The Canton of Bern is Switzerland's second-largest canton, stretching from the UNESCO-listed medieval capital city to the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Home to the federal capital of Switzerland, picturesque alpine lakes, and world-class ski resorts, Bern blends political significance with breathtaking natural beauty.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Bern.
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1
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
Bern's iconic medieval clock tower is one of Switzerland's most photographed landmarks. Every hour, gilded mechanical figures perform an elaborate show including a laughing jester, parading bears, a rooster, and Father Time—a tradition dating to 1530.
Tip: Stand on Kramgasse to watch the hourly show for free · Book tower guided tours in advance in summer
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2
Bern Minster (Münster Cathedral)
The late Gothic Bern Minster is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland at 100 metres, featuring an extraordinary main portal with 234 carved figures. Climbing the 344 steps to the viewing platform rewards visitors with sweeping panoramas over the Old Town and the Bernese Alps.
Tip: The tower climb is steep but rewards with the best Old Town panorama · Free entry to the nave
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3
Bear Park (Bern)
Bears have symbolised Bern for over 500 years, and the modern Bear Park—opened in 2009—gives these iconic animals a semi-natural habitat along the Aare River. Visitors can watch Ursina, Berna, and Finn roam freely through terraced enclosures with access to the river.
Tip: Combine with the nearby Rosengarten for a full afternoon · Bears sometimes hide in winter—check social media for activity updates
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4
Rose Garden (Rosengarten)
Perched on a hilltop above the Aare River, Bern's Rosengarten offers 220 varieties of roses and irises in full bloom from May through September, alongside one of the finest panoramic views of the UNESCO Old Town. The park was created in 1913 on the site of a former cemetery.
Tip: The restaurant here has great views—reserve for lunch · Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for golden light on the Old Town
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5
Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)
The magnificent Renaissance-style Federal Palace is the seat of Switzerland's federal government and parliament. Free guided tours reveal ornate stained glass, carved wood, and sculptures representing all 26 cantons—a unique window into Swiss direct democracy.
Tip: Book guided tours at least 2-3 weeks ahead · Free to watch parliament debates from public gallery
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6
Einstein House Museum
Albert Einstein lived at Kramgasse 49 from 1902 to 1909, the very years he developed his Special Theory of Relativity. This compact museum recreates the apartment where one of history's greatest scientists lived and worked, with original furniture and multimedia displays on his Bern years.
Tip: The apartment itself is tiny—plan 45-60 minutes · Combine with the Zytglogge next door on Kramgasse
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7
Paul Klee Centre (Zentrum Paul Klee)
Designed by Renzo Piano, this wave-shaped museum houses 4,000 works by Bern-born painter Paul Klee—the world's largest Klee collection. Beyond the permanent collection, the centre offers thought-provoking temporary exhibitions, a children's museum, and a sculpture park.
Tip: Take bus 12 directly from the city centre · The Creaviva children's workshop makes this ideal for families
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8
Bern Historical Museum (Bernisches Historisches Museum)
Switzerland's second-largest historical museum occupies a turreted neo-Gothic castle and holds over 500,000 artefacts spanning prehistoric times to the 20th century. The permanent Einstein Museum on the upper floors is an outstanding tribute to the physicist's life and legacy.
Tip: The Swiss Museum Pass grants free entry · Combined ticket with Einstein House available
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9
Kunstmuseum Bern (Museum of Fine Arts)
The oldest art museum in Switzerland opened in 1879 and houses one of the country's most important collections, spanning medieval masterworks through Impressionism, Expressionism, and contemporary art. Highlights include works by Paul Klee, Ferdinand Hodler, and a significant Picasso collection.
Tip: Free entry on the first Sunday of each month · Tuesday evenings are least crowded
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10
Bern's Arcaded Streets (Lauben)
Bern's 6-kilometre network of arcaded walkways, known as the Lauben, is one of Europe's longest covered shopping promenades and a defining feature of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. These medieval arcades have sheltered locals and visitors from rain and sun for over 700 years.
Tip: Explore side streets off the main arcades for hidden shops · The arcades are especially magical in Christmas season with lights
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Zytglogge Clock Tower
Medieval mechanical clock with hourly figure show
Bern Minster Cathedral
Tallest cathedral in Switzerland with 344-step tower climb
Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)
Seat of Swiss government with free guided tours
Thun Castle
12th-century Zähringen castle overlooking Lake Thun
Bern's Arcaded Streets (Lauben)
6km of medieval covered walkways in the UNESCO Old Town
Museums
Paul Klee Centre
Renzo Piano-designed museum with the world's largest Klee collection
Bern Historical Museum & Einstein Museum
Switzerland's 2nd-largest historical museum
Kunstmuseum Bern
Oldest public art museum in Switzerland
Einstein House Museum
Apartment where Einstein developed the Theory of Relativity
Swiss Alpine Museum
The world's only museum dedicated to the Alps
Naturhistorisches Museum Bern
Famous for woolly rhino skeleton and Barry the St. Bernard
Ballenberg Open-Air Museum
Historic Swiss farmhouses and traditional crafts near Brienz
Nature
Jungfraujoch
Europe's highest railway station with Great Aletsch Glacier views
Oeschinensee
UNESCO turquoise alpine lake near Kandersteg
Trümmelbach Falls
Europe's largest glacier waterfalls inside a mountain
Lake Thun
Turquoise alpine lake with medieval castles and boat trips
Lake Brienz
Vivid glacial lake with steam railway to the summit
Bear Park
Riverside habitat for Bern's symbolic brown bears
Gurten
Bern's city mountain with alpine panoramas and funicular
Harder Kulm
Iconic two-lakes view above Interlaken
Cultural
Bern Old Town (UNESCO)
Intact medieval city with arcades, fountains, and towers
Rose Garden (Rosengarten)
220 rose varieties with panoramic Old Town views
Interlaken
Adventure hub between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
Mürren & Schilthorn
Car-free village with James Bond connection and Eiger views
Grindelwald
Iconic mountain village under the Eiger north face
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most Bern museums open Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00; many closed Monday
- Fees
- Museum entry CHF 10-22; Swiss Museum Pass (CHF 144) grants access to 500+ museums
- Best Times
- Weekday mornings for popular sites; Jungfraujoch should be booked ahead
- Booking
- Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and major tours must be booked in advance online
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
The Swiss Travel Pass or Bern-Thun-Interlaken regional pass covers many transport costs
Hotel guests receive the Bern Ticket for free city public transport
The Swiss Museum Pass (CHF 144) gives unlimited entry to 500+ museums across Switzerland
Most free attractions include the Bear Park, Rose Garden, and Aare riverside walks
Weather in the Bernese Oberland changes rapidly—always carry warm layers and waterproofs
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Bern?
May-June and September-October for pleasant city sightseeing; December-March for skiing in the Bernese Oberland
Are guided tours available for Bern's attractions?
Walking tours of the Old Town from CHF 20-35 per person; private guides from CHF 150 half-day
Can I take photos at attractions in Bern?
Photography allowed in most attractions; no flash in museums; drone permits required in restricted areas
How much time do I need for Bern's main attractions?
3 days minimum for Bern city highlights; 5-7 days to include the Bernese Oberland