Things to do in Bern

Much of the town – including Berner Münster cathedral– was built in the 1400s (or earlier), and carry a rich history. Just strolling through the streets of Bern will bring you back to a simpler time. Be sure to visit the French Church (Bern’s oldest), which was built in 1270. Don’t miss the Clock Tower (Zytglogge), an enormous clock built in 1530 and used to measure travel distance, as well as time.

The Botanical Gardens, home to more than 6,000 species of plant, and the Elfenau, the municipal nursery, the Rose Garden and the Gurten are just some of the green spaces that will color your visit to Bern. Breathe in the clean air, enjoy the views of the Alps, and embrace your natural Swiss surroundings.

Although the city itself is a tremendous lesson in history, be sure to also visit some truly groundbreaking museums. Einstein Haus is an homage to everyone’s favorite fuzzy-haired scientist, who developed his relativity theory right here in Bern. Zentrum Paul Klee’s main exhibition space shows 4,000 of Paul Klee’s eccentric and unusual creations, and high-tech displays give you all the information about them.

Bern is proud of its history, and the ever-present symbol of all the city stands for: the bear. Although their location has changed several times, Bern has had bear habitats in the city for centuries. The Bear Park, built in 2009, has already seen more than 2.5 million visitors. In addition, the Zoological Garden Dählhölzli houses more than 200 different animal species and is open all year round.