Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a lot to offer. Its charming views, medieval buildings, and romantic setting make it an ideal place to explore.
To start with, there is the renowned Zytglogge (Clock Tower). It’s the darling of the city and one of the most favoured ‘meeting spots’.
Aare River
The Aare River flows through the Swiss capital of Bern. It’s the city’s natural landmark and has been a major water source for centuries.
The river’s horseshoe bend curves around Bern to a point just above the Capitol building. It’s a great place to relax and take in the views of this beautiful historic town.
Locals love to swim in the Aare, especially in summer. There are several free bathing locations, including Freibad Marzili and Eichholz park, where people come to soak up the sun.
You can also take a guided tour of the Aare. They are usually very popular and will give you a good insight into the city’s history.
Bear Park
The Bear Park, or Barenpark, is one of the best sights to see in Bern. The city’s heraldic animal has been freed from the zoo-like pits it’s traditionally been kept in and moved to the slopes of the Aare River.
Historically, Bern’s ties to bears are rooted in its name and legends about the founding Duke Berchtold V of Zahringen who named the city after the first animal he killed in his hunt on the Aare Penisula.
The bear pits have long been a top sight to see, especially with kids. However, in 2009 a new Bear Park replaced the old bear pits, giving bears a much larger space to roam and better fitting modern notions of humane animal care.
Zahringerbrunnen
Zahringerbrunnen is a fountain in the old town of Bern. It's dedicated to the founder of the city, Berchtold von Zahringer.
It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sights of the city. It's a popular destination for local families and couples, especially during the summer months.
This area is also home to many of the city's important landmarks, including Bern's iconic clock tower, Zytglogge, and Kafigturm. It also features several other medieval buildings and arcades.
Lauferbrunnen
The small village of Lauterbrunnen is a fairytale-like location surrounded by snow-covered mountains and waterfalls. Its quaint medieval Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site, featuring numerous fountains and colorful flags.
If you want to see a famous landmark in the Old Town, go for Zytglogge, which is one of the remaining remnants of Bern's first city walls. The clock tower has a great view over the city and also features an astronomical clock that strikes on the hour.
If you're looking for a hike, you can try the trails criss-crossing the mountains. During winter, the snow-covered mountains are absolutely stunning and you can even take part in outdoor activities such as sledding or snowboarding.
Rosengarten
Bern is a beautiful city with a great many sights to see and to do. Whether you’re an art buff, a history nerd, or a nature lover, there is something for everyone in this historic city.
One of the most beautiful places in Bern is Rosengarten (also known as the Rose Garden Park). It sits on a hill slope just across the Aare River from the city center and features more than 200 different types of roses along with other flowers such as irises, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
The Rose Garden is a great spot for taking in a view of Bern’s Old Town and even the Alps, especially during a clear day. It also offers a playground, picnic areas, and a restaurant that serves fine Swiss food.
