Posted by If you are spending several days in the mountains and lakes of the Bernese Oberland, a short city trip is a great change of pace. One of the most popular and easiest day trips from Interlaken leads to
Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The journey takes only about one hour, making Bern ideal for a relaxed half-day or full-day excursion.
Traveling from
Interlaken to Bern is straightforward by both train and car. While Switzerland is known for higher prices, the train is often the most comfortable option. Trains run every 30 minutes during the day from Interlaken Ost via Interlaken West, Spiez and Thun directly to Bern.
One of the highlights of the journey is the scenic first section along the southern shore of
Lake Thun, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding mountains. A return ticket costs around 50 euros per person (as of 2024). In many cases, this ticket also includes the use of Bern’s public transport on the same day.
Getting Oriented in Bern
Bern is easy to explore on foot. The city’s main shopping and sightseeing street begins right outside the main train station and runs straight through the historic old town. Depending on the section, the street changes its name from Spitalgasse to Marktgasse, then Kramgasse and finally Gerechtigkeitsgasse.
The entire old town lies within a wide bend of the
Aare River and is listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Almost all major sights of Bern are located directly along this route or just a short walk away.
From the train station, you can comfortably walk through the whole old town in about one kilometer. Once you reach the river, you have already crossed the historic center and seen most of Bern’s key attractions.
Video about the sights in the old town of Bern – well done, 14 min
Guided City Tour in Bern
Exploring Bern on your own is easy, but a guided city tour adds much more depth and background. A professional guide explains the history, architecture and hidden details of the old town that most visitors would otherwise miss.
Our recommended walking tour lasts about 1.5 hours and offers an excellent overview of Bern’s historic center. Despite the high quality, the price remains very reasonable at just a little over 20 euros per person, which makes it a great value for money.
The tour focuses on the UNESCO-listed old town and includes the most important streets, landmarks and stories of the Swiss capital. It is especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to understand Bern beyond just walking through the streets.
The guided city tour can be booked easily online in advance, which is recommended during the main travel season. >>> More info and booking
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Sights of Bern
One of the most recognizable landmarks of Bern is the Zytglogge clock tower
.
It stands right in the center of the old town, directly on the main street described above. The tower is famous for its historic carillon and the impressive astronomical clock, both remarkable examples of medieval engineering.
Tip: Zytglogge guided tour
We took a guided tour of the clock tower and can highly recommend it. You gain access to parts of the tower that are otherwise closed to visitors, and the explanations make the history much more vivid. Booking in advance online is recommended:
More info and booking
Just a few steps further along the street, on the right-hand side, you will find the Einstein House (Kramgasse 49). Albert Einstein lived here between 1903 and 1905 – long before the Nazi era, contrary to what many people assume. For a small entrance fee of about five Swiss francs, you can visit his former apartment, which has been preserved largely in its original condition. A cozy café is located on the ground floor.
About 100 meters south of the main street stands Bern Cathedral (Bern Minster), the most important church in the city. The cathedral is impressive both inside and out, and admission is free.
At the end of the main street, you will cross a large bridge over the Aare River. On the right-hand side of the slope below the bridge lies one of Bern’s most unusual attractions: the famous Bear Park. The name “Bern” is closely linked to the word “bear,” and the city has kept bears here for centuries. Today, the modern bear park is free to visit and beautifully designed, with walking paths above and below the enclosure.
If you enjoy walking, you can stroll back through the old town afterward. Along the way, take time to admire Bern’s famous fountains, many of which line the main street. The best known is the Kindlifresserbrunnen, located about 50 meters north of the Zytglogge. If you prefer not to walk back, bus number 12 runs frequently from the Bear Park area to the main train station.
Eating out in Bern
From the main train station all the way to the Bear Park, Bern’s main street is lined with historic arcades known as Lauben. These covered walkways are a distinctive feature of the city and shelter numerous cafés and small restaurants. Many places offer reasonably priced lunch menus by Swiss standards, with main dishes typically costing between 15 and 25 euros.
Budget options such as fast food or kebab shops are also available, although prices are generally higher than in neighboring countries like Germany.
After your visit, you can take the train back to
Interlaken. If you like, you can also stop halfway in
Thun, another charming town worth a short visit. Overall, Bern makes for an excellent and varied day trip from the Bernese Oberland.
Video excursion Bern
#Very good Video about Bern (YouTube, English)
List of important sights in Bern
Zytglogge (Clock Tower): see above
Bern Minster: see above
Federal Palace: Seat of the Swiss parliament, free guided tours available
Rose Garden: Park above the old town with over 200 rose varieties and great views
Bear Park: see above
Einstein Museum and Einstein House: see above
Bern Art Museum: Important art museum with works by Paul Klee, Picasso and others
Aare River: Popular for swimming in summer, especially among locals
Federal Terrace: Viewing terrace below the parliament building
Bern Fountains: Historic fountains throughout the old town, including the Kindlifresserbrunnen
Swiss Alpine Museum
This list is not complete and will be expanded over time.