72 hours in Bern for history buffs and architecture aficionados

History buffs are in for a real treat in Café Einstein. After all, it’s not every day that you can have breakfast in Albert Einstein’s former home. The café also offers a wide selection of international newspapers so visitors can keep up on with world events. Energised by breakfast, you can continue your tour of the old town. For more background information, try the “UNESCO Stroll Through the Old Town”, where Bernese experts offer insights into the city. Afterwards, it’s time for a little museum detour: cross the Kirchenfeldbrücke to the Bern Historical Museum. Here you will find a unique collection of exhibits on the history of Bern and the world.

Now, it’s time to dine like one of our Federal Councillors, and there’s no better place for that than the legendary Entrecôte Fédérale. Located directly opposite the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building), the restaurant serves many delicious house specialities, such as the Entrecôte Café de Paris. Whether you take a seat on the terrace or in the “Bundesratsääli” (Councillor’s Room) with its portraits of all the Federal Councillors, your visit to the Entrecôte Fédérale will remain in your memory for a long time.

Once you’ve regained your strength, it’s time to walk off your meal. What better way to do this than climbing the stairs of the imposing “Zytglogge” (Clock Tower) on a guided tour? Afterwards, take a quick break on the Minster Terrace and then make your way to the Zentrum Paul Klee. The building is impressive enough to just be admired from the outside, but the exhibitions inside are just as fascinating. The restaurant Uma in the Bäre tower in Ostermundigen is also close by and is the perfect spot to enjoy a well-deserved aperitif with views over the city of Bern.

Sunsets are not just for lovebirds and couples: The Rose Garden offers a unique panoramic view of the old town that is only enhanced by the colourful display as night falls. At this point, your stomach will probably start to growl. Luckily, the Klötzlikeller is very close by. In this historic cellar in Bern’s old town, you can feast on classics such as cordon bleu or the homemade Klötzli Rösti (Swiss hash brown). And if you’re in the mood for a night cap afterwards, the Kornhausbar is just around the corner. Oh, and if you’re staying the night, you can’t go wrong with the Hotel Belle Epoque. You’ll find a peaceful night’s sleep in the charming rooms decorated in the style of days gone by. Sleep tight!

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Then, it’s a train out of Bern, followed by a bus ride to Eggiwil to explore the Eggiwiler Haus- und Brückenweg (Eggiwil House and Bridge Trail). This scenic route showcases the Emmental’s rich carpentry tradition, with its iconic covered wooden bridges and impressive farmhouses. The grand farmhouses, with their sweeping roofs, and the covered wooden bridges are popular with visitors of all ages. Wood has always played a central role in the Emmental and, despite modern techniques, remains a key building material. Meticulously tended flowerbeds and gardens add to the charm of the farms and make the landscape even more picturesque. For those who prefer to explore on wheels, e-bikes are available for hire and are the perfect way to take in the scenery at a leisurely pace.

After a morning of exploring, stop off at the Hotel Hirschen Eggiwil for a traditional Swiss meal. The best part? Every dish is prepared with fresh, local ingredients, most of which come from the surrounding region. Attention to detail is a way of life here, and the art of cooking is truly celebrated. Oh, and the icing on the cake? The restaurant is set in a picturesque landscape of meadows and rolling hills, with breathtaking views of the Pre-Alps.

Next up is the historic Zähringer town of Burgdorf, where you can choose from a range of activities. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss a tour of the Burgdorfer Bier brewery, while architecture aficionados can take a guided tour of the town. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you’ll feel right at home in the Museum Franz Gertsch, which has a variety of exhibitions just waiting to be discovered. Meanwhile, the impressive Burgdorf Castle invites you immerse yourself in the history of the region through its interactive exhibition. And when you need a break, one of the charming old town cafés is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional afternoon snack, or “Zvieri”, as the Swiss call it.

Foodies are in for a treat at the Stadthaus Burgdorf. Guests can enjoy both classic, hearty brasserie dishes as well as sophisticated Gault Millau creations, often featuring regional ingredients from local producers. And when the stomachs are full and the eyes begin to droop, Stadthaus Burgdorf’s 18 luxuriously furnished rooms are the perfect place to spend the night. Or, if you’ve always dreamed of spending the night in a castle, the youth hostel at Burgdorf Castle provides a budget-friendly option. And who knows – perhaps a final nightcap in front of the castle will be served with a shooting star overhead.

After a good night’s sleep, the day starts with a hearty breakfast (again). Then, it’s back to Bern. From the Minster Terrace, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Alps. Then it is on to the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building), where a guided tour offers a fascinating insight into Swiss politics and history. Whether it’s in the domed glass hall, the parliamentary chambers, or the Wandelhalle (foyer), there’s plenty to discover about the workings of the parliament and the history of the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building).

If you want to feel like a member of parliament, you should head to Lorenzini for lunch, right next to the ”Zytglogge” (Clock Tower) for some Italian delicacies. Fans of Tuscan cuisine won’t be disappointed – the homemade pasta creations are a highlight, while classics such as Filetto di Manzo (beef fillet) and Scaloppine di Vitello (veal escalope) remain firm favourites. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll across the Kornhausbrücke for a unique view of Bern’s old town. And for those with a sweet tooth, a quick stop at Bread à Porter for their legendary Carac (a tart-like pastry with chocolate filling) is an absolute must.

After three action-packed days, it’s time to relax. And what’s the best way to do that? Bernaqua, just behind the modern Westside shopping centre in the western part of the city. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy day and let the bubbling water work its magic. For a bit of retail therapy, a shopping trip to Westside is a great way to round off the experience before heading back to the city centre.

A visit to the unique Kornhauskeller restaurant is the perfect way to round off three unforgettable days in Bern. Architecture lovers will be in for one last treat, and the culinary experience won’t disappoint either. The menu focuses on regional and seasonal ingredients, complemented by Bernese specialities and hearty classics. Wine lovers will also be delighted with the extensive selection from the in-house wine cellar – ideal for raising a glass to an incredible trip. Cheers!