9 Fun Things To Do In Bern – Switzerland

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Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is best known for its unique architectural structures, cultural heritage, iconic Bearpit, and beautiful fountains.

 

Culturally, the historic city is home to UNESCO’s World Heritage site in the Old City, where millions of tourists visit every year to pay their respects and engage with its rich historical significance.

 

As a popular tourist destination, Bern stands out for its serenity and calmness. In contrast to many capital cities in the world, the city boasts a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place to visit and have fun with family and friends during the holiday season.

 

Are you planning a visit to Bern, Switzerland? Here, we will share 9 fun things to do in Bern.

 

9 Fun Things To Do In Bern

There are many fun things to do in Bern, Switzerland. Here are a few activities that make Bern, Switzerland, worth visiting.

 

1.     Visit the famous Old Town of Bern

Located on the hilltop and surrounded by the Aare River, the Old Town is one of the best places to have fun, especially for history buffs. It is a preferred tourist destination because of its cultural heritage and significance.

 

UNESCO recognizes this 12th-century medieval town as both culturally and historically significant. It boasts several beautiful features, including ancient picturesque buildings, fountains, and colourful flags, making it an ideal place for family and friends to have fun.

 

2.     Stroll through the rose garden in Bern

The Rose Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Bern. The garden features over 200 species of roses, trees, and flowers. It offers tourists a rare sighting of the majestic Old City and a relaxed atmosphere.

 

Also, the garden has a library for book lovers, perfect scenery for pictures, and a restaurant, making it a worthwhile place to have fun with friends and family.

 

3.     Clock tower – The Zytglogge

The Zytglogge is a medieval clock in Bern, located in Old Town. The clock is famous for its cultural and historical significance.

Annually, millions of tourists gather in front of the Clock Tower in the Old City to watch the clock strike at a specific moment. However, just before the clock strikes the hour, a rooster crows, signalling the start of a breathtaking spectacle.

 

The interior features a medieval clockwork mechanism, thick stone walls, and massive wooden beams that will attract the interest of history buffs looking to journey to the past. The tower guide helps tourists navigate the tower walls and engage with its history.

 

The clock also features an astronomical calendar and a musical mechanism perfectly displayed above the Tower’s entrance. Ultimately, the tower features several captivating displays of celestial information that will enthral young and old visitors to stay a while and have fun.

 

4.     The Bernisches Historisches Museum

The Bernisches Historisches Museum is also known as the Einstein Museum. Designed by architect André Lambert in 1894, the museum houses over 500,000 objects from the Stone Age to the present, representing different cultures in the world.

 

Also, the museum contains some iconic sculptures, including the Bernese sculptures, two Bernese mayoral thrones, and the hydria. Besides all these artefacts, Switzerland’s second-largest museum is also home to a collection of Einstein’s best work and biography. It is a worthwhile place to visit for fun in Bern.

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5.     Bern Minster (The Cathedral of Bern)

 

Situated in the centre of Old Town, the Bern minster features the highest church spire in Switzerland, towering at approximately 384 feet long. The Gothic-style building is one of the most important landmarks of the capital. It sits above the rooftops of the Old City, dominating the skyline.

 

The building’s interior features attractive fixtures, including sculptures, frescoes and stained glass windows. As a popular tourist spot, you can join a tour to learn about the history.  Bern minster is a worthwhile destination for families and friends looking for fun things to do in Bern.

 

6.     Spend the summer in Aare River

If you are looking for fun things to do in Bern, visit the Aare River. In the summer, this beautiful and windy river is a popular destination for locals and tourists.

 

You can spend the summer with family and friends, swimming, rafting and surfing in the Aare River. However, not everyone is allowed to swim in this river.

 

Also, remember to take your bag with you to protect your valuables and keep your clothes from getting wet. Aare River is a good place for family and friends looking to spend a good time away from the rowdiness of city life.

 

7.     Zentrum Paul Klee

Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, the iconic Zentrum Paul Klee museum houses some of the best works of Paul Klee and other famous artists. The exhibition features around 4,000 works of art by the artist, including paintings, drawings, watercolours, and sculptures.

 

Additionally, the museum features a refreshment centre, including a café that offers delicious snacks and drinks. The museum also has a shop at the entrance where you can purchase Klee’s souvenirs and learn about art. As a popular tourist spot, Klee’s Museum is one of the best places for you in Bern.

 

8.     The Barenpark Bern (The Bear Park)

This popular tourist site is a beautiful place to do fun things in Bern. Situated at the centre of the Old Town, it features an enclosed bear habitat, which holds significant importance and is a source of pride for the locals.

 

So, when you next visit Bern for leisure, don’t forget to visit the famous Bearpit. It’s a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the holiday season.

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9.     Zoo Bern (Tierpark Dählhölzli)

Situated in Bern, the Tierpark Zoo is home to over 200 animal species and 3000 animals, including leopards, snakes, grey wolves, otters, muskox, monkeys, and bears.

 

Also, it features a wide variety of birds, such as the snowy owl, flamingos, the black stork, and the rock ptarmigans.

 

Over the years, the zoo has become a popular tourist destination, and you can visit 365 days of the year, making the place an ideal place for you to see when you visit the old town.

 

Frequently asked questions

What is Bern best known for?

Bern is best known for its Old City, Bearpit, the Bern Minster, and Rose Garden, amongst other things.

 

Is Bern Switzerland worth visiting?

Several places are worth visiting in Switzerland. The fun places in Bern include Bear Park, the Aare River, Bern Minster, and the Old City of Bern.

 

Why is Bern so popular?

Bern is a popular tourist destination because of the Old City of Bern. Annually, millions of tourists visit the site for its cultural and historical significance. Also, it features several beautiful places and picturesque buildings, making it an ideal place for family and friends to have fun.

 

Is there much to do in Bern?

There are many fun things to do in Bern. One such thing includes strolling through Old Town’s iconic buildings and cobblestone streets. Another is visiting the Aare River in summer.

 

Final thoughts – 9 Fun Things To Do In Bern – Switzerland

There are several beautiful places to have fun in Bern. From the famous Old City of Bern, or the Bear Park, to the Rose Garden, Bern is an ideal place to do fun things in Switzerland.

 

It features several sightseeing opportunities, including nature parks, beautiful museums, iconic architectural masterpieces, and other culturally and historically significant places or things.