Ultimate Guide for your Adventure to Bern Switzerland
- Greer Ransom
- Oct 2
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 7
Let me say first off, if you are even considering the idea of traveling to Switzerland, I urge you to stop thinking and take action by booking your trip now! Switzerland is truly one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places I have ever had the pleasure of visiting, and I can assure you that it will not disappoint. With its stunning landscapes, charming cities, and rich culture, Switzerland offers an unparalleled experience for travelers of all kinds. You will witness the natural world at its finest here, from the majestic peaks of the Alps to the serene lakes that dot the countryside.
The vibrant green valleys and the picturesque villages nestled among the mountains create a postcard-perfect setting that is simply unforgettable. So please, don’t hesitate—start booking your adventure now!
I hope you enjoy your journey to Switzerland as much as I did! There is so much to discover and experience, and each moment spent in this beautiful country will leave you with cherished memories that last a lifetime.
🏰 Top Things to Do in the City
Stroll Through the UNESCO Old Town
Bern's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of cobblestone streets, medieval arcades, and historic fountains.
Highlights include: The Zytglogge (clock tower with anamatrinics), the Kindlifresserbrunnen (fountain), Käfigturm (prison bell tower with red clock face), the Cathedral of Bern, and the Parliament Building.
Just walking around town and seein all the shopping, coffee shops, chocolate shops and enjoying the atmosphere is recommended as well.
BOOK A TOUR: tour the city with a guide that will tell you about the rich history and amazing things going on in the city.
Clock tower guide: BOOK HERE
Visit the Bear Park
The Bear Park is home to Bern's iconic European Brown Bears. The park offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic animals in a natural setting. These bears are native to Europe and are a symbol of the town of Bern (which means bear) the city protects these wild(ish) bears and provides a way for them to live free but others to enjoy.
Admire Views from the Rose Garden
The Rosengarten provides panoramic views of Bern's Old Town. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a relaxing moment with a coffee. In the spring and summer months the gaden is blossoming with beautiful flowers. It even has an amazing restaurant where you can try some staple dishes while looking over the beautiful old town. Definitly try and go at sunset.
Spend some time on Gurten mountain
Gurten is Bern’s beloved local mountain, rising 858 meters above sea level and offering a quick escape into nature just 15 minutes from the city center. Easily reached by the Gurtenbahn funicular from Wabern, it’s a car-free oasis with panoramic views over Bern, the Bernese Alps, and the Jura from its summit and observation tower.
Visitors can enjoy easy to moderate hiking trails, family-friendly attractions like playgrounds and a miniature railway, and seasonal activities such as sledding, biking, or beginner skiing. The mountain also features picnic spots and popular restaurants like Gurtners and Tapis Rouge, making it equally suited for a casual outing or a scenic meal. Throughout the year, Gurten is a hub for relaxation, recreation, and events which includes the famous summer Gurtenfestival music event. Tickets to events need to be booked well in advance, so check to see whats happening when you are there. During the off season the park is only open half days during the week.
To get there take the Gurtenban
Explore the River Aare
The turquoise-blue River Aare is central to Bern's identity. In summer, locals enjoy swimming in the river's brisk waters. You can also take a boat ride or simply walk along the riverbanks, or across the Nydeggbrücke bridge to enjoy the scenery.
Rafting Tour: BOOK HERE
🏞️ Top Hiking Trails & Nature Sites Near Bern
Gantrisch Panoramic Trail
This 21 km moderate trail meanders through the pre-Alps west of Thun, providing sweeping views of the Gantrisch chain and distant snow-capped peaks. It's ideal for those seeking a day hike with rewarding vistas.
Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht)
A 1.4 km walk through a dramatic limestone gorge near Meiringen, featuring wooden walkways and tunnels carved by the Aare River. The route is easy and accessible, making it perfect for families and casual hikers.
Emme-Uferweg
This tranquil trail follows the River Emme from Burgdorf to Hasle bei Burgdorf, offering a peaceful riverside experience with opportunities for cycling and leisurely walks.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Known as the "Valley of Waterfalls," Lauterbrunnen boasts 72 waterfalls, including the famous Staubbach Falls. A riverside trail allows for an easy walk through this picturesque valley, with options to extend the hike towards Stechelberg.
Schynige Platte Panorama Trail
Accessible via a historic cogwheel train, this trail offers panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The hike is moderate and provides an excellent alpine experience.
Brienzer-Rothorn (Challenging Hike)
For experienced hikers, the ascent from Brienz to the Brienzer-Rothorn peak is a rewarding challenge. The hike offers stunning views of Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains. After reaching the summit, hikers can descend via a historic cogwheel train, adding a unique element to the adventure.
🏞️ Unique Experience
Cheese Trails
For a blend of hiking and culinary delight, consider exploring Switzerland's cheese trails. These routes lead hikers to alpine dairies where they can sample traditional cheeses like alpkäse. Popular trails include the loop between Horneggli and Alp Gfell and the Engelberg Alpine Cheese Trail. These trails offer a unique way to experience the Swiss Alps while indulging in local flavors.
🚁Helicopter tour
A helicopter tour over Bern provides a unique view of Switzerland's capital. As you rise, the city's architecture and natural beauty unfold, with the helicopter's hum adding to the thrill.
The tour combines breathtaking sights with the excitement of flight, enhanced by the pilot's insights into Bern's history and culture. Each turn offers new perspectives of the city.
As the tour ends, you descend with lasting memories of this extraordinary aerial journey. Whether a local or tourist, a helicopter tour offers a remarkable view of Bern's charm and beauty.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Bern
Fine Dining ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kornhauskeller
Located in a grand vaulted cellar, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a menu featuring local specialties.
Moment
A Michelin-listed restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and elegant ambiance
Mille Sens
Offers a world of flavors with its international menu, providing a fine dining experience in the heart of Bern
Traditional Swiss Cuisine 🍽️ 🥗 🥩
Restaurant Rosengarten
if you want stunning high panoramic views of Bern this is where you need to have dinner. With a menue of traditional cusine and some of the most epic views of the city this is a no-brainer
Harmonie
A historic restaurant serving classic Swiss dishes like fondue and rösti in a cozy, wood-paneled setting.
Casual Dining 🥪
Altes Tramdepot: Situated next to the Bear Park, this microbrewery serves hearty meals and offers a selection of house-brewed beers
Café des Pyrénées
An upbeat gastropub that serves small dishes and coffee as well. Very centrally located and reasonably priced
Café Postgasse
Famous for its mussels and traditional French cuisine, this café provides a warm atmosphere and unique antique interior
Dampfzentrale
A cultural venue with a café offering daily changing menus, perfect for a relaxed meal while enjoying the riverside views Food and Travel Magazine.
🧭 Getting Around
Public Transport: Bern’s public transport system (trams, buses, and S-Bahn trains) is clean, punctual, and well-connected.👉 When you stay at a hotel, hostel, or campsite, you’ll receive a Bern Ticket, which gives free unlimited public transport within the city during your stay.
Walking: The Old Town (Altstadt) is pedestrian-friendly — most attractions are within a 15-minute walk.
Cycling: Bern is bike-friendly. You can rent e-bikes or regular bikes at several locations (e.g., PubliBike).
🍽️ Food & Drink Tips
Try local Swiss dishes: rösti (potato dish), Berner Platte (meat platter), and fondue or raclette.
For Swiss beers and hearty meals, try Altes Tramdepot (by Bear Park).
Tap water in Bern is safe (and delicious) — you can drink from most public fountains!
🏨 Accommodation Tips
Book early if traveling in summer or during festivals (like the Gurtenfestival in July).
If you stay outside the city center, the free Bern Ticket makes it easy to get around.
💡 Money & Costs
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF) — euros are sometimes accepted, but change is given in CHF and they usually charge more. Exchange rate
Switzerland is expensive; save money by:
Buying snacks at Migros or Coop supermarkets.
Using refillable water bottles.
Taking advantage of lunch specials (weekday menus are cheaper).
☀️ Best Time to Visit
Spring (Apr–Jun): Flowers, mild weather, fewer crowds.
Summer (Jul–Sep): Warm, lively outdoor cafés, swimming in the Aare.
Autumn (Oct): Golden light and colorful forests — great for hiking.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Christmas markets, cozy cafés, and nearby ski day trips.
🧳 Practical Tips
Language: German is official; English is widely understood.
Tipping: Optional — rounding up or 5–10% is appreciated.
Power: Type J plug (230 V).
Safety: Very safe city — still, be mindful of pickpockets in busy tourist spots.
Weather: Always pack a light jacket — weather can change quickly.
Greer Ransom | Travel Advisor
Send an Email: info@thegsource-travel.com
Phone/Whatsapp: +1 (706) 248-9565
Comments