Photo: Mike Lehmann, Mike Switzerland 13:37, 2 July 2006 (UTC) · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bern
An arcaded medieval capital in a loop of a swimmable river.
Switzerland's capital: a compact medieval old town of arcades and fountains in a loop of the fast green river Aare, which locals swim down in summer. Calmer and a little cheaper than Zurich or Geneva.
Places to see
Kramgasse and the arcadesWalk · Six kilometres of covered stone arcades along the old town's main streets, with painted…Free- ZytgloggeSight · Bern's medieval clock tower, with an astronomical clock and a little show of moving…Free
Bern MinsterChurch · Switzerland's tallest church, with a carved Last Judgment over the door and a tower you…Free
Federal Palace
When to go
- Jan3° / -2°Some rainQuiet
- Feb5° / -2°Some rainQuiet
- Mar10° / 1°Some rainQuiet
- Apr14° / 4°Some rainBusy
- May19° / 8°Often wetBusy
- Jun22° / 12°Often wetBusy
- Jul25° / 14°Often wetVery busy
- Aug24° / 13°Often wetBusy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
The old town. The UNESCO old town of arcades, fountains and towers in the river loop.
Lorraine and the station. North of the river near the station: hostels and a local bar scene.
Flying in
Zurich (ZRH): Train to Bern, about 1 h 15 min, ≈ A$93. Saver tickets can be much cheaper (check).
Geneva (GVA): Train to Bern, about 1 h 55 min, ≈ A$93. Saver tickets can be much cheaper (check).
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Bern; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
You can walk everywhere. A single ticket is ≈ A$5. The old town is compact and walkable under its arcades; the Bern Ticket from your stay covers trams and buses (check).
Swiss Half Fare Card (≈ A$279, 1 month): Halves train, boat and most mountain-lift fares; worth it if you'll spend more than about CHF 300 on them.
Tourist tax
Bern's tourist tax: usually about CHF 5 a person a night, which includes a free Bern Ticket for the city's trams and buses (check).
