December 25, 2026
Christmas
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Closures of institutions and shops are possible on that date.
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Bern, founded in the 12th century, is today the capital of Switzerland and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its kilometres of arcaded pavements, vibrant market, and the legendary Clock Tower, the city blends a rich history with a charming, relaxed atmosphere. Visitors fall in love with its cobbled streets, riverside panoramas, and the former home of Albert Einstein, where the theory of relativity was born.
December 25, 2026
What this means for you
Closures of institutions and shops are possible on that date.
What to do
Check the current status before you arrive.
December 26, 2026
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Closures of institutions and shops are possible on that date.
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January 1, 2027
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March 26, 2027
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March 29, 2027
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May 6, 2027
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May 17, 2027
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Closures of institutions and shops are possible on that date.
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August 1, 2027
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Closures of institutions and shops are possible on that date.
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Everything you need for Bern in one place
The Old Town of Bern was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 as an example of a city that has preserved its mediaeval street layout while simultaneously becoming a modern capital. The city was founded in the 12th century on a hill encircled by the River Aare. After a great fire in 1405, the wooden houses were gradually replaced by stone buildings and timber-framed houses, and the streets are lined with 15th-century arcades — around six kilometres of covered walkways with shops in total. The Old Town has more than 100 historic fountains, eleven of which bear figures dating from the 16th century; eight of those figures were crafted by the sculptor Hans Gieng. The water in all the city's fountains is safe to drink, so you can refill your bottle as you go. The best approach is to walk from Zytglogge down Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse towards the Nydeggbrücke and the Bear Park.
Zytglogge has stood at the heart of the Old Town since the 13th century, and after a fire in 1405 it was converted into a clock tower. The clock mechanism and astronomical clock date from 1530; the astronomical clock displays the months, lunar phases, zodiac signs, and the times of sunrise and sunset. The procession of figures begins four minutes before the hour: a golden cockerel crows, a jester rings a bell, bears parade in a circle, and Chronos turns an hourglass. Finally, the figure of Hans von Thann strikes the bell at the top of the tower. The interior can only be visited with a guide: the tour lasts one hour, involves around 130 steps, ends at a viewing platform, and must be booked in advance, with prices starting from 12 francs. The tower is not accessible to wheelchair users.
The foundation stone of Bern Minster was laid in 1421, and the upper octagonal section of the spire was not completed until 1889–1893. With a tower rising 100 metres, it is the tallest church in Switzerland. A total of 344 steps lead up to the viewing platform at 64 metres, with a rest stop at 46 metres along the way. The main portal features a Last Judgement scene with more than 200 figures and is well worth a close look before you enter. Right beside the church is the Münsterplattform, a former church cemetery shaded by large chestnut trees and dotted with benches, offering views over the Aare river, the Matte quarter, and the Alps. From the platform, the Matelift carries visitors down to Badgasse street in the Matte quarter, right alongside the river.
Murten is a bilingual small town on Lake Murten, in the canton of Fribourg, founded in the 12th century by the Dukes of Zähringen.
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The Bernese Platter is the most iconic dish from Bern: a large plate of sauerkraut and dried green beans served with sausages, bacon, ham, and pork ribs. It is a winter-stores dish — hearty and rich — and Bern Welcome itself notes that it is not suitable for vegetarians or for sensitive stomachs. It takes a long time to prepare, so not every restaurant serves it; in the Old Town, it is kept alive by traditional establishments. Bern Welcome lists Kornhauskeller and Della Casa in the city centre, as well as Gasthof Kreuz in Wohlen and Restaurant Bären in Oberbottigen, outside the centre, as reliable addresses for the Bernese Platter. Gasthof Kreuz in Wohlen also offers a vegetarian version, but only during the winter months.
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