Bern welcomes you

Federal city, UNESCO world heritage, city of shopping, gastronomy, culture and relaxed pleasure: Bern is diverse and unique. Whether you’re looking for nature, cultural activities, or great food – this is the place for you.

Urban

The Old Town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The twelfth century city planners demonstrated a flair for building a very impressive city, which today is one of the greatest and most well-preserved examples of medieval urban architecture in Europe. Six kilometers of arcades line the narrow streets, forming one of Europe’s longest covered shopping promenades and offering visitors a very special experience. With the river Aare and many green oases, nature is a leading part of the cityscape and at the gates of the city, untouched landscapes await visitors. For example, the hilly Emmental with its famous Emmentaler cheese.

Nature

Be it on a bike, on foot, or by water – anyone who’s on the move in the federal city will quickly realize: they’re surrounded by nature. With the river Aare and many green oases, nature is a leading part of the cityscape and at the gates of the city, untouched landscapes await visitors. Bern is easy to reach and a perfect hub for excursions to the Alps and all over Switzerland.

Cycling

In and around Bern you will find a wide selection of signalized bike tours along the river Aare, e-bike tours over gentle hills, sporty routes for roadbikes or mountain bikes. The Swiss Alpine panorama is always in view, accompanied by the unique ringing of cowbells and the scent of wildflower meadows and forests.

Culinary delights

Bern is a city for gourmets: Whether you want to relax at a cozy café in the Old City, discover Bern’s beer culture or visit the newest pop-up bar – the choice is large. Besides the city, also the region around Bern has its culinary highlights to offer. For example the well-known Emmentaler cheese, locally produced pastry or fresh products at farm shops.

Are Bern locals slow?

That’s the common label given to Bern natives. And it’s true. Clocks tick more slowly in Bern than elsewhere. Being in a hurry or having a hectic lifestyle are foreign concepts to the Bernese. But they are not really slow, as other Swiss people may tell you with a wink, they simply know how to embrace the art of living. In this capital of leisure, you can wander around at your own pace, take time to enjoy yourself and celebrate in the open air.
The magic word for this distinctive lifestyle is deceleration. “Äuä, mir nä eis nachem Angere u nume nid gsprängt” (Well – take it easy, we take one after the other).

How to get there

Thanks to its central location in the heart of Switzerland and because of the excellent road and rail networks, Bern can be easily reached from any direction, using either public or private transportation.