Bern
Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, boasts a picturesque old town with cobblestone streets, sandstone buildings, and charming arcades. The iconic Zytglogge clock tower stands as a testament to its medieval heritage. The Federal Palace, home to the Swiss Federal Assembly, showcases the country's political significance. The city's symbol, the bear, finds sanctuary in the Bärenpark, while the Rosengarten offers serene views of the Aare River. Art enthusiasts can explore the works of Paul Klee at the Zentrum Paul Klee, while the Einstein Museum delves into the life of the famed physicist, who once called Bern home. Outdoor activities abound with the Aare River providing opportunities for swimming and boating, and Gurten mountain offering panoramic vistas. Visitors can indulge in Swiss cuisine and shop for watches and chocolate in the old town's shops and cafes, completing their immersive Bern experience.
You can't leave Switzerland without one...
The famous chocolate brand Toblerone, is exclusively manufactured in Bern…who doesn’t love a slab of Toblerone? WOW!
A famous resident...
Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1903 to 1905, during which time he developed his theory of relativity. The apartment where he lived is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
A Medieval Old Town...
Bern’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Zytglogge clock tower and charming cobblestone streets.
Population
As of 2022, the population of Bern is 445,000. Of course, this number is constantly changing.
Local Attractions
Gurten Mountain - 3084 Köniz, Bern | 4.4km from city centre
Gurten Mountain is one of the most scenic and aesthetically pleasing spots in the city, located just outside of the city centre.
The mountain offers spectacular views of both the city, and also the Bernese Alps. There are hiking trails and plenty of spots to wind down and enjoy the views!
Bundeshaus - Bundesplatz 3, 3003 Bern | within city centre
The Federal Palace houses the Swiss Federal Assembly (legislature) and the Federal Council (executive). It is the seat of the government of Switzerland and parliament of the country. The building is a listed symmetrical complex just over 300 metres (980 ft) long. It is considered one of the most important historic buildings in the country and listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Assets of National Importance.
Bern Rose Garden - Alter Aargauerstalden 31B, 3006 Bern | 1.1km from city centre
The Rose Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Bern and offers an unrivalled view over the rooftops of the historic Old Town, the Münster (Minster) and the loop in the Aare river.
Air and Rail Connections
Bern Airport (Regionalflugplatz Bern-Belp)
Bern-Belp Regional Aerodrome, marketed as Bern Airport, officially referred to as Regionalflugplatz Bern-Belp in German, is a regional aerodrome serving Bern.
Bern railway station (Bahnhof Bern) – Bahnhofplatz 10A, 3011 Bern
Opened progressively between 1858 and 1860, this station has been rebuilt several times since. The station is owned by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).
There is a rooftop terrace on top of the station, accessed by lift from the subway by Platforms 12 and 13, with views over the city and to the Bernese Alps.
Housing and living costs
Monthly average rental costs are calculated based on apartments both inside and out of the city centre.
- 1 Bedroom – 1,200 CHF
- 2 Bedroom – 1,500 CHF
- 3 Bedroom – 1,800 CHF
For further information, click here.
To calculate Swiss tax click here.
For information about the Swiss tax system click here.
International Education
International School of Bern
The International School of Bern is an international school in Gümligen. Founded in 1961, It primarily serves international students aged 3 to 18 and offers 2 diploma options. The curriculum is the International Baccalaureate and is taught in English.
Ecole d'Humanité (School of Humanity)
The Ecole d’Humanité is an international boarding school, located in the Canton of Bern. It was founded in 1934 by Paul Geheeb and his wife Edith Geheeb Cassirer.
The Ecole d’Humanité was first located in Versoix, Geneva before Geheeb moved it to its present location on the Hasliberg in 1946. The school places a heavy emphasis on ending academic classes by noon and dedicating the afternoons to leisure pursuits with the heaviest emphasis on hiking and skiing.
Activities
Tierpark Dählhölzli - Tierparkweg 1, 3005 Bern | 3.1km from city centre
The Tierpark Dählhölzli is a public zoo in Bern. It opened in 1937 and is operated by an affiliated association, the Tierparkverein Bern. The city of Bern owns the zoo and provides most of its financing. It is situated on the bank of the river Aare near the historical city centre.
The Chutzen Tower (you can climb it) - Rungelenbaum, 3267 Seedorf | 15km from city centre
The Chutzen is a wooded hill of the Swiss Plateau, located halfway between Lake Biel and Bern. It lies south of the village of Frienisberg and belongs to the municipality of Seedorf. On the summit lies a 45-metre-high wooden tower, the Chutzenturm, which opened in June 2010.
Sensorium Rüttihubelbad - Rüttihubel 29, 3512, Walkringen | 15.6km from city centre
Literally a “sense-ible” activity for the entire family: at the Sensorium at Rüttihubelbad, it’s all about the senses. A great experience, even on rainy days.
Take a break from all the visual sensations of everyday life and visit the Sensorium at Rüttihubelbad in Walkringen. The exhibition contains 80 interactive stations where visitors can hear, see, smell and feel the known and the unknown.
Events, Festivals and Holidays
Bern Carnival
Held annually during February/March, this carnival opens with a ceremony that sees people dressed as bears, being woken by drummers, and released into the Old Town. The carnival dates back to a peasants revolt in the 16th century, and is held in respect of this, with musicians taking to the streets following a 6-kilometre course around the city.
Bern Grand Prix
Tens of thousands of runners register for the Bern Grand Prix, for the “The most beautiful 10 miles in the world”. Junior and recreational runners tackle the “Old Town Grand Prix”, and children enter the “Bear Grand Prix”.
First held in 1982 the event is considered a classic, attracting more and more sports enthusiasts eager to sprint past Bern’s most famous sights. World and European champions regularly join in and enjoy the atmosphere themselves. Motivated participants, cheering fans and a varied music program make this a one-of-a-kind running event!
Food & Drink Options
Kornhauskeller (Restaurant) - Kornhauspl. 18, 3011 Bern | 1.3km from city centre
Kornhauskeller is renowned for its electrifying interior, and is home to a café, lounge, bar, gallery and main restaurant. This is a flexible and varied choice for all diners, and the the strikingly upscale architecture pairs well with the high-end menu.
It’s safe to say that the food and décor alike deserve to be photographed and enjoyed. If we’re wrong, don’t blame PRIMA!
Sky Terrace (Bar) - Bahnhofpl. 11, 3011 Bern | within city centre
If you’re seeking some of the best views of the city, then look no further than the Sky Terrace! Situated at the top of the Hotel Schwiezerhof, this elegant bar combines smooth cocktails with tapas style food. There’s even a barbecue outside for when the weather’s on the sunnier side!
Jack's Brasserie - Bahnhofpl. 11, 3001, Bern | within city centre
Old-school eatery in the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern serving classic French dishes & desserts.
The historic Jack’s Brasserie has been welcoming guests since 1911. The history of the restaurant and its famous guests is engraved on the seats and impresses with the multitude of plaques attached. The menu offers traditional and reinterpreted brasserie dishes made from regional and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant, which has been awarded 14 Gault Millau points, offers a stylish and elegant ambience, making it the perfect choice for a special experience.
Hotels
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa | 5-star hotel within city centre
Address: Bahnhofpl. 11, 3001 Bern
Phone: +41 31 326 80 80
Hotel Savoy Bern | 4-star hotel within city centre
Address: Neuengasse 26, 3011 Bern
Phone: +41 31 328 66 66
Moxy Bern Expo | 3-star hotel 3.9km from city centre
Address: Trüsselstrasse 4, 3014 Bern
Phone: +41 31 537 23 00
Getting Around The City
Public Transport
Bern has an extensive public transport system, comprised of buses, trams and a rail service.
Click this link for maps, timetables and journey planners.
Taxi Companies
Oriental Taxi Bern | +41 31 932 11 11
Star Taxi | +41 76 521 20 16
Shopping Malls
Westside - Riedbachstrasse 100, 3027 Bern | 9.7km from city centre
The Westside Shopping and Leisure Centre, on the outskirts of Bern, is a multi-use facility with shops, restaurants, a swimming pool, conference spaces, residences, a hotel, fitness centres, and a cinema. It was designed by international architect Daniel Libeskind and completed in October 2008.
Wankdorf Shopping Mall - Papiermühlestrasse 85, 3014 Bern | 2.7km from city centre
The Wankdorf Centre opened its doors in the heart of the Wankdorf area in 2005. With over 35 shops, the shopping centre offers a wide variety of services and specialist shops. The food court, which was redesigned in 2018, invites you to eat and linger in its modern design, and if that’s not enough, the centre also offers innovative events and activities.
Welle7 - Schanzenstrasse 5, 3008 Bern | 2.4km from city centre
Welle7 is located in the very heart of Bern: “between work and home, between Geneva and Zurich” – at the railway station Bern PostParc.
Covering an area of around 14,000 square metres and eight decks, it offers a unique and diverse mix of shops, catering, education, services and business for commuters, pedestrians and enterprises alike.
Local Football Teams
BSC Young Boys
BSC Young Boys are a Swiss professional sports club based in Bern, Switzerland.
Its first team has won sixteen Swiss league championships and eight Swiss Cups. YB is one of the most successful Swiss football clubs internationally, reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup in the 1958–59 season. The club’s colours are golden yellow and black.
Pharmacies
DROPA Apotheke Bern
Address: Neuengasse 41, 3011 Bern
Phone: +41 313 116 588
Dr. Noyer AG
Address: Neuengasse 15, 3011, Bern
Phone: +41 313 26 28 28
Hirschengraben-Apotheke, Bern
Address: Hirschengraben 9, 3011 Bern
Phone: +41 588 78 31 70