Discovering Bern's Charm: A 2-Day Adventure

Discover the timeless elegance of Bern, Switzerland.

17 June 2023

A trip to Bern, Switzerland as a tourist offers a chance to explore the historic old town, enjoy the picturesque scenery and indulge in cheese and chocolate. The city's medieval center named as a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the Gothic architecture, the go-to spots are Bern's iconic bear park and the rose garden which offers panoramic views of the city. Lastly, shopping enthusiasts can head souvenirs and explore Switzerland's famous watchmaking industry.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Vibrant Old Town

  • Hotel: Stay at the historic Hotel Schweizerhof Bern, located in the heart of the city.
  • Wander around the charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobbled streets, ornate fountains, and colorful buildings.
  • Visit the Zytglogge clock tower, a medieval landmark with moving puppets that put on a show every hour.
  • Browse the shops and cafes on the Kramgasse, the oldest and most picturesque street in Bern.
  • Explore the Bernisches Historisches Museum, a comprehensive museum with exhibits on Swiss history and culture.
  • Enjoy a traditional Swiss meal at Restaurant Harmonie, known for its fondue and raclette dishes.
Day 2

Art, Nature, and Chocolate

  • Admire the impressive art collection at the Zentrum Paul Klee museum, dedicated to the famous Swiss-German artist.
  • Take a funicular up to the Rosengarten, a lovely hilltop park with stunning views of Bern and the surrounding Alps.
  • Learn about the history of Swiss chocolate and sample some delicious treats at the Chocolate Factory Tour & Shop.
  • Visit the BEA Animal Park, a free zoo with over 220 animals from around the world, including bears, monkeys, and exotic birds.
  • Relax with a drink at Les Amis, a chic rooftop bar with panoramic views of Bern.
  • Two days in Bern may not seem like much time, but you'll be amazed at how much you can see and experience. With its beautiful architecture, rich history and culture, and breathtaking scenery, Bern is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bern by plane is to fly into Bern Airport. From the airport, you can take the Bernmobil Bus No. 160 to the city center.

Car

The best way to get to Bern by car is to take the A1 motorway. The journey from Zurich takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. There are also several parking options in Bern's city center.

Train

The best way to get to Bern by train is to take a direct train from Zurich to Bern. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and arrives at Bern Central Station.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Bern, you can take a boat ride on the Aare River from neighboring towns such as Thun or Interlaken and enjoy the scenic journey to Bern's Old Town.

Bus

The best way to get to Bern by bus is to take the Flixbus from major cities in Europe to Bern Bus Station. The station is located in the city center and is easily accessible by foot or public transportation.

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Discovering Bern's Charm: A 2-Day Adventure

A trip to Bern, Switzerland as a tourist offers a chance to explore the historic old town, enjoy the picturesque scenery and indulge in cheese and chocolate. The city's medieval center named as a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the Gothic architecture, the go-to spots are Bern's iconic bear park and the rose garden which offers panoramic views of the city. Lastly, shopping enthusiasts can head souvenirs and explore Switzerland's famous watchmaking industry.

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