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Bern on a Budget: Adventures & Culture in 4 Days

Experience the Swiss charm without breaking the bank in Bern.

21 June 2023

A trip to Bern, Switzerland on a limited budget can still be a wonderful experience. There are many free museums, such as the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Communication, as well as affordable activities like hiking in the nearby mountains and swimming in the Aare River. Staying in an affordable hostel and cooking meals at the hostel or using local markets can help stretch your budget even further.

Travel plan

• Check into The Bristol Hotel, a budget-friendly option centrally located in Old Town
• Walk through the cobbled streets of Old Town, admiring the medieval architecture and fountains
• Visit the Bern Historical Museum, with exhibits on Bernese culture throughout the ages
• Climb the tower of the Zytglogge clock tower, dating back to the 13th century
• Lunch at Altes Tramdepot, a brewery located in a former tram depot, with panoramic views of the city
• Take a relaxing stroll along the Aare River and soak in the stunning views of the city

• Take a train to Grindelwald and marvel at the majestic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks
• Hop on a cable car to First Cliff Walk, a thrilling suspension bridge with spectacular views of the mountains
• Walk through the snow at the Glacier Gorge, a natural wonder with ice-cold turquoise waters
• Take in the stunning views of Bernese Oberland and the surrounding peaks
• Dine at Restaurant Wetterhorn, serving authentic Swiss dishes made from local ingredients

• Visit the Paul Klee Museum, with a permanent collection of around 4,000 works by the Swiss-German painter
• Head to the Bern Art Museum, housing an exquisite collection of Swiss art, including works by Ferdinand Hodler
• Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Schwellenmätteli, with breathtaking views of the river and the old city
• Discover the Einsteinhaus, where the famed physicist once lived and completed some of his most groundbreaking work
• Grab a drink at Ono, a trendy bar with an eclectic ambiance and avant-garde cocktails

• Take an early morning train to Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland
• Experience an adrenaline rush with a bungee jump over the Stockhorn mountain
• Take a thrilling paragliding flight over the Interlaken valley, with stunning views of the lakes and peaks
• Dine at the quirky Hüsi Bierhaus, with a rotating selection of craft beers and hearty Swiss cuisine
• Explore the night-time adventures in Interlaken, including night sledding, stargazing, and snowshoeing