Is Bern Worth Visiting? [2024]
Is Bern Worth Visiting? We Investigate!
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is sometimes overlooked as a travel destination. In a country full of gorgeous mountains, alluring lakes and quaint fairytale towns, Bern can often fade into the background. So, we’re here to investigate – is Bern worth visiting?
Related: Is Basel Worth Visiting? and Should I Visit Zermatt or Grindelwald?
Where to stay in Bern
Bern is a place full of gorgeous accommodation across all types of budgets, although typically, prices in Switzerland are generally more expensive than in other countries. Here are the best places to stay in the city of Bern.
Budget: Moxy Bern Expo
You wouldn’t expect a budget 3-star hotel to be as trendy as this, but the Moxy Bern packs in value-for-money, along with a central location and convenient amenities in one property.
You can take a closer look at Moxy Bern Expo by clicking here.
Mid-Range: Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz
This hotel is extremely well-known for its extremely central location - right in the center square of Bern. In terms of location, it doesn’t get better than this. Plus, the hotel is so cutely decorated too.
You can take a closer look at the Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz by clicking here.
Luxury: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
Luxury hotels in Switzerland are almost always immaculate and breathtaking (the standards here are quite high!), and this hotel is no different. Featuring a rooftop dining area, a wellness area and intricately decorated rooms, this is a true luxury experience.
You can take a closer look at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa by clicking here.
Background Information on Bern
Often referred to as the “federal city”, Bern is where Switzerland’s Houses of Parliament (Bundeshaus) are located, which is part of the reason why Bern gets a reputation for being a ‘boring’ and an administrative city.
The Bundeshaus in Bern represents Switzerland’s Houses of Parliament.
Beyond its rather clerical reputation, Bern is a medieval city that features fountains, cobbled streets, unique monuments and a well-preserved old town that has since been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cobbled Streets of Bern’s Old Town.
Bern’s most famous landmark is perhaps the ‘bear pit’, where bears have been kept since 1840. This is the reason why Bern’s bear mascot is featured on countless souvenirs such as magnets, T-Shirts and keychains.
View from Bern Minster, also known as Berner Munster.
Despite this, Switzerland’s capital is often skipped by travellers. Bern represents an unusual circumstance where a country’s capital is less visited than other destinations (a little bit similar to Canberra and Australia, actually), but there are still reasons to visit the city - which I’ll outline.
Why Should I Visit Bern?
You should visit Bern if you’re looking for a laidback, non-pretentious visit to a classic Swiss city. While Bern doesn’t have the knockout beauty of Zermatt or Grindelwald, or even the cosmopolitan quality of Zurich, there’s a certain charm that just has to be experienced in order to be understood.
Bern’s colours are slightly monochromatic, in a charming way.
To me, Bern’s architecture and colour scheme were very different to other Swiss cities and towns. Bern is almost completely coloured in this off-grey, sandstone colour. You would think this would make the city look dull and monochromatic, but there’s a certain minimalistic beauty that the city offers.
Back streets of Old Town.
There’s no doubt that Bern’s Old Town is a memorable one. Surrounded by towering mountains and the beautiful waters of the Aare River, the old town is distinctly medieval in character.
Waters of Aare River in Bern.
Don’t miss Bern’s iconic Clock Tower (Zytglogge), the city’s official timekeeper. As you stroll through the Old Town, you’ll also consistently find numerous statues of important Bern characters and fountains – a rare feature you won’t find in many cities.
Clock Tower, otherwise known as Zytglogge, in Bern.
If you’re looking for greenery, the Rosengarten is a large area where you can take in views of the city. More of an architecture person? the Berner Munster is another stunning cathedral in Switzerland worth visiting.
Exterior of Berner Munster in Bern.
Bern is also incredibly central. It is a place well-serviced by public transport, and you’re never too far away from any destination in Switzerland – whether it be Geneva, Lausanne, Interlaken, Lucerne or Zurich – all these places are easily visited on a day trip from Bern – making Bern a highly strategic choice to base yourself out of.
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Why Shouldn’t I Visit Bern?
Much like Basel, many people feel that Bern doesn’t have a standout ‘must-do’ attraction. Although sites such as the Rose Garden, Old City, Munster Kirche and Federal Building are great, they’re not necessarily the reasons why someone visits Switzerland.
Munster Kirche (Bern Minster)
In Bern, you won’t find jaw-dropping snowy mountains, or all-encompassing lakes. The beauty on display here is slightly subtler, and is felt through the atmosphere.
Intricate details of Berner Munster in Bern.
As I mentioned, Bern has a bit of a reputation for being a boring city. With only a population of around 130,000 inhabitants, Bern can feel sleepy after dark and on the weekends. If you’re someone who’s looking to party or explore some nightlife, then Bern isn’t the place for you.
Spot these statues around Bern!
If you’ve got less than 4 days in Switzerland, I would reconsider visiting Bern. While beautiful, I would prefer to spend those days going out to see the one-of-a-kind nature that Switzerland has to offer. This means visiting destinations such as Zermatt, Grindelwald, Interlaken and more. In terms of cities, I would also probably prefer Basel, Lucerne and Zurich over Bern.
Final Verdict – Is Bern Worth Visiting?
Yes, but only if you have extra time up your sleeve during your trip to Switzerland. I really enjoyed just strolling through Bern’s quaint old town and taking in the atmosphere. Bern is a quiet, peaceful city, and it’s not the kind of place you want to rush through for a quick stop.
Yes, we think Bern is worth visiting.
Another angle of Bern Minster.
While the attractions in Bern didn’t give me that ‘wow’ factor, I still wanted to check out the capital and see what it was like. My verdict is that Bern is worth visiting for visitors who are more low-key and don’t mind exploring a scenic, calm, pleasant city. If you’re looking for something more lively, than perhaps give Bern a miss.
More Bern statues and fountains!
All in all, I still thoroughly enjoyed visiting Bern and would recommend that you check it out for yourself.