The picture shows the famous Zytglogge (clock tower) in Bern, Switzerland. It is a busy street scene with historic buildings on both sides leading up to the tower. The tower is decorated with a large clock and ornaments. People walk along the street while the shops in the arcades are illuminated. The scene looks festive and lively, with a cosy evening atmosphere.

Bank holiday? Perfect for a getaway to Bern!

Published: 03.11.2025

Spend a relaxing weekend in the nation’s federal city and discover all it has to offer. Beneath the festively decorated arcades of Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, charming boutiques invite visitors to enjoy some relaxed Christmas Shopping. The Christmas markets delight with lights, tempting aromas and sweet indulgences. And with the Bern Ticket included from just one overnight stay, guests enjoy free public transport – perfect for discovering Bern’s winter magic at a leisurely pace.

Christmas in Bern

The decorated arcades and the scent of roasted almonds say it all: the atmospheric Christmas season is arriving in the federal city, ready to create unforgettable festive moments. Our tips offer insights into magical Christmas experiences and inspire you to rediscover well-loved seasonal specialities in a new way.

Christmas in Bern

The picture shows Bern's festively illuminated Christmas market on Waisenhausplatz. People stream past, wrapped in warm jackets, while the lights create a magical and inviting atmosphere. The mood is lively and full of anticipation.

Bern’s Christmas markets and winter pop-ups

The picture shows two people Christmas shopping in front of a festively decorated shop window. They are smiling and holding gift bags in their hands. The mood is cheerful and festive, with a hint of anticipation for the holidays.

Christmas gift guide: from Bern with love

Winter magic with flavour

After a day of shopping, it’s time for a well-earned break. Bern is home to many welcoming places – from traditional restaurants to urban bars. Particularly charming are the vaulted cellars of the UNESCO-listed Old City, where you can savour the moment in style. Whether it’s a hearty fondue, a light apéro or a fragrant coffee with a sweet «Zimtschecke» (cinnamon bun’s) – festive indulgence is guaranteed in Bern.

The picture shows a romantically laid table in the Rosengarten restaurant, with a fondue pot and a view of the city of Bern at night. The atmosphere is cosy and inviting, perfect for an intimate dinner with an impressive panorama.

Everything about Swiss cheese in Bern

The picture shows a convivial group in the Rosengarten restaurant in Bern, enjoying a fondue with a magnificent view of the city of Bern in the background, creating an atmosphere of cosiness and friendship.

Bern’s best fondue spots

The picture shows a restaurant at dusk with guests sitting outside. A magnificent building can be seen in the background. The lighting of the restaurant and the blue hour create a calm and pleasant atmosphere, ideal for an outdoor dinner.

Our restaurant tips with traditional Swiss cuisine

Guided city tours in the heart of Switzerland

A guided tour gives interesting insight into the history of the federal city, takes you to hidden places, and offers new perspectives. Be it a classic city tour, a themed tour, or a guided tour through mysterious vaulted cellars – there’s something for every taste.

Book now

The picture shows a group of people listening to a city guide on the Bundesplatz in front of the Bundeshaus in Bern. The sun casts soft shadows and creates a relaxed, attentive atmosphere, while the listeners, wrapped in warm clothing, appear interested and curious. The atmosphere is calm and culturally enriching.

The picture shows the Zytglogge, a landmark of the city of Bern in Switzerland. It is a medieval tower with a large clock that still works. A large Swiss flag flies in front of the tower and a few people can be seen on the street.

Zytglogge (Clock Tower)

The picture shows Bern in the morning mist, while smoke rises from chimneys. The old town with its bridges and the snow-covered Alps behind it create a picturesque, peaceful atmosphere that radiates calm and serenity.

Bern's Old City

The picture shows the Christmas market in front of the illuminated Bern Minster. People stroll through the festively decorated stalls, illuminated by warm lights that create a cosy and festive atmosphere. The mood is cheerful and lively.

Bernese Minster

Also included in the Bern Ticket are the Gurten and Marzili funiculars as well as the lift up to the Minster terrace.

Bern for culture vultures

Discover art, dive into history, get inspired – all in one day in Bern. Stroll through the Zentrum Paul Klee, travel back in time at the Einstein Museum or visit the Kunstmuseum, one of the oldest art museums in Switzerland.

Museum tips

The picture shows two young women in an art gallery having a lively conversation. They are standing next to paintings and appear cheerful and relaxed, conveying an atmosphere of lightness and cultural enjoyment in a setting of classical art.

Tip: buy a Museum Card and get 24 hours of free access to all museums in the city of Bern with their collections and special exhibitions (Bern Animal Park not included).

Four visitors linger in front of a huge, detailed winter landscape in the Franz Gertsch Museum. Two are sitting on a bench, two are standing in front of it in amazement. The scene radiates calm and contemplation - a moment of pause in the fascinating world of art.

72 hours in Bern for culture vultures

Three people enjoy the view from the Oberaltösch alp in the Emmental during a snowshoe hike. The sun is shining and the views of the Bernese Alps are marvellous.

Winter in Bern

Spending the night in the federal city

To ensure a good night’s sleep on the long weekend, Bern offers the perfect accommodation for every taste and budget. Staying the night will give you plenty of time to also explore the city’s surroundings.

Check in now Arrival and departure