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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Old Town

  • 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
Day 2

Bernese Alps

  • 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
Day 3

Museums and Art

  • 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
Day 4

Adventure Sports

  • 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

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Bern

Nestled between towering mountains and rolling hills lies the picturesque city of Bern, one of the few places where you can enjoy chocolate, cheese, and cowbells all in one day.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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Bern on a Budget: A 5-Day Adventure

Explore the charming city of Bern, Switzerland on a budget-friendly trip. Admire the medieval architecture of the old town, stroll along the Aare River and experience the famous local cheese and chocolate. Take advantage of affordable public transport and free outdoor attractions, such as the Gurten Mountain viewpoint and the Rose Garden.