A local’s guide to Berne, Switzerland: 10 top tips
River Bathing in the City
Switzerland's River Aare, a stream steeped in national fondness for river swimming, positions Berne as Europe's apex of urban swimming. The delightful cerulean hue of the river, a gift from the glacier melt in the Bernese Alps, embodies a crystal clear purity that is safe for swimming even in the heart of the city. The most sought after localities for swimmers include Marzilibad, replete with flattened green expanses for relaxation and an open-air swimming pool. A short distance downstream, you can visit Lorrainebad.
The river's brisk current makes it crucial to pre-determine your entry and, essential exit points, all of which are easily spotted by their red railings. While the river itself is safe for swimming, one must be careful to avoid the distinctly signposted weirs where bathing is prohibited. Extreme sport enthusiasts will be thrilled with paddleboard rentals available at Tip-to-Tail. For real time updates on the river’s temperature and water flow rates, find comprehensive information on Aare Guru.
In addition to the delightful swimming experience, the rich biodiversity of the River Aare is quite impressive, housing diverse flora and fauna. Swimmers often remark on the joy of chance encounters with the river's vibrant ecosystem during their swim, making the experience doubly memorable. Another fun fact is that the locals' enthusiasm for river swimming has contributed to a significant part of Bern's vibrant and unique local culture. Whether you're a swimmer or not, a visit to the River Aare is a must while in Bern.
The best of Swiss art
Switzerland is famed for its world-class art spaces and museums. Among them is the remarkable Paul Klee Zentrum, designed by Renzo Piano, nestled on the fringes of Berne and homing an impressive range of work from the city's distinguished artist, Paul Klee. It also organizes global exhibits and can be reached in a quick 10-minute commute from the heart of the city. The esteemed Kunstmuseum Bern, on the other hand, houses a meticulously curated repertoire of artwork from celebrated Swiss artists like the surrealist Méret Oppenheim from the 20th century, and Ferdinand Hodler, famous for his realistic art known as "parallelism". For a change of scene, the Natural History Museum offers a fascinating encounter with enormous crystal collections, an unforgettable experience that often leaves visitors in awe of the treasures hidden within mountains.
Anarchy on the Aare
Located adjacent to the main railway terminus of Berne, stands a site that is as surprising as it is engaging: the graffiti-adorned Reitschule, or Riding School. This historical edifice was once a horse training school, which saw a transformation unseen in the 1980s when it got occupied by squatters against the city administration's many attempts to evacuate them. This act of resilience breathed a new life into the establishment, turning it into a dynamic cultural hub of the city that is accessible to all. It has now become a place where one can leisurely dwell with no obligation of making any purchases. The interior boasts of a variety of entertainment spots which include bistros, a nightclub, a performing arts theatre as well as a highly rated dining spot, Sous le Pont, where you may witness the unique blend of individuals ranging from corporate persons clad in formal attire to the modern-day anarchists. To top it off, the exterior of Reitschule presents a sublime spectacle on Fridays, teeming with youthful energy of the local residents, with pop-up eateries and bar areas. With the Reitschule standing within a 50 meter radius of the city's most opulent hotel, the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof, it indeed is a true representative of the diversity that Berne has to offer, all within a compact space. For those who are seeking a varied luxury experience, Berne is also surrounded by some of the best casino hotels - https://www.top-hotels-switzerland.com/en/theme/casino-hotels-7/ - in Switzerland offering the charm of exquisite architecture, recreational gaming, and premium accommodations. This juxtaposition of the traditional and the trendy makes the city a fascinating destination for all.
Waterside beds
The recently renovated Bristol offers upmarket boutique-style accommodation right in the heart of the old town, with double rooms at around £202 for B&B. This cost includes the Bern Ticket, providing access to unlimited rides on public transport in the city. On the other hand, family-focused Hotel Jardin situated on the fringes of the Lorraine district is worth considering. At about £150 B&B for doubles and a mere 20-minute stroll from the city center, it offers great value. Another option is the Bern Youth Hostel. Recently rejuvenated, the hostel offers dorm beds and en suite doubles for around £33 and £116 respectively. It's located in between Marzili swimming area and the old town, which makes exploration easier. If you're budget conscious, the most affordable accommodation in the city is perhaps the Eichholz campsite. It's located on the bank of the Aare river and within walking distance from the old town, and it's open from April until the end of September. It costs around £10 for adults and an additional £8 for a small tent, though dorm-style rooms are also an option.
Ice-cream and chocolate
Located throughout the city, the renowned institution of Berne, the Gelateria di Berna is known for its inventive and unique flavours, ranging from the captivating hibiscus flower to a surprisingly delightful combination of strawberry and balsamic vinegar. Chocolate aficionados will swoon over their decadent chocolate sorbet. Another cosy haven to enjoy a laid-back vibe with your pastries and coffee is Apfelgold, also perfect for a leisurely browse through some interesting books. To indulge in an unparalleled Swiss chocolate experience, make your way to Läderach. With outlets on Marktgasse and the central station, Läderach offers a wide variety of chocolates, beautifully displayed in enormous slabs on the counter and sold by weight. Did you know the Swiss eat more chocolate than any other nation in the world? Clearly, they appreciate the good stuff! Interesting fact: Switzerland has more than 450 different varieties of cheese! Now that's a lot of cheese to pair with those incredible chocolates.
Gardens with vistas
To experience a panoramic view of Berne's ancient city, one can ascend from the river to theRosengarten, a picturesque site filled with roses where entry is granted for free. Offering a restaurant for culinary indulgence, its benches become a hotspot in the chillier months due to the warmth of the sunshine. Not far from this is theBotanic Garden which provides free entry, featuring a diverse selection of alpine flora and offering serene spots for relaxation by the river. The garden also accommodates suitable areas for swimming. If you crave more of an adventure, head towardsGurten, known as Berne's local hill, standing at 858 meters and overlooking the city. Featuring a unique funicular railway which ascends you to the peak, a restaurant at the summit and a breathtaking view of the city. It also offers hiking, running and mountain biking trails amidst the greenery of its forested slopes. The highlight of the hill is the thrilling 500-meter long summer toboggan run which is popular among visitors.
Cathedrals and clocks
Scaling the 100-meter spire of the impressive cathedral in Berne should be on every traveler's list. As a local, the breath-taking city views from the top never stop fascinating me, even though I visit regularly. On a particularly clear day, one’s sight may extend all the way to the majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks located in the Bernese Alps. Swiveling the gaze back to the city, one must not miss the iconic 13th-century Zytglogge (clock tower), arguably Berne’s crown jewel. An incredible detail is that the clock mechanism, still perfectly functioning today, was meticulously crafted back in the 16th century. Gladly, one can observe its mysterious intricacy through a daily guided tour launching at 2.30pm - or by appointment, at a modest price. Remember, you're not just observing time, you're stepping into time in the historical center of Berne.
Stroll through arcades
Renowned for their relaxed pace, the Bernese meander through the three-mile stretch of the city's old quarter which boasts shopping avenues from the medieval era. These arcades are uniquely crafted from the area's sandstone, making shopping a blissful experience, safeguarded from unpredictable weather. Make a stop at Bäckerei Bohnenblust for a taste of a local bakery - they offer delectable fresh breads and patisseries. To get a taste of the vibrant Swiss design culture, stop by Chat Noir which offers an eclectic mix of postcards, posters and a variety of artisanal products from local creators.
Beer and bears
The Altes Tramdepot serves some of the best beer in the city. The Bavarian-style beers are brewed on site next to the famous BärenPark (bear park). Unlike most places in Berne, the Tramdepot is open on Sundays. There are craft beers to try at BarBière , which is run by a group of friends who started off brewing in their garage before opening this bar in the hip Lorraine district. IPAs, stouts and porters are the focus here but there are also beers with ingredients like elderflower and cherries when in season. My favourite is a strongly hopped IPA – though the dark malty stouts are also delicious. Nearby Brasserie Lorraine serves unfussy dishes using local, seasonal ingredients (set lunch menu from £14). It has daily vegetarian and vegan options too. The Turnhalle is a cool cultural space in the city centre, popular for an after-work beer. It’s packed on Friday and Saturday evenings and is a popular hangout for the artists and designers who rent studios in the attached cultural centre, ProGR.
Eat fondue in summer
Those who claim that melted cheese is solely a winter delight are gravely mistaken. Harmonie serves the most mouth-watering fondue in Berne - and it's available all year round (with main courses starting from around £16). Besides fondue, this eatery prides itself in offering an array of other splendid Swiss cuisines. For a contemporary spin on traditional Swiss gastronomy, head to the Restaurant Lötschberg (main courses also start from £16) in the old town. You'll feel immersed in Swiss heritage with their modern interpretations of classic recipes.
Ideal Time to Explore
While the balmy summer and early fall layers the town with inviting warmth, perfect for a swim in the river, you’ll find a few brave souls who dive into the chilling 6C water even in the dead of winter. Adding winter to your Swiss travel itinerary isn't a bad idea either as the shroud of snow further enhances the magical charm of Berne. Thrill-seekers can also effortlessly incorporate a skiing trip into their travel plans.