Best views in the city of Bern

Standing on the grating at the top of the 22-metre observation tower on the Gurten might cause some shaky knees, even if you’re not normally afraid of heights. But you are rewarded with a fantastic view of nearby Schliern, Köniz and Bern and across the Swiss Mittelland region all the way to the Jura mountains and to the famous peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Whether you take the red Gurtenbahn (funicular), go on foot or by bike: a trip to our local mountain is always worth it – and not just because of the view. After the ascend you can find a quiet spot on the big meadow and enjoy a relaxing picnic.

Did you know that the steeple of the Bern Minster is the highest steeple in all of Switzerland? And just like most late medieval churches, it doesn’t have an elevator, and climbing the 344 steps to the top is not an easy feat. The spectacular view from the top is definitely worth the sweat. The rooftops of the charming houses of Bern’s Old City, the hills of the Bernese Mittelland and the peaks of the mountains Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau – when the weather is clear, you get everything you could wish for in a view. Our tip: Once you get back down, go around the Minster to its terrace to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the turquoise Aare river and the historic Kirchenfeld bridge.

High above the rooftops, Bern’s relaxed way of life truly comes into its own. Whether it’s the view of the Parliament Building, the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Alpine panorama or the gentle rolling hills – this is where outlook and unwind merge into a pleasurable experience. The stylish rooftops in the heart of Bern invite you to enjoy an apéro, a “Fübi” (after-work beer) or culinary discoveries. Cosy lounge cushions, a selection of bites and a refreshing drink or a creative signature cocktail accompany these special moments. Cheers!

130 steps lead to the top of this famous Bernese monument, past two gilded bells that used to regulate the inhabitants’ daily schedules by chiming quarter-hourly and on the hour. Visiting the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) is a must for tourists, not only because of the massive bells and ancient mechanical clockwork. Once you get to the top, you should peer through the little windows: the view of the streets and rooftops of Bern’s Old City is absolutely charming. If you take a closer look, you’ll be able to spot quaint rooftop terraces with colourful flowerpots and lanterns. And if you’re up for a challenge, you can try counting all the chimneys!

The Rosengarten is one of the city’s most popular places when it comes to great views. From here, you can see Bern’s most beautiful features: from the Old City, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the Aare river that flows around it to attractions like the Parliament Building and the Bern Minster, and of course Bern’s local mountain, the Gurten. How to best enjoy the gorgeous view? Meet up with some friends, sit on the long wall, sip refreshing Bernese beers and enjoy the ambiance.

Tucked away behind the iconic Parliament Building, the Bundesterrasse is one of Bern’s most hidden yet impressive viewpoints. From here, the view stretches out across the leafy Marzili quarter, the River Aare and up towards the gently rising Gurten, Bern’s local mountain. On clear days, the majestic silhouette of the Bernese Alps graces the horizon – with the famous trio of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau standing tall.