Discover Bern: Old Town, museums and city life

Old Town and cityscape

Bern’s Old Town preserves its medieval urban structure while also serving the increasingly complex functions of a modern national capital. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Imposing sandstone buildings and six kilometres of arcades shape the city centre. The best way to explore central Bern is on foot, where you’ll notice its many fountains. Bern is known for more than 100 fountains, some of which date back to the 16th century. Guided tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town combine well-known sights with less familiar corners. The Aare flows in a wide loop around Bern’s Old Town, forming another defining feature of the cityscape.

Clock Tower and museums

The Zytglogge combines a medieval structure with a procession of figures: a bear parade, a jester, a golden rooster and Chronos, the god of time, can all be seen. The Zytglogge also has a medieval mechanism. On a guided tour inside, you’ll climb around 130 steps. Access arrangements for tours may change; check the latest information in advance.

The Einstein Museum brings Einstein’s theories to life with animated films, interactive experiments and numerous exhibits. The exhibition covers more than 1,000 square metres; its layout may change. The Zentrum Paul Klee offers a different focus: it houses around 4,000 works, including paintings, watercolours and drawings. The selection of works on display may change. The centre also hosts concerts, readings and guided tours; the programme may change.

The Zentrum Paul Klee includes Creaviva, which offers creative workshops for visitors aged four and up. Workshops and booking conditions may change; if you’re planning to attend a particular date or workshop, check the latest information.

BearPark and Rose Garden

From the visitor paths through BearPark, you can watch bears playing, eating, climbing and swimming at close range. The park is freely accessible; nevertheless, check the latest official access information before your visit. Since 1913, the Rose Garden has been a public park with more than 400 varieties of roses and irises. In fine weather, the view stretches far beyond the city to Bern’s local mountain, Gurten, and the Alps.

Walks and getting around

A walk begins in Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. A walk along the Aare leads towards Bern Animal Park and Elfenau. Scenic e-bike routes run through the countryside around Bern. There are several ways to explore: a tour of the city, a route along the river or a trip through the surrounding countryside.

The Mattelift connects Münsterplattform with Badgasse in the Matte district. A ride for adults costs 1.50 francs. Check whether the Mattelift is operating before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Innere Stadt, Wohlen bei Bern, Bern, Kirchlindach, Stettlen, Bolligen, Zimmerwald, Le Fuet.

Go to the main travel overview: Bern.