views of the old city and a gorgeous background of the Swiss Alps, just like you would imagine on a postcard. Walk around the entire park to take in all the unique views of this picturesque scene. Well, that's a wrap-up of the best of Bern. If you have any tips you'd like to share or any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below. If you found this video helpful, I would love it if you gave it a like and subscribe to the channel. Thanks so much for watching and I'll catch you later!