Is Bern Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons We Think So!

Are you wondering if Bern is worth visiting?

Bern, Switzerland’s capital, covers an area of 19.9 square miles.

Bern is often labeled as “boring” or “sleepy” because of its small size and generally takes a backseat to Zurich, Basel, and Geneva. However, it consistently ranks as one of the “most livable cities” in Europe.

Unlike other capital cities, Bern isn’t “flashy” or necessarily a place where visitors flock to take a selfie. Instead, you’ll find a manageable trickle of tourists and a relaxed pace.

We kicked off our two-week journey across Switzerland in Bern, where we took the time to slow down and shake off the jet lag. Because of the miniature size of the metropolis, we didn’t feel overwhelmed with crowds or the number of landmarks to see.

I’ll share everything you need to know about Bern, including things to do, and where to stay, so you can decide if it’s the right addition to your itinerary!

So, Is Bern Worth Visiting?

Yes, Bern is definitely worth visiting if you are traveling to Switzerland!

As Rick Steves perfectly put it, “Swiss cities remind me of the kid at high school who’s great at sports, has perfect hair, the best girlfriend, and the teachers all love him. He’s just too perfect.”

And Bern is no exception.

Bern, Switzerland’s capital, offers a unique blend of charm, history, and an authentic local atmosphere. You see locals going about their daily routines—commuting to work, picking up groceries—and it feels like being in a city where life naturally unfolds around you.

(i.e., it’s not as touristy as some other spots in Switzerland—you won’t find big buses filled with tour groups here).

However, Bern might not appeal to everyone. Most people travel to Switzerland for the mountains, and while Bern is beautiful, it doesn’t offer the typical “Swiss village” vibe with cowbells and lush green fields. It’s not what you see in The Sound of Music.

It’s like visiting Colorado for the mountains but staying in Denver, or going to New York for the hustle and bustle but staying in New Jersey. It’s close by, but not right next door.

If you’re still trying to decide if Bern is right for you, here are a few of the reasons why we loved this city and why you should think about visiting!

1. Bern’s Old Town

The heart of the city, Old Town (Altstadt), is arguably its most picturesque area.

Founded in the 12th century, the Old Town of Bern is a good example of a city that has maintained its medieval urban structure while adapting to the growing demands of being a modern capital. Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

One of the best things to do in Bern is to get lost in Old Town’s narrow cobblestone streets. You could spend hours shopping, people-watching, or admiring the 15th and 16th-century arcades and ornate fountains.

It feels like stepping onto the set of a period piece!

2. Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein is a local legend in Bern, where he lived from 1902 to 1909. In Old Town, you’ll find Einstein’s old apartment where he lived with his wife Mileva and their son Hans which has since been converted into a small museum honoring his work.

Bern is where Einstein developed the Theory of Relativity (E = mc²) and introduced the idea of light quanta. So, one might argue that his time spent in Switzerland’s capital city was some of his most important years.

For more on Einstein, there’s also a sizable exhibit within the Bern Historical Museum (Bernisches Historisches Museum). The museum features over 550 original objects/replicas and 70 short films that outline the biography of Einstein. (highly recommend)

3. Great Home Base For Exploring Switzerland

If you want “big city amenities” with easy access to the airport and direct train connections, then Bern is a great option.

If you’re flying into one of Switzerland’s two airports (Zurich or Geneva), Bern is conveniently reachable by a direct train in just 1 hour and 2 hours, respectively.

We used Bern as a middle point between arriving in Zurich and our next destination, Zermatt. Travel to and from was easy peasy! It’s also generally a bit more affordable to stay here than other popular Swiss spots like Zermatt, Zurich, and Interlaken.

TIP: You can use the SBB website or app to check daily schedules or buy train tickets. I also recommend buying the Half Fare Travelcard to save some money.

Here’s an overview of the distances to other popular destinations in Switzerland:

4. Float Down the Aare River

No summer would be complete without partaking in the local tradition of floating down the Aare River!

As a Bern native said, “It is comparable to the Ganges for India or surfing for California. It is part of our culture, our way of living. It is part of being from Bern.” Even well-known traveler Rick Steves joined in on the fun during one of his visits (starts at 3:09).

Note: The river is chilly at 15-22°C (59 – 71.6°F), fast-flowing, and for experienced swimmers only. It’s important to know where to jump in and out of as certain zones are closed to swimmers. All hazards and entry/exit points for swimmers are marked here.

The safest and most popular route is from Eichholz to Marzili. Many dive in at Schönausteg (pedestrian bridge), while others prefer the gravel beach at Camping Eichholz.

You can also rent an inflatable boat (“rubber dinghy”), paddleboard, kayak, or tube here.

5. Bears!

Bears are a big part of Bern’s culture! You’ll find them on statues, murals, fountains, sewer grates, toys, and even as bear-shaped cookies and chocolates in sweet shops. It’s the city’s “symbol”.

The obsession with bears dates back to the 15th century when locals kept live bears in a small pit as a display of power. Today, this has evolved into a $24 million, 6,000-square-meter park along the river bank (thanks to animal rights advocates) where three brown bears live year-round.

Note: BärenPark (Bern Bear Park) is completely free to visit, but the bears hibernate from November to mid-March, so plan your visit outside those months if you want to see them.

6. Compact and Easily Walkable

Bern is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, both in terms of geographic size and population. It covers an area of ~52 square kilometers (20 square miles).

To put its size in perspective: Paris spans over 100 square kilometers, while Madrid covers around 600.

A.K.A. You can walk everywhere in Bern! If you follow my 1-day itinerary, the furthest you ever have to walk at once is 15 minutes. You don’t even have to take public transportation if you don’t want to. Most of the major landmarks are within walking distance.

7. Berner Zibelemärit (Onion Market)

Each year, on the fourth Monday in November, the upper part of Bern’s Old Town turns into a massive marketplace. The Zibelemärit is a traditional folk festival where hundreds of regional farmers bring over 50 metric tons of onions and garlic.

It consistently ranks as one of the top 10 traditional events in Switzerland.

Thousands of visitors visit each year to stroll the 200+ food and goods stalls selling traditional onion braids and colored sweet onion chains, onion tarts, “Chnoblibrot” (garlic bread), steaming mulled wine, and other warm beverages.

TIP: Arrive early! The market opens at 6:00 a.m. (closes at 6:00 p.m.) and starts getting busy around 7:00 a.m.

FAQs

How many days do you need in Bern?

Since nearly all major landmarks are within a short walk of each other, you can see most of the main attractions in just a day. I recommend staying at least one night to give yourself some wiggle room. Here’s my detailed itinerary for one perfect day in Bern.

Which is better to visit, Bern or Zurich?

I would deprioritize Zurich and devote your time to the other areas in Switzerland. To me, Zurich is just another big European city (beautiful, but big). It lacks the unique charm and cozy atmosphere that Bern has to offer, in my opinion.

Plus, Bern’s central location makes it easy for day trips to nearby areas (see #3 in this guide and popular tours below).

Here are some recommended tours from Bern if you’re interested!

• Small group tour from Bern to Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn
• Small group tour from Bern to Gruyères cheese factory
• Jungfraujoch Top of Europe and Region Private Tour from Bern
• Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn (Bond World 007 exhibit) from Bern
• Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip Private Tour from Bern

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this has left you with zero hesitation, and you can now confidently answer: Is Bern worth visiting?

Bern has a lot to offer, from its rich history and impressive architecture to its relaxed atmosphere. You can roam the charming streets, explore beautiful parks, visit where Einstein once lived, and enjoy the local cuisine.

So go ahead and plan your trip to see why Bern is worth visiting!

More posts about Switzerland:

• One Day in Bern: Best Things to Do + Itinerary
• Do People Speak English In Switzerland?
• Paragliding In Lauterbrunnen
• How To Get To Jungfraujoch From Lauterbrunnen
• Lauterbrunnen To Mürren: How To Get There By Cableway, Train, Or On Foot
• Murren Restaurants: 10 Best Dining Spots
• Is Lucerne Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons To Visit
• 2 Days In Lucerne: The Perfect Itinerary For A Fairy Tale Visit