The Perfect One Day in Bern: Complete Itinerary + Map
Planning the perfect one day in Bern? Bern’s true charm lies primarily in the Old Town, a UNESCO Heritage site that can be easily explored on a day trip.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Bern countless times on day trips, situated very close to the Bernese Oberland, the area I often prioritise staying in on my travels around Switzerland.
Walk along the old cobbled stone streets, admire the medieval architecture, stroll along the Aare River or celebrate Einstein’s legacy. All this can be done in one fantastic day!
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need for a self-guided tour of the city. Plus, I’ve included an interactive map later in the guide to help you navigate to each destination.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission if you use them at no extra cost to you.
What to do in Bern in one day
Rather than do a minute-by-minute itinerary, I’ve narrowed down the best things to do in a day.
These activities are strategically placed, so you can move to each one without backtracking across the city. I’ve also covered recommendations for restaurants and where to stay later in the guide.
Now, I’ll dive into the best things to do in Bern in one day.
Explore the Old Town
The Old Town is the perfect place to start your day in Bern. If you arrive by train, you can get to the Old Town via a 15-minute walk from the station.
I recommend starting at the Old Town’s most iconic street, Kramgasse, and then continuing to wander around the city’s beautiful medieval buildings and intricate fountains.
One detail you’ll notice is that each street has a long stretch of covered medieval arcades.
Fun fact: The Old Town of Bern has over 6 km of covered arcades, which inside have various shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
You may find yourself window shopping along the facades, but mainly outpriced! There are a few international stores like H&M and Lush, but mostly include shops run by locals.
The Old Town should take around 1-2 hours to leisurely wander around before you start exploring the main attractions.
Watch the Zytglogge mechanism
Just at the start of Kramgasse, you’ll find the famous medieval clock tower Zytglogge.
The clock tower has had various uses since its beginnings in the early 13th century, previously used as a prison, a guard tower and an astronomical clock.
In the 16th century, the astronomical clock was installed at the front of the clock tower, and today, it has become a popular tourist attraction.
Large crowds gather in front of the astronomical clock every hour to watch the mechanical performance of the dancing bear train, a jester and a golden rooster.
On selective days, you can take a guided tour of Zytglogge and see the inner mechanisms of the astronomical clock. I highly recommend this tour to learn more in-depth about its history.
Spot the fountain statues
Bern has an incredible 100 fountains and counting in the Old Town, including eleven fountains with statues depicting figures from folklore and fables.
These were implemented in the 16th century to showcase the wealth of Bern and its moral values to tourists.
Some are really peculiar and make you wonder, ‘Why are they here?’.
There are a few notable favourites. Be sure to look out for one of Bern’s most famous, Lady Justice (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) on Gerechtigkeitsgasse. It was installed in the city in 1543 to symbolise justice and the idea that all citizens in Bern were treated equally.
While the statues are for decorative use, the fountains were implemented to provide free drinking water for locals.
You can still use them today, so be sure to bring a refillable water bottle to save your Swiss Francs.
Visit Einstein’s house and his statues
Albert Einstein lived in the Swiss capital from 1903 to 1905. It was during this time that he published his paper on the Theory of Special Relativity while working at the Swiss Patent Office.
His legacy is celebrated throughout Bern, with a few museums and monuments around the Old Town that you can visit.
If you’re planning an Einstein self-guided tour of Bern, the best place to start is his previous residence (Einsteinhaus), found on Kramgasse. The museum has two floors: His previous living quarters and a main exhibition about his life.
In the main exhibition, you can learn all about Einstein’s contribution to science. Plus, there are various personal items on display, like photographs of his wife Mileva Marić and their son Hans Albert Einstein.
Next on the self-guided tour is locating the four bronze statues of Einstein dotted around the city.
These can be found at Rosengarten, Bärenpark, Bern Historical Museum and the University of Bern. *Use my map further in the guide for exact locations.
Top tip: If you can only visit one, prioritise the Rosengarten location for a stunning panorama of Bern.
Marvel at Bern’s historic landmarks
The Old Town of Bern has some magnificent landmarks to explore, with two clear favourites for architectural beauty, the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) and Bern Cathedral.
You can also see an incredible view of both from Kirchenfeldbrücke.
Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)
The Federal Palace is Switzerland’s parliamentary building, which you can explore on a free guided tour available upon reservation. Currently, there are only English tours available on Saturday.
Parliamentary tours will include exploring the grounds and main rooms, like the National Council Chamber. If you’re lucky enough to visit when parliament is in session, you can even sit in and watch!
Bern Cathedral (Berner Münster)
Bern Cathedral (Berner Münster) is the city’s main cathedral and well worth a visit. It has some lovely late Gothic architecture to admire, with a huge spire dominating the skyline.
Fun fact: Bern Cathedral is the tallest in Switzerland and reaches up to 100m high.
The cathedral is free to enter. Though for a small fee, you can climb 344 steps to the top of the spire for a beautiful panorama of Bern.
Explore Rosengarten & see city views
The Rosengarten is Bern’s main public park and an absolute delight to visit for its idyllic gardens and panoramic views of the city.
Rosengarten means “Rose Garden” in German, with over 400 types of roses planted here and available to see during the summer months.
Note: If you’re in Bern during early spring, you can still visit the Rosengarten to see the gorgeous Japanese sakura blossoms.
The gardens are accessible via a 20-minute walk from the Old Town and will require a gradual climb. You can catch the number 10 bus to Rosengarten for an easier journey.
Don’t worry, the panorama from the gardens is worth the climb!
We also ate at the Restaurant Rosengarten on the outside terrace for lunch, which I couldn’t recommend enough for some great food to match the views.
Watch the bears roam at BärenPark
It would almost be criminal not to pay a visit to the BärenPark, one of the best free things to do in Bern.
Since 2009, the BärenPark has been an open enclosure for three bears, Finn, Björk and daughter Ursina.
Fun fact: Bears have been a symbol of the canton of Bern for centuries and have lived in the city since 1513, even featuring on its coat of arms. You’ll see them on the Canton of Bern flags all over the Old Town!
Watch the small family of bears roam freely along the banks of the Aare River and around the Old Bear Pit, from various viewing platforms nearby.
You can also get better viewing access to areas like the bear dens and feeding stations on a guided tour. However, I feel the experience is more than good enough through the free self-guided option.
Take a stroll along the Aare River
Once you’re finished at the BärenPark, be sure to continue on a stroll along the Aare River.
The Aare River actually stretches across 183 miles of Switzerland, but here, we’re just sticking to a minuscule part of it that encircles the Old Town.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike along the Aare River around the Old Town on this long 3-hour hiking trail. However, we just stuck to a short trail.
There are so many pretty spots along the riverbanks. Find a peaceful spot and stop off to relax. Our favourites were near the Nydeggbrücke opposite BärenPark and the view from Aussichtspunkt Terrasse.
Note: If you’re visiting in the summer, you can swim in the Aare River. Do this with caution and only if you’re a strong swimmer, as the current is powerful and will push you along as you swim. Most locals jump in from Schönausteg and float to Lorraine Bad.
Cross Bern’s iconic bridges
Bern has over 18 bridges, connecting the Old Town to the outer suburbs of the city. Each bridge offers incredible views across the Aare River and backdrops of the Old Town.
The four I recommend visiting on your day in Bern are Nydeggbrücke, Kirchenfeldbrücke, Untertorbrücke and Kornhausbrücke.
If you’re heading to Rosengarten or BärenPark, you’ll likely pass over Nydeggbrücke or Untertorbrücke. Be sure to soak up the postcard views of Bern’s old medieval houses from both.
Kirchenfeldbrücke and Kornhausbrücke are the city’s skyline bridges, both offering incredible views of the city.
The Kirchenfeldbrücke connects you to Kirchenfeld, the district where the city casino and Bundeshaus (Federal Palace) are both located. Kornhausbrücke connects you to Kornhausplatz, just a stone’s throw away from the Zytglogge clock tower.
Other things to do in Bern (If you have extra time)
There is no doubt that the activities above will fill up your one-day itinerary. However, if you do find yourself with extra time, I recommend adding some of these activities to your day in Bern.
- Head to Gurten Hill (2 hours minimum): Over 858 metres high and possessing otherworldly views of Bern and the Swiss Alps, Gurten Hill is a must-visit if you have time. It is 3 miles outside the Old Town, so you’ll need to catch the #9 city tram towards Wabern, getting off at Gurtenbahn. Once you arrive, you can choose to hike up the mountain or take the funicular straight up.
- Swim in Marzili Pool (Available in the summer): If you’re visiting Bern in the summer, be sure to visit this amazing free swimming spot. There are also designated spots nearby to join the Aare River, with steps leading down. Many locals often come here to soak up the sun and relax.
- See art in the Kunstmuseum Bern: A must-visit for art enthusiasts, with over 4000 paintings and sculptures on display, showcasing art from the Renaissance period to modern day. It includes work from notable artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh.
- Visit the Bern Historical Museum: Take a history dive through the centuries in this fascinating museum. It houses artefacts from various cultures throughout history, like Persian or Roman equipment. A huge highlight is the Einstein exhibition that celebrates his legacy and time in Bern. You can find one of Einstein’s bronze statues just outside the entrance!
Map for one day in Bern
To help you navigate around the city on your Bern day trip, I’ve created an interactive map that includes everything covered in this itinerary.
How to use this map: Select the icon at the top left to view the list of all of the sites. To get a larger view on Google Maps, select the box icon on the right.
How to get to Bern
The best way to get to Bern is by train. We’ve always travelled to Bern by train as direct routes are always available from many areas around Switzerland.
Here are some of the most popular train routes to Bern:
- Interlaken Ost Train Station to Bern: 57 minutes direct (departs every 30 minutes to an hour).
- Zurich HB to Bern: 1–1.5 hours (departs every 20 to 30 minutes).
- Geneva Cornavin Station to Bern: 2 hours direct (departs every 30 minutes).
- Lucerne to Bern: 1 hour direct (departs every hour).
- Lausanne to Bern: 1–1.5 hours direct (departs every 30 minutes to an hour).
To purchase your tickets, you’ll need to use SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). You can purchase tickets online or at the station, although I highly recommend downloading the SBB mobile app to make your life a whole lot easier!
You can purchase through the app and get real-time updates on train schedules. Offline use is also available if you’re experiencing mobile data issues.
Top tip: If you’re heading here after a layover, the best and easiest place to fly into is Zurich. Bern does have a small airport, but international flights are limited and mostly used for domestic routes.
Best time to visit Bern
The best time to visit Bern is during the summer months from June to early September. A lot of Bern’s highlights are outdoors, so great weather needs to be on your side to best enjoy the city.
In the summer, you can expect average highs around 23°C (73.4°F). This is perfect for activities like swimming in the Aare River or Marzili Pool and seeing the roses flourish in Rosengarten.
For music lovers, the famous Gurtenfestival is also held in July at Gurten Hill, a huge annual music festival which promises an incredible lineup each year.
That all being said, the shoulder months of April and May are still a lovely time to visit. You can’t go wrong with seeing the beautiful cherry blossoms in Rosengarten in April!
Where to stay in Bern
To get the most out of your experience in Bern, you’ll want to situate yourself in and around the Old Town.
Here are my recommendations for places to stay in Bern:
- Luxury hotel: Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern – This lavish hotel is an absolute gem, situated in a perfect location in the Old Town next to the Bundeshaus. Grand interior, timeless charm, it doesn’t get better in Bern!
- Mid-range hotel: Stay KooooK Bern City – This charming hotel is located perfectly in the Old Town, only a 5-minute walk from Zytglogge and Federal Palace. It is designed with comfort, offering stylish rooms and a seamless self-service check-in.
- Budget hotel: Prize by Radisson, Bern City – A budget-friendly hotel that has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Spacious rooms and located just a 7-minute walk from Rosengarten.
For a much cheaper stay, I highly recommend booking accommodation in areas like Köniz or Ostermundigen and then using your free Bern Ticket to get to the city centre.
Note: For more information on free guest cards in Switzerland, check out my Switzerland budget guide.
Where to eat in Bern
I always say Switzerland has some of the most incredible food in Europe, and Bern is no different.
You can expect to find food from various cultures, like Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, and even Vietnamese food, which is a hit here!
I’ve tried plenty of food in Bern, so here are my recommendations:
- Ristorante Luce (££) – This is the best restaurant I’ve been to in Bern for Italian food. Delicious food, a wide range of options and super attentive staff. You couldn’t really ask for more!
- Le Lötschberg (££) – Serves some Swiss favourites in a very casual setting. We’ve visited here a few times to have fondue for lunch.
- Einstein – café & bel étage (££) – We typically come here for a late breakfast/brunch. It has delicious pastry offerings, alongside savoury options for a more filling meal. It is just under Einstein House, so expect a few tourists!
- Restaurant Rosengarten (£££) – As mentioned earlier, this is a must-visit restaurant in Bern. Visit for lunch or head here just before sunset. It’s a little more expensive than other options, but worth it for the delicious food and gorgeous panoramas of Bern from your dinner table.
Final thoughts on your day in Bern
Well, there you have it! The perfect one-day itinerary in Bern to explore what Switzerland’s capital has to offer.
From medieval streets to ornate fountains and the iconic covered facades, the best of Bern can easily be explored on foot in just one day.
And if you are looking to extend your travels and use Bern as a base to explore, you’ve settled on a perfect choice.
The Bernese Oberland region is just a train or bus away. An amazing region for seeing more of the beauty that Switzerland has to offer.
Looking for more day trips in Switzerland? Check out:
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SWITZERLAND
Switzerland Flights – Looking for cheap flights to Switzerland? I’ve used Skyscanner countless times during my travels. It will scan the internet for prices on flights from all airlines, so you can find the best deal on your flight!
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Switzerland Tours/Activities – For your tours or activities in Switzerland, I couldn’t recommend GetYourGuide enough! I use it everywhere I go, and it is brilliant for thinking of ideas for things to do.
Switzerland Phone Plans – If you need phone data while you’re travelling around Switzerland, I recommend getting an eSim using Airalo. It’s been my life saviour! It offers affordable roaming with great coverage. You can download the SIM straight from their app and top it up whenever you want.
