Half A Day In Bern Itinerary (See Bern In a Few Hours)
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Half a day might not be enough to see every beautiful part of Bern. However, within that short period of time, you can already visit all the unmissable attractions and landmarks in Bern, such as Bundeshaus, Zytglogge, Bern Cathedral, and Rose Garden. Here is why they are a must-see:
- Bundeshaus — the remarkable landmark in Bern
- Zytglogge — the most spectacular place in Bern
- Bern Cathedral — the most imposing architectural attraction in Bern
- Rose Garden — a beautiful place with panoramic views of Bern
There are a few things to keep in mind before you do this, though. Visiting the must-see places in Bern isn’t the only way to enjoy the city in half a day. If you love exploring and sightseeing, Bern has something to offer you. For those who love to wander and explore cities, consider Bern’s other architectural attractions or beautiful fountains. If you love taking pictures, you can visit Bern’s viewpoints, which offer panoramic views and beautiful natural scenery.
Honestly, with all the sights to see in Bern, it’s best to stay longer. But sometimes, time just isn’t on our side. If you’re a traveler with a tight schedule, I’m happy to share some tips on how to make the most of your 3-4 hours or half-day visit to Bern.
In this half-day Bern itinerary, you will be visiting these attractions in the order from nearest to farthest from the main train station of Bern. Above is a map to give you an idea of where you can find these points of interest in Bern.
Note: While the sequence of Bundeshaus, Zytglogge, Bern Cathedral, and Rose Garden is the most efficient route for a half-day itinerary in Bern, it may not always be applicable. This depends on the time of your visit. Don’t forget to take into account the operating hours of the Bern Cathedral, which opens late in the morning and closes at either 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm, depending on the season. The tower closes 30 minutes earlier.
If you need further assistance in exploring Bern, consider this quick 90-minute walking tour of the Old City. It’s perfect if you’re only stopping by Bern for a few hours, say if you want to spend more time in other destinations in Switzerland such as the Jungfrau Region or Lucerne. You can find other experiences that can accommodate your short visit to Bern here.
First Destination: Bundeshaus
Personally, I believe that one of the main reasons people travel to Bern is to discover significant pieces of Swiss history and heritage. While touring the city’s museums is one method to achieve this, a visit to the Bundeshaus is certainly a superior choice, particularly if time is limited.
The Bundeshaus, also known as the Federal Palace of Switzerland, is the place where you can learn insightful details about the country’s rich past in an immersive way. You can join a tour to see more of its interiors, but the sightseeing experience outside should already be enjoyable and worthwhile.
Be inspired to visit Bundeshaus: What is Inside and Outside Bundeshaus (Visiting Guide)
Where is Bundeshaus?
It is located in the southwest part of the old city of Bern, 400 meters (0.25 miles) southeast of the train station (Bahnhof). From the Bahnhof, the Federal Palace is just a five-minute walk through Christoffelgasse and Bundesgasse. Bundesgasse will lead you to Bundesplatz, where you can see the impressive north facade of the Federal Palace (specifically the Parliament Building). On the front are statues and embellishments, symbolizing different values that the Swiss people and government uphold.
What to expect in Bundeshaus?
The facade of the Parliament building is just the beginning of the overall experience you can have at the Federal Palace. You can go inside the Federal Palace and see fascinating artifacts like an exact replica of the first constitution of Switzerland, the first map of Switzerland, and more.
You might want to join the free 1-hour tour inside the Federal Palace for a more thorough experience (links to more information at the end of this post). Only by joining a tour can you enter the chambers where the parliament conducts their sessions.
When you visit, don’t forget to download the “Federal Palace Audio Guide Bern” app on your smartphone. It will help you understand the significance of the building’s decoration, the statues, artworks, and functions of the palace’s chambers, and so on. The app is useful if you plan to go inside the Bundeshaus and there are no English tours available.
The last time I checked the official website, English tours were only available once a week, specifically on Saturdays.
Other things to do in Bundeshaus
Aside from the tour, here are some of the things that you might like to do when you visit the Federal Palace:
- See Bernabrunnen at the West Wing.
- Have a slow stroll while admiring the neoclassical architecture of the Federal Palace.
- Take pictures at the archway between the West Wing and the Parliament Building. The archway is the most picturesque part of the Federal Palace, in my opinion!
- Stroll at Bundesterrasse and admire the south facade of the Federal Palace. Bundesterrasse is a small promenade which is also an excellent vantage point of the River Aare. The view extends up to the snowy peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
How much time needed in Bundeshaus?
Overall, it can take 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience the Federal Palace. This includes the tour, sightseeing, and relaxing on the scenic terrace of Bundesterrasse. However, if you only wish to appreciate the architecture of the Federal Palace and do some sightseeing in Bundesterrasse, it can be as quick as 15 to 30 minutes.
Your Second Stop: Zytglogge
Zytglogge is one of the two remaining defensive medieval gate towers in Bern, which now serves as a clock tower providing time guidance to the city. You should visit Zytglogge because it is the most spectacular landmark in Bern. I bet you will also be captivated by its automatons that start moving 4 minutes before the hour, in sync with the ringing of the bells.
At the same time, Zytglogge is impressive as it is also an architectural attraction—a blend of baroque and gothic styles! Not to mention the two large, beautiful clocks adorned with storytelling murals and its vibrant astronomical clock capable of indicating the current zodiac, day of the week, and hour of the day.
Discover everything that makes Zytglogge fascinating: A Simple Guide in Visiting Zytglogge
Make the most of your visit to Zytglogge: Join the 60-minute tour inside the clock tower
Where is Zytglogge?
Zytglogge is situated at the heart of Bern, connecting the two most scenic streets of the old city, Martkgasse and Kramgasse. From the train station, Zytglogge is a 7-minute walk through Spitalgasse and Marktgasse.
Let’s say you’re already at the Bundeshaus or Bundesplatz; getting to Zytglogge would be a 6-minute walk via Barenplatz and Martkgasse. If you follow the routes I mentioned above, you will encounter other landmarks in the old city, such as Kafigturm, Anna-Seiler-Brunnen, and Schützenbrunnen. These are the clock tower and beautiful fountains of Bern’s Innerestadt located in Marktgasse.
How much time to spend in Zytglogge?
There isn’t much to do at Zytglogge other than admire its architecture and be amazed by the spectacle of its automaton. Unless you want to join the 60-minute tour inside the clock tower, a visit to Zytglogge might only last for 15 minutes. For photography enthusiasts, I’m sure you’ll spend more time at Zytglogge because it’s in a very picturesque location. The beautiful fountains on the arcaded streets of Kramgasse and Marktgasse provide great photo opportunities.
The Third Place to Visit: Bern Cathedral
Among the tourist attractions in Bern, I find the Bern Cathedral to be the most worthwhile. Not only because I love appreciating intricate buildings, but most importantly, the Bern Cathedral is a four-in-one destination. When you visit the Bern Cathedral, you can expect to:
- Be captivated by its stunning architecture.
- Be fascinated by its unique artworks.
- Enjoy one of the best views in the city.
- Experience a refreshingly quiet and peaceful stay inside the church and in the garden next to it.
Discover everything about Bern Cathedral: A Guide to Make The Most of Your Visit to Bern Cathedral
How to get to Bern Cathedral?
Bern Cathedral is the tallest structure in Bern. You should be able to spot it right away, especially on the streets in the southern part of the old city. You can even see it peeking over the tops of the beautiful buildings! Specifically, Bern Cathedral is located in Munsterplatz.
From Zytglogge or Kramgasse, getting to Munsterplatz would only require a 3 to 4-minute walk. The quickest route from Zytglogge to Bern is through Hotelgasse (the street to the left of Zytglogge when you are facing Zytglogge from Kramgasse) and then Munstergasse (turn left at the end of Hotelgasse).
What to expect in visiting Bern Cathedral?
While the Bern Cathedral may not be as breathtaking as the churches in other major European cities, it remains a unique place with stunning architecture. Its majestic gothic spire is a visual delight to the skyline of Bern. Your eyes will certainly feast on the facade of the Bern Cathedral, especially at the main portal, which boasts an intricate tympanum adorned with hundreds of statues.
In front of the Bern Cathedral, looking at its facade, is just the beginning. Step inside the Bern Cathedral to witness a mesmerizing lace-like vaulted ceiling, kaleidoscopic stained glass windows, and impressive Renaissance-style furniture.
A must-visit part of the church is the viewing deck at the top of the spire. Climb the spire to enjoy the ‘rewarding’ panoramic views of the old city of Bern that seem to transport you back in time. On your way down, you can enter the room where the centuries-old bells are housed.
Climbing the spire of the Bern Cathedral can be tiring due to its 300-step staircase to the top. So, you might want to visit the Munsterplatform (the park next to the church) afterward. The park offers lovely views of the Aare River and a cafe with outdoor seating, perfect for resting after your visit to the spire.
How much time is needed in Bern Cathedral?
Allocating 45 minutes to 1 hour should be sufficient to visit the Bern Cathedral. This includes exploring the features of the church and sightseeing at the spire. You might want to add more time if you plan to relax at the park next to the church for some refreshments.
Actually, the amount of time you spend at the Bern Cathedral may vary depending on the time of day and the season of your visit. Please consider checking the opening hours of the cathedral and its spire, which are indicated on the Bern Cathedral’s official website, linked at the end of this post.
Since the Bern Cathedral typically opens late in the morning (around lunchtime during winter), you might want to schedule your visit to the Bern Cathedral towards the end of your itinerary if you plan to visit Bern in the morning.
Last but Not Least: Rose Garden
Despite being a compact city, Bern boasts green spaces where both tourists and locals enjoy spending time. Among these parks, the Rose Garden is one you simply can’t miss, even on a half-day trip to Bern. Why is the Rose Garden in Bern a must-visit? Well, quite simply, it offers the best views of the old city of Bern. From its terraces, you can enjoy panoramic views of the old city and the Aare River. The scenery extends as far as the newest districts of Bern and Gurten, Bern’s very own mountain.
In addition to being a picturesque destination in Bern, did you know that the Rose Garden is also one of the city’s most romantic spots? As its name suggests, the Rose Garden is a promenade filled with thousands of colorful flowers (not just roses)! Picture yourself and your partner, surrounded by flowers and taking in the best view of the old city. Doesn’t that moment sound perfect for a proposal?
What else is to see or do in Rose Garden?
The scene in the Rose Garden becomes even more beautiful during sunset. As the terrace of the Rose Garden faces west, you can literally see the sun setting behind the old city of Bern. The silhouettes of the towers and domes of the buildings within the old city will be picturesque! I think the best moment a couple can have in the Rose Garden is a wine date at the restaurant next to the garden.
Since visitors can also see the sunset over the old city from the restaurant, dining can become one of the most special memories a couple can create in Bern. Lovely views, romantic scenes, satisfied appetites—what more could you ask for?
Anyway, solo travelers can also enjoy visiting the Rose Garden. Try going to Einstein’s bench. The bench features a sculpture of Einstein; sit beside it and take a selfie with Einstein! The view behind Einstein’s bench (the skyline of the old city) is fantastic! That’s why I consider it another must-see photo souvenir spot, in addition to Kramgasse or Zytglogge.
How to get to Rose Garden
The Rose Garden, situated on a hill across the Aare River, is accessible by foot from the old city. However, if you’re planning a half-day visit to Bern, I wouldn’t recommend that. Instead, take buses #10, #40, or #M73. They’ll drop you off at the Rose Garden’s dedicated bus stop on Laubegg Street or Laubeggstrasse.
Resources
So, that’s it! That concludes my half-day itinerary for Bern. For further planning, please check the links below to the official websites of the attractions included in this trip. I hope you enjoy your visit to Bern!
- Visiting Bundeshaus in Bern (parliament.ch) – this includes the schedule of the tours.
- Visitor’s information of Bern Cathedral
- Rose Garden Restaurant
If you’re seeking additional ideas for places to visit and activities to enjoy in Bern, beyond those I’ve already mentioned, I invite you to explore the offerings of my partnered tour and experience provider. They cater to a wide range of interests, from simple walking tours to extraordinary adventures like helicopter rides to nearby mountains! Please note, the link provided is an affiliate link. This means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you book an experience through them. Your support greatly aids me in creating more helpful content like this. Thank you for your support!
There’s more to see in Bern beyond the Zytglogge, Bundeshaus, Bern Cathedral, and Rose Garden. If you have extra time for cities, I recommend staying in Bern for a longer period. Let me help you decide how long you should stay here. But here’s the summary: one day in Bern — see the entire old city; two days in Bern — explore the old city and the museums of the city. Three days — perhaps, if you have plenty of time to spend in Switzerland. Here’s how you can spend an extended weekend or a week-long visit to Switzerland, where I’ve included Bern as a destination.
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