Switzerland

Bern Travel Guide

Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.

Weather
Avg Temp15-25°C (59-77°F)
RainfallModerate, with occasional thunderstorms; approximately 100-120mm per month.
Best TimeSummer is an excellent time to visit Bern, offering warm weather perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

Food & Drink

  • KornhauskellerSwiss, European · $$$$

    Located in a magnificent cellar, this restaurant offers traditional Swiss and European cuisine in a grand, historic setting.

  • Restaurant RosengartenSwiss, International · $$$

    Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Bern while dining on refined local and international dishes. Ideal for a romantic meal.

  • Altes Tramdepot Brauerei und RestaurantSwiss, Brewery · $$

    A popular brewery and restaurant situated right by the Bear Park, serving hearty Swiss fare and house-brewed beers.

  • Mani'sEuropean, Seasonal · $$$

    A cozy and modern restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative take on European dishes.

  • Dachstock Reitschule

    A renowned cultural center and club housed in a former riding school, famous for live concerts, DJ nights, and diverse music genres.

  • ISC Club

    An underground club offering a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse program of electronic music, indie nights, and themed parties.

  • Kreissaal

    A relaxed bar and lounge known for its cozy ambiance, creative cocktails, and occasional DJ sets, popular for evening drinks.

Culture & History

  • Zentrum Paul Klee

    An architectural marvel housing the world's most significant collection of works by artist Paul Klee, alongside exhibitions of other modern art.

  • Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum

    The second-largest historical museum in Switzerland, featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions on Bern's history, culture, and an extensive section dedicated to Albert Einstein.

  • Kunstmuseum Bern (Museum of Fine Arts Bern)

    Switzerland's oldest art museum, boasting a comprehensive collection spanning eight centuries, including works by Swiss and international masters.

  • Pathé Westside

    A large, modern multiplex cinema located in the Westside shopping and leisure center, showing the latest blockbusters in multiple languages.

  • Kino Rex

    A historic cinema in the city center known for its diverse program, including independent films, documentaries, and art-house productions.

  • Gurtenfestival

    One of Switzerland's largest and most famous music festivals, held annually on Gurten mountain, featuring international and national artists across various genres.

  • Busker Street Festival

    A lively street art and music festival that transforms Bern's Old Town into an open-air stage, showcasing artists from around the world.

Nature & Outdoors

  • Marzili Bad

    A famous public outdoor swimming area along the Aare River, featuring large sunbathing lawns, various pools, and direct river access for swimming.

  • Lorraine Bad

    Another popular and slightly more relaxed riverside swimming spot on the opposite side of the Aare, offering a natural swimming experience.

  • Gurten

    Bern's local mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the Alps. Accessible by funicular, it features walking trails, playgrounds, and restaurants.

Active & Fun

  • Activ Fitness Bern

    A popular fitness chain with multiple locations across Bern, offering a wide range of strength and cardio equipment, as well as group classes.

  • Update Fitness Bern

    Modern fitness studios providing state-of-the-art equipment, personal training options, and various fitness courses.

  • Marzili Bad

    Part of the extensive Marzili complex, this outdoor pool area includes several pools (lap, non-swimmer, children's) in addition to river swimming.

  • Weyermannshaus Bad

    One of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Switzerland, featuring a huge natural pond for swimming, traditional pools, and extensive green spaces.