Bern, switzerland
Attractions Guide

The capital city of Switzerland is set around the gorgeous deep blue Aare River, which wraps around Bern's UNESCO listed medieval Old City (also known as Altstadt Von Bern). Be sure to explore this area on foot in order to appreciate its beauty.

One of the top attractions of the Altstadt Von Bern Old Town is the elaborate gothic Cathedral of Bern (or Berner Muenster), a towering 15th century church which you can climb to the top of for outstanding views over the Old Town. Nearby you can admire the exterior of the medieval Rathaus city hall building, as well as the remarkable Kirche St. Peter & Paul church.

Another impressive sight is the stunning medieval Zytglogge clock tower, which is perhaps the most iconic landmark in Bern.

Bern is also well-known for its many elaborate statue fountains you'll find spread across the city, including the controversial medieval Kindlifresserbrunnen fountain. This fountain is located next to the Zytglogge tower. Other historic fountains you might like to see in the Old Town include the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen and Samsonbrunnen.

Additional impressive structures within the Old Town include the grand neoclassical Parliament Building, as well as the nearby Kafigturm clock tower and half-timbered medieval Hollanderturm tower. All three of these structures sit on a long vast city plaza.

Near the Cathedral of Bern is the historic apartment which Albert Einstein once lived in, the Einsteinhaus Bern, which now serves as a furnished museum displaying many items and belonging to him.

Be sure to visit the stunning castle-like Bern Historical Museum just south of Von Bern, which hosts interesting exhibits on the city's history, as well as a significant collection of artifacts from around the world. Also within this museum is the smaller Einstein Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of Albert Einstein.

On the northwestern side of the Altstadt Von Bern is the Kunstmuseum Bern, a museum containing a significant collection of fine art from the medieval era to the present, including works by Pablo Picasso.

Directly east across the Aare Rive from Von Bern is the 19th century Bear Pit, a large enclosure which houses many brown bears located between the river and a walkway. In order to reach the Bear Pit you'll likely cross over the elevated Nydeggbruecke Bridge, from which you can enjoy fantastic views over some of the medieval structures of the Old Town.

Just up the hill from the Bear Pit is the Bern Rose Garden, a lovely garden of roses and ponds which also hosts excellent views looking over the river at the Old Town.