Switzerland's federal capital has a UNESCO-listed medieval centre, arcaded shopping streets, the BärenPark and the Zytglogge clock tower.
Bern is Switzerland's capital, built on a loop of the Aare river. The Altstadt, UNESCO listed, has about 6 km of arcades. The Zytglogge clock tower draws a crowd at four minutes before each hour. The Bundeshaus hosts parliament and offers free tours. The Rose Garden provides views of the old town and the BärenPark. The Einstein Museum is housed in the Bern Historical Museum.
| Distance | 125 km south-west of Zürich |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 56-60 minutes by train |
| Getting there | SBB InterCity: departs Zürich HB every 30 minutes, about CHF 52 (about $65) single |
| Cost | Train about CHF 52 (about $65) each way; Bundeshaus tour free |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Bahnhofplatz, 3011 Bern |
How to get there
- Train: SBB InterCity, 56-60 min, about CHF 52 (about $65)
- Bus: FlixBus Zürich to Bern, about 1 h 45 min
- Car: A1 motorway, 1 hour 15 minutes
Location
Bahnhofplatz, 3011 Bern
46.9490, 7.4393 View on map
Highlights
- Zytglogge clock tower and Kramgasse arcades
- Bundeshaus (Federal Palace) tours
- BärenPark and Rose Garden viewpoint
- Einstein Museum
- Swimming in the Aare river in summer
Tips for visiting
- Super Saver tickets cut the fare when booked ahead
- Aare swimming is for strong swimmers only
- Swiss Travel Pass covers the train
When to visit
Weekdays; summer for Aare swimming.
Accessibility
Bern station and main sights are step-free; the old town has cobbles.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Zürich to Bern?
About 56-60 minutes direct.
Is Bern worth a day trip?
Yes, it is compact and easy to see in 5-6 hours.