18 Secrets & Travel Tips in Bern, Switzerland
Bern is not the first place you think of when planning a trip to Europe but let me tell you, Bern is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. These are my 18 hidden secrets & best places to visit for the capital of Switzerland.
Too many boring travel guides are available these days for Bern and are often all the same, that's why I dug deep into the capital of Switzerland to bring you the best hidden spots during the summer months.
Places
1. Aare Jump
The Swiss Alps produce some of the purest water I have ever seen and in Bern you can jump in the river to go downstream at 13KM per hour.
2. Freibad Marzili
Switzerland has many FREE attractions, this swimming pool is one of them. A great place to enjoy the sun and local activities.
3. Barenplatz
Grab brunch at the cozy Barenplatz crowded with patios, restaurants and bars.
4. Hollanderturm
The famous defense tower of Bern is located next to the Barenplatz.
5. Bundeshaus
The national parliament building of Switzerland offers astonishing views of Bern and is open to the public on Swiss National Day.
6. Marktgasse
The famous shopping street in Bern loaded with boutique stores but pay attention to the trams.
7. The Child Eater
Known in German as the Kindlifresserbrunnen, nobody really knows why this horrific statue since it is almost 500 years old.
8. Zytglogge
One of the oldest clock towers in Europe and extremely popular with the tourists.
9. Kramgasse
The most gorgeous street in Switzerland with a creek running underneath providing water to all the cute fountains.
10. Einstein Haus
The famous apartment Einstein came up with the formula E=MC2
11. Bernermunster
The tallest church in Switzerland, currently under renovation.
12. Nydeggbrucke
From this bridge you'll experience the most iconic view of Bern, especially on a clear day.
13. Barengraben
Bern means bear in Old German, that's why the city has its own bear park right next to the Nydeggbrucke.
14. Swiss Brand Museum
For an exhibition of all the products the Swiss produced over the past decades.
15. Andrianos Bar and Cafe
One of the best bars downtown Bern and a great place to meet the locals.
16. Kornhauskeller
Fancy restaurant and bar in the basement underneath the Zytglogge.
17. Swiss National Day
Enjoy the massive fireworks show during Swiss National Day from the Bundeshaus plaza.
18. Munsterplatform
Iconic park next to the Bernermunster and a great place to hangout during the Swiss National Day fireworks show.
Kick off Bern with a refreshing jump in the Aare river which flows at speeds up to 13 km per hour while you hold onto your airbag containing your clothes.
gorgeous skyline of Bern - capital of Switzerland
For lunch I recommend grabbing a bite at a patio on the Barenplatz downtown Bern loaded with adorable little restaurants and bars.
Kramgasse is the main shopping street with a gorgeous view on the Zytglogge clocktower, the photos simply don't do this place justice.
beautiful Kramgasse street in Bern, Switzerland
Bern is well known for being the residence of Professor Einstein, you can visit his original apartment on the Kramgasse. This is also the same place where Einstein came up with the formula E=MC2.
For a fun evening grab a couple of beers at Antonio's Bar & Cafe next to the Zytglogge. I ended up playing a fun game called Corridor with some of the locals and met a couple of friendly girls from Zurich.
meeting the Swiss locals at Adriano's Cafe in Bern, Switzerland
In conclusion, Bern is a great summer destination for a pitstop during a road trip through the Swiss Alps. Due to its small size, 2 days is sufficient to see the entire city. Happy travels!
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