Bern’s Inner City: UNESCO Old Town and Sights

If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay in Bern’s Inner City, it helps to consider the character of the destination: Bern’s Old Town combines a medieval cityscape with sandstone buildings, arcades and fountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated on a hill surrounded by the Aare. Although the buildings have been continuously renovated, the original urban design has been preserved. Here, historic structures and ongoing change exist side by side.

Old Town, Arcades and Bern’s Landmarks

The arcades shape everyday life in the Old Town as much as its appearance. In total, six kilometres of arcades make it possible to cross the UNESCO-listed Old Town with dry feet, even in the rain. Those interested in the city’s history will also find several different ways to explore it: the Zytglogge was once a city gate and is known for its astrolabe, an astronomical calendar clock, as well as a mechanical figurine show dating from 1530. Every hour, a procession of figures appears, including a bear procession, a jester, a golden rooster and Chronos. The clock, the figurine show and the tower’s former role as a city gate make it a vivid example of the city’s different historical layers.

At Bern Minster, the focus is on architecture and artistic design. Its tower is the tallest in Switzerland. The main portal depicts the Last Judgment with a total of 294 figures. Guided tours also give visitors the chance to see the large church bells up close; check the tour options before your trip. Comparing the two buildings reveals two different sides of Bern: at the Zytglogge, the focus is on the clockwork and figurine show; at the Minster, on the tower, portal and bells.

Guided Tours of the Federal Palace

You can also explore the Federal Palace on a guided tour. Outside parliamentary sessions, entry is only possible as part of a tour. Regular free tours are offered when Parliament is not in session. Availability may change depending on parliamentary sessions and scheduled work, so check tour dates before your visit. There are tours suitable for children aged 7 to 13. You should also check availability and whether reservations are required in advance.

Views of the Aare and Car-Free Routes

The Münsterplattform offers green spaces for picnicking, playing and relaxing. From there, you can enjoy views of the Aare and the Alps. It combines time outdoors with a special view of the landscape around Bern, and offers a range of ways to spend your time, from playing to taking a break on the lawn.

Bern and the Inner City are easy to explore without a car. Distances are short, and an extensive tram and bus network connects key sights and destinations for day trips. Together with the six kilometres of arcades, this makes getting around practical in different weather: in the rain, you can cross the Old Town under the arcades, while trams and buses connect key destinations. When choosing where to stay, you can start by thinking about what interests you most in Bern: the medieval cityscape, historic clockwork, architecture and art, or guided visits. The sights and routes provide concrete points of reference, without any single attraction having to define the character of the whole city.

For the broader travel overview: Bern.