Bern

as seen in

Switzerland's de facto capital may not look like you'd expect. Instead of massive government buildings, you'll find kilometers of covered arcades, and streets boasting clocktowers and fountains amid colorful homes. The city's UNESCO-listed Old Town is located on a peninsula, nearly surrounded by a bend in the turquoise River Aare, while the other bank is home to parks (one just for bears). Despite its compact size, Bern was once the largest free city-state north of the Alps, and has long punched above its weight historically, with Einstein, Klee, and Dürrenmatt among its famous inhabitants.

Switzerland's charming UNESCO-listed capital

It's easy to get around Bern, as all hotel guests automatically receive a public transit pass. If you don't have a few nights to spend in Interlaken and its surrounding mountains and lakes, Bern makes a good jumping off point for a day trip there. Closer to home, you'll find the Emmental Valley. A half hour's train ride will take you to this land of classic Swiss cheese, as well as cakes and cookies.

Things to do in Bern

With its beautiful, compact, and UNESCO-listed center, Bern is a great place for a stroll. It's especially easy to get around Bern since its hotel guests all receive public transit passes, but if you don't have a few nights to spend in Interlaken, Bern makes a good jumping off point for a day trip to that town, and its surrounding mountains and lakes. Closer to home, you'll find the Emmental Valley. A half hour's train ride will take you to this land of classic Swiss cheese, as well as cakes and cookies. When we send you your customized itinerary, you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package, or consider adding later.

Bern Old City Private Tour

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Bern

Spend some time in Bern on a tour that takes in other cities in Switzerland and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Bern and other destinations throughout Switzerland and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

The Green Peaks of German Switzerland

Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, Zurich

8 Days

from$3,950 pp^*

The UNESCO Highlights of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria

Geneva, Bern, Interlaken, Lugano, Zurich, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna

18 Days

from$8,675 pp^*

Switzerland From B to Z

Lucerne, Bern, Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lugano, St. Moritz, Zurich

21 Days

from$10,175 pp^*

* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

Where to stay in Bern

All of the accommodation options we offer in Bern have been hand-picked, and provide the perfect base for exploring this beautiful city. From the world's smallest hotel, to a grand hotel that hosts diplomats and parliamentarians today (and was once the center of WWII intrigue), we have plenty of memorable options. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary, we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Modern Boutique Hotel

A lovely hotel with a cute reception and lobby, and cozy rooms.

Elegant Luxury Hotel

Famous luxury hotel with breathtaking river views.

Modern Central Hotel

Modern hotel in historical, central location.

Where can you go from Bern?

Looking to continue your adventure? Here are some popular destinations to visit from Bern.

Filter by method:TrainPrivate Transfer

Geneva

By: Private Transfer, Train

Interlaken

By: Private Transfer, Train

Lucerne

By: Private Transfer, Train

Lugano

By: Private Transfer, Train

Zermatt

By: Private Transfer, Train

Zurich

By: Private Transfer, Train

Lyon

By: Private Transfer

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.8 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Bern, based on 1 review

Having never experienced European travel, I felt confident that JayWay staff would be available to help me if I ran into problems while in Italy and Switzerland. This method of travel allowed us a great deal of independence to do as we pleased, rather than follow a guide holding a stick with a bow on it, as we often saw, and may someday need.

– Kay & Todd, Nebraska

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy, Switzerland
Itinerary : Florence, Monterosso Al Mare, Milan, Bern, Interlaken, Lucerne
Rating :

4.75 / 5

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Bern

How can I get around Bern?

If you're staying in Bern, your room key doubles as a ticket for the city's public transportation, so you can ride the buses and streetcars for free in and around the city!

Is Bern safe?

Like everywhere in Switzerland, Zurich is very safe.

How long should I stay in Bern?

Two nights in Bern is ideal. You can discover the city's hills and river, fascinating zoo, and charming Old Town at your own pace, and even enjoy an excursion, which will let you leave the Swiss capital feeling fulfilled.

Does Bern have options for people with dietary restrictions?

Dietary restrictions are not a problem with Bern, which features plenty of bakeries, snack bars, and restaurants focused on various diets and restrictions.