Bern 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Bern Itinerary:

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Bern & check into your hotel near the Old Town (Altstadt) for easy access to attractions.

    • Accommodation: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern (luxury), Hotel Bellevue Palace (historic luxury), or Jugendherberge Bern (budget-friendly).

  • Afternoon: Stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its cobblestone alleys, arcades, and historic buildings.

    • Must-See: The Zytglogge astronomical clock tower, the Bundeshaus (Swiss Parliament building), the Cathedral of Bern (with its stunning views from the tower)

  • Evening:

    • Dining: Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine at a cozy restaurant in the Old Town like “Restaurant Kornhauskeller” (known for its historic setting and delicious fondue) or “Café Zeughauskeller” (a more casual option with great pub fare).
    • Alternative: For a modern take on Swiss dishes, try “The Brasserie” or “La Pergola”

Day 2:

  • Morning: Discover the medieval charm of the Old Town by exploring its hidden courtyards (Höfe), historical fountains, and cobblestone streets.
    • Must-See: Visit the Zytglogge clock, wander through the arcades, admire the Zähringerbrunnen fountain.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Bundeshaus (Swiss Parliament building) to learn about the Swiss political system. Enjoy the afternoon strolling through the Rosengarten, a beautiful garden with stunning views over the city.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Explore the Bear Park (BärenPark) and see the bears that are the symbol of Bern.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history at the Einsteinhaus where the famous physicist Albert Einstein was born. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Rose Garden (Rosengarten), taking in the breathtaking views of the city and the Alps.

Day 3:

  • Afternoon: Visit the Swiss History Museum for a fascinating journey through the history of Switzerland.
    • Must-See: This museum offers a comprehensive overview of Swiss culture, politics, and society from ancient times to the present day.

Day 4:

  • Morning: Explore the medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Must-Do: Visit the Zytglogge (the “Bear Tower”), a popular spot for photos.**
  • Afternoon: Take a boat tour on the Aare River.
    • Things to Know: Bern offers several scenic boat tours, but be sure to book one in advance, especially during peak season.
    • Must-See: The historic bridges and the stunning views of the Swiss capital from the water.

Day 5:

  • Day Trip: Enjoy a day trip to the nearby medieval town of Thun, known for its charming architecture and beautiful setting on Lake Thun.

Day 6:

  • Enjoy the local culture: Visit the Bärengraben (the Bear Pit) in the evening to see the bears at their most active.**
    • Must-See: The Old Town, a great place for sightseeing with its historic buildings and quaint streets.

Getting Around:

  • Bern has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a funicular railway.

Things to Consider:

  • Language: While German is the official language of Bern, Switzerland, you’ll find that most people speak Swiss German, a dialect that can be difficult for outsiders to understand.
  • Currency: The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).

Dining:

  • The Old Town: A charming area with many traditional restaurants offering dishes like fondue, raclette, and rösti.
  • Thurgauer, a popular restaurant in the Old Town known for its traditional Swiss food and cozy atmosphere.

Accommodation:

  • Day Trip Recommendations: Consider staying in Thun to experience the charm of the old town and enjoy the lake views.
  • Budget Options: Many hostels and budget hotels are available in Bern’s Old Town, offering affordable options within the heart of the city.

Other Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for all types of weather as it can change quickly in Switzerland.
  • Transportation: The Swiss public transportation system is renowned for its efficiency and punctuality.

Must-Do Tips:

  • Explore the Old Town on foot: It’s a compact area, and you can easily wander through its streets and discover hidden gems along the way.
  • Visit the Bear Park in the morning or late afternoon: This is when the bears are most active and likely to be out and about.
  • Take a boat tour on the Aare River: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the city while learning about its history and architecture.

Other Activities:

  • Explore the Old Town: Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the intricate carvings on the buildings’ facades, visit the historic shops and markets within the Old Town.
  • Visit the Swiss Parliament Building (Bundeshaus): Take a tour of this grand building and learn about how Switzerland’s government works.

Other Things to See:

  • The Old Town: Explore the charming “Old Town” on your own, wandering through its cobblestone streets and discovering the many hidden fountains and courtyards.
  • The Zytglogge: Admire the intricate clock mechanism from a distance, or climb the tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the surrounding landscape.

Things to Consider:

  • Transportation: Bern is a very walkable city, but you can also use the efficient public transportation system to get around.
  • Currency: The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc.

Other Things to Consider:

  • Budget: The cost of living in Switzerland can be high, so it’s best to plan your budget accordingly.

Things to consider (for a 6-day trip):

  • Duration: With 6 days, you have time to explore the Old Town and other areas of interest.
  • Budget: Consider looking for affordable accommodation options outside the city center.

Food:

  • Swiss Cuisine: Indulge in traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue, rosti, and raclette at a local restaurant.
  • Other Options: Explore cafes and restaurants throughout the Old Town for a variety of cuisines.

Things to Know:

  • Transportation:

Biking:

  • Rent a bike and cycle along the Aare River, enjoying the scenic views of the city and its surroundings.

  • Train: The Swiss train system is excellent for exploring nearby towns and cities.

  • Food: The Swiss love their cheese!

  • Culture:

  • Language: Switzerland’s official language is German, but you can also find French- and Italian-speaking guides who offer tours in English.

  • Other things to know:

  • Currency:

  • Budget:

  • Traditional Food:

  • Local Restaurants: The Swiss love their cheese!

Things to consider (for a train journey):

  • Book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season.
  • Consider a scenic Swiss Rail Pass for discounted travel on the network.

Other Tips:

  • Budget: Stay

Day 6:

  • Take advantage of the public transportation system:

Beyond the Old Town:

  • Visit:

    • The Swiss History Museum (Bundesgeschichtmuseum): Explore the history of Switzerland, from prehistoric times to modern day.

  • Explore other museums:

  • Other Things to Consider:

    • Consider a guided tour: You can learn about the history of the country and the museum itself.

History:

  • Train:
    • Take the scenic route: Bern’s train station, the Bahnhof, is a masterpiece in its own right, a stunning example of Swiss architecture and engineering.

Other things to consider:

  • Time:
  • Switzerland:
  • Swiss Rail Pass:
    • This

allows you to travel freely on trains, buses, and boats throughout the country.

  • Biking:

  • The Aare River offers beautiful views:

  • Train Journey: Take a scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps.

Other Tips:

  • Travel:

Times: Consider buying the Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on public transport within Switzerland.

  • Switzerland: Enjoy the unique experiences of Swiss culture, such as enjoying traditional cheese fondue at a local restaurant or visiting one of the many charming “Café’s” (coffee shops) in the city center.

(Remember to check opening hours and availability before you go!)