Recreation & Enjoyment

Bern locals have really perfected the art of living! They love to find a seat and take in the breathtaking mountain panorama in the distance, swim in the Aare river, or stroll leisurely beneath the charming arcades of the Old Town. We can help you discover how and where the people of Bern live life to the fullest in this capital of leisure.

The photo shows a sunny terrace of a restaurant surrounded by lush greenery. An awning casts an interesting shadow pattern on the floor and tables. The white, modern chairs and the neatly laid table create a fresh and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for an al fresco lunch or a coffee break on a sunny day.

Leisure

Why are there bears in Bern? Where did Einstein develop his theory of relativity? In which neighbourhoods were the melt-in-your-mouth Lindt balls and the world-famous Toblerone invented? You will find the answers to all these questions and more on our city tours through the capital city. There are also exciting experiences in Bern's regions, such as enjoyable bike tours or visits to show cheese dairies.

The photo shows an exhibition room with documents and a suit that conveys an intellectual and historical atmosphere.

City Tours

The city tours are as varied as Bern itself. Packed with interesting and worth knowing, funny and amazing, historical and current events, they are instructive, exciting, sometimes spooky – and guaranteed to be entertaining.

City Tours The most popluar city tours in Bern

A tour guide, recognisable by his badge, tells a group of listeners, who are listening attentively and with interest, something about the city of Bern, which can be seen in the background. The scene appears lively and is filled with an atmosphere of learning and curiosity.

Did you know that there are more than 100 fountains in Bern’s UNESCO-designated Old Town offering drinking water of such high quality that it meets the purity requirements of mineral water? The history of Bern's water supply dates back to the Middle Ages. This Zähringer city already had numerous water supply points for its inhabitants in the 13th century.

More information about city tour: Bern, City of Fountains

Events

An overview of events in and around Bern can be found in the event calendar of Bern Welcome (the German version is more comprehensive).

Event calender

The photo shows a cycling event in which people of different age groups ride bicycles through an inflatable gate labelled "HELLO VELO!".

Activities and Excursions

Experience unforgettable moments and create lasting memories with our hand-picked activities and excursions in the city of Bern and the Emmental, Oberaargau, Gantrisch and Laupen regions! Start your journey to new adventures now!

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The picture offers a wonderful perspective from the Chuderhüsi viewing tower in Röthenbach, characterised by the natural wooden railings and roof construction. The view opens onto a wide panorama of rolling hills and forests bathed in the warm light of sunset. The sky is dramatic with cloud patterns and radiant colours, and in the distance the outlines of the mountains stand out, highlighting the majestic beauty of nature.

Bern for families

Adventurous playgrounds, activities for rainy days and family-friendly cafés - there's plenty to discover and experience for young and old in and around Bern. We show you what the federal city has to offer for excursions with the little ones.

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The picture shows a family at a fountain in front of the Zytglogge.

Das Bild zeigt zwei Wanderer auf einem sonnigen Pfad im Naturpark Gantrisch. Vor ihnen erheben sich majestätisch die schneebedeckten Berge, während die warme Morgensonne die Landschaft in ein goldenes Licht taucht. Die Stimmung ist ruhig und friedlich, erfüllt von der Freiheit und dem Abenteuer der Natur. Die Weite des Tals und die imposanten Gipfel im Hintergrund vermitteln ein Gefühl von Ehrfurcht und innerem Frieden, während die Wanderer den Weg in dieser beeindruckenden Landschaft geniessen.

Switzerland’s most colourful autumn

Autumn in Bern

Art & Culture

Renowned museums and galleries, unique architecture and numerous cultural events contribute to Bern's reputation as a centre of culture. In addition to internationally renowned art, there are other treasures to be found in Bern's cultural scene: discover them for yourself.

The picture shows the elegant interior of a concert hall at the Casino Bern with classical architecture. Warm light illuminates the ornate decorations and creates an atmosphere of anticipation and awe as people on stage prepare for an upcoming event.

Art and Culture

Besucher erkunden interaktiv eine moderne Ausstellung. Die spielerische, kreative Atmosphäre ist spürbar, während sie zwischen den Exponaten und ungewöhnlichen Installationen flanieren. Neugier und Vergnügen mischen sich im Raum.

Bern’s Museums

The photo captures a lively, artistic scene in the old town of Bern. Various groups of people stand and sit together, surrounded by colourful, transparent art installations that float above their heads and form a kind of flowing roof. The people seem to be having relaxed conversations and enjoying the urban hustle and bustle in a relaxed atmosphere. The Federal Palace with its green dome can be seen in the background.

Culture in Bern

Cinemas

The latest feature film or would you prefer an arthouse premiere? The film culture in Bern and the surrounding area offers you both: you surely will not miss anything here.

Architecture

The well-preserved buildings in Bern's Old Town date back to the Middle Ages. In addition to these gems, the bucket list for architecture reveals where other architectural treasures can be found in the destination of Bern.

The evening photo shows the Paul Klee Centre in Bern. Its illuminated, undulating contours create an almost musical atmosphere that emphasises the artistic flair of the location and the tranquil natural surroundings.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping in Bern's Old Town is a unique experience. In addition to the countless shops, boutiques and studios located under the historic arcades, you can find regional products from Bern and the region at the weekly markets.

Just outside the city, the Westside shopping and experience centre invites you to shop, linger and relax in style.

In this vibrant photograph, the warm connection between two friends takes centre stage as they enjoy the bustling atmosphere beneath Bern's historic arcades. Their easy laughter and exchanged glances capture a moment of genuine joy and connection as they stroll between unique shops and boutiques.

Bernese Treasures

In the picture, two smiling women stroll past market stalls set up in the open air in a street with historical flair. The scene is lively and inviting.

Bern Markets

The picture shows the Westside shopping and experience centre in Bern, designed by the famous architect Daniel Libeskind. The striking architecture with its oblique angles and combination of wood and glass gives the building a modern and dynamic appearance.

The Shopping and Leisure Center Westside

Shoppingparadies Bern

Shops, markets and boutiques: Bern is a true shopping paradise. And thanks to the six kilometres of arcades, even wind and weather cannot spoil a shopping spree.

Find your shops in and around Bern here.

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Inside the "Chäshütte", two people smile from behind a counter full of cheese specialities, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Duty-free shop for diplomats

Geneva is home to the only duty-free shop for diplomats in Switzerland. It is accessible to people with privileged status from embassies and international organisations.

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The picture shows carefully arranged perfume bottles with essential oils that exude an atmosphere of sophistication and tranquillity. The soft light emphasises the golden and amber-coloured liquid in the bottles, suggesting exquisite and fragrant contents.

Das Bild zeigt ein lächelndes älteres Paar, das in einem Hofladen frische Erdbeeren und Gemüse hält, umgeben von einer Atmosphäre ländlicher Einfachheit und Lebensfreude.

Need a break?

The Best Farm Shops in Bern

Gourmet

Bern is a city for connoisseurs and has a lot to offer when it comes to cuisine. Whether in a cosy Old Town café, on a discovery tour through Bern's beer culture or in a trendy restaurant with vegan cuisine: here, all palates are catered for.

The picture shows a cheerful group of people clinking glasses in an outdoor restaurant. They are smiling and seem to be enjoying each other's company as they sit surrounded by an elegant ambience. The photo conveys an atmosphere of joy and togetherness, perfect for a cosy get-together among friends.

Food & Drinks

A guide packed with Bern's finest culinary experiences – discover restaurants, bars and cafés in Bern and the surrounding area.

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The photo shows a rustic table setting at Restaurant Sua in Bern with tastefully arranged dishes and wine, creating a relaxed, convivial atmosphere for an enjoyable meal with friends.

Restaurants in Bern

Whether traditional Swiss cuisine, sophisticated nouvelle cuisine, French classics or Mediterranean specialities – gourmets will find everything their hearts desire in Bern.

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The photo shows the hustle and bustle in the lively Casino Bern restaurant, captured in soft light and an atmosphere full of murmuring voices and laughter, conveying a feeling of warmth and conviviality.

Hotels

Whether luxurious in Bern's city centre, authentic in the trendy district or quiet and down-to-earth in the countryside: there is accommodation to suit every taste in the region of Bern.