The 10 things to do in the canton of Bern

What to do in the canton of Bern: what are the places to visit and the things to live in this territory punctuated with turquoise lakes, snowy summits and medieval cities?

The canton of Bern is one of the most diverse tourist territories of Switzerland . With its UNESCO heritage capital, its lakes, mountains and flowery farms where many local specialities are produced, the region is a very complete destination.

Particularly large, the canton is divided into six distinct areas: the Bernese Oberland, the Enmental, the Haute-Argovie, the Seeland, the Bernese Jura and the Berne-Mittelland region in which Berne, the capital of the country, is located. Wonderful starting point to visit the canton of Bern, the Swiss capital is only waiting to reveal its own treasures.

Through your walks, the picturesque alleys of the millennium city will lead you to the discovery of buildings with amazing architectures, medieval monuments, such as the clock tower and the collegial, and various cultural centres dedicated to the geniuses of the canton.

In order to help you better enjoy your stay, we have compiled a list of the essential things to do in the canton of Bern. Follow us, this is this way!

1. The historic centre of Bern

Classified as a world heritage by Unesco and the capital of its own canton, the Swiss capital is a wonderful introduction to the charm of the region. Rolled in the Aar River, it has a certain tranquility, a sweetness that can be enjoyed through the walks.

Through its alleys, it tells its story, reveals its facades of sandstones and brown tiles, reveals its characteristic architectures... Cité d’Art et d’Histoire is a mandatory stop in the canton of Bern.

Its medieval atmosphere, its four towers, including that of the clock, its eleven allegorical fountains, its arcades, museums and restaurants that celebrate the terroir.

To admire sublime views of the city, you are advised to climb on the platform of the bell tower of the Collégiale or to join the Rosengarten (the rose garden).

2. The Zytglogge and its carillon

The Zytglogge, also known as the clock tower, is part of the identity of the capital and of Switzerland more generally. It is an unmissable place to be made in the canton of Bern! Built in the lower part of the old town in the 12th century, it was once a door of the city. Today, she attracts curious people from all over the world because of her magnificent state of conservation.

On its facade, its carillon sounds every hour, it offers a unique show that begins with the cock’s singing, followed by a striking madman and a round of seven bears. Inside the tower, you can discover a medieval mechanics, thick stone walls and massive wooden beams that give the impression that time has completely stopped.

Those who have the courage to climb the hundred steps of the building will be rewarded with an impressive view from the roofs of Bern to the summits of Bernese Oberland.

3. Einstein’s house

Visiting the canton of Bern and its capital is also entering a land that has seduced many geniuses. This is particularly the case of the famous physicist Albert Einstein who lived in Bern for several years and developed here his famous theory of relativity in 1905.

Today, her former apartment has become a museum. He retraces his life from Bern to Zurich and Berlin in Princeton, where he died in April 1955.

4. Art center Paul Klee

This beautiful cultural ensemble signed by architect Renzo Piano is dedicated to another genius of the canton: Paul Klee. Born in Munchenbuchsee, about fifteen minutes’ drive from Bern, the famous painter is one of the most important visual artists of the classic modernism of the twentieth century.

His style influenced both by expressionism, superrealism and cubism is discovered thanks to the four-mile paintings and drawings exhibited in the museum. Behind its contemporary façade, the Art Centre Paul Klee also houses a large concert hall, a glance at this great music enthusiast.

5. La Collégiale de Berne

The Collégiale de Berne is the largest church in the late Middle Ages of Switzerland. It also has the highest bell tower in the country, more than a hundred meters high! A true architectural prowess, its majestic Gothic-style silhouette watches over the roofs of the old city and its visit is an essential step in the canton of Bern.

Behind its stone walls, the Collégiale houses many masterpieces including sculptures, stained glass windows, frescoes and a collection of bells of invaluable value. Its most important element is Erhart Küng's main portal. The stonework of the Westphalie sculptor represents the scene of the Last Judgment with almost three hundred figurines, a monumental creation.

Once these treasures are appreciated, take the time to climb the more than three hundred steps that separate you from the platform of the bell tower. These few minutes of effort will give you access to another pearl of the place: an incredible panorama that extends from the heart of Bern to the summits of Bernese Oberland.

6. The bears of Bern

A symbol of the Swiss capital, there are ursids all over the city. If they are found to be mainly pronounced, painted or engraved, it is possible to observe them in flesh and bone in the Bärenpark ("" Bear park ". Open all year round, this green space contains three real bears.

If you wonder what to do in the canton of Bern, go to meet these magnificent creatures will offer you an unprecedented experience. According to legend, the bear became the emblem of the city because it was the first animal killed by Duke Bertchold V of Zähringen, the founder of Berne.

7. The stations of Bernese Oberland

What to do in the canton of Bern in winter? Skiing obviously! White paradise and pioneer in winter sports destination, the Bernese Oberland region contains about eight-cent kilometers of trails and more than two hundred ski lifts that make the happiness of all powder lovers.

The ski areas of Adelboden-Lenk, Gstaad, Grindelwald, Mürren and Hasliberg are among the best ski spots in the country. Throughout the winter season, sportsmen of all levels and families practice skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, cross-country skiing, sledging, snowshoeing and many other fun and dynamic activities.

8. Hiking in the canton of Bern

Visiting the canton of Bern is a region of typical villages and flowery reliefs. These natural areas serve as a setting for paths accessible by small walkers and quite sporty hikes. Before leaving, equip yourself with good shoes, a bottle of water and follow your desires.

Among the most interesting hikes to be made in the canton of Bern, there are:

• The altitude path of the Gürbe valley: gives access to an exceptional panorama on the trio of theEigerMönch and Jungfrau;
• The Flower Trail of the Schilthorn: allows you to discover the flora of the Swiss alpine universe (gentianes, edelweiss...) ;
• Lauenen Lake Path: to discover its valley punctuated with cascades;
• the Panoramic Path of Gantrisch: for its breathtaking views;
• The Trail of the Monts : for its giant wind turbines.

9. Diving into the clear waters of Bernese Oberland

The Bernese Oberland region is a top destination throughout the year. When the cold settles, you venture on its snowy slopes and when the beautiful days arrive, you immerse your head in its crystal clear waters. If you're still wondering what to do in the canton of Bern, you should go to this idyllic territory to meet all your requirements.

Surrounded by imposing reliefs, its lakes, streams and waterfalls allow a healthy refresh after a sporting walk. Among the best swimming spots to visit in the canton of Bern, you can mention the magnificent Lake of Thoune. A mountain circle, this little corner of paradise has clear waters and clear views of the forests, the Alps and the white summits of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Lake Brienz and its turquoise color also appear in the list of the must-sees of Bernese Oberland. Its fascinating waters, the typical villages on its shores and the mountain slopes that seem to be lost in the lake together make up a striking landscape.

10. The Elemental demo cheese shop

Cheese lovers will not miss the beautiful products of the Elemental region. If some will simply devour the goods to be taken away or on the plates of the Swiss restaurants, the most curious will go to the village of Affoltern, about forty kilometers from Bern. This is where the famous Emmentaler AOP is produced.

Here, since 1989, an Elementaler demonstration cheese shop shows visitors how nearly eight thousand litres of milk are processed daily into cheese. The visit of production, the educational path and the clear explanations of the companion will allow you to better understand the history of this traditional product and the daily life of its producers.

There's even a workshop to make your own cheese! There is no doubt, it is a charming stop in the canton of Bern.

How do I go to the canton of Bern?

By plane

Easily accessible, the canton of Berne enjoys the presence of the Bern airport about ten kilometers from the historic centre of the capital. The trips to or from Bern are numerous and frequent offers, think of consulting a comparison of flights such as Skyscanner To not miss anything.

Once you arrive at the airport, your journey will continue thanks to the shuttle that reaches the Belp train station. From this station, you will only have to board a regional train and wait for the 30 minutes that separate you from your arrival in Bern.

By train

The capital status of Bern allows its canton to be perfectly integrated into the Swiss grid. Its lines join the largest cities of the country and several metropolises of Europe including Paris (about 4h30), Marseille (less than 6h) and Lyon (a little over 4h) Geneva .

By car

The canton of Bern and its capital are among the best crossroads of the European motorway network ( A5 and A6 to reach Paris, A1 and A7 for Marseille, etc.). Only constrained to your road trip: it is essential to equip you with the mandatory vignette to travel on the Swiss motorways.

By bus

Less complicated but longer, the Flixbus buses offer to take you to the canton of Bern. It takes about 9 am from Paris.

Where to stay in the canton of Bern?

Due to the charm of the city and its impressive transportation network, you are advised to stay in the city of Bern. Your choice will be on charming hotels, quiet rentals or lively hostels.

The capital is rich in dozens of possibilities! To find the option that best suits you, take a look at Compare hotels . You can also find what to stay on Airbnb . On average, the budget is 150€ per night.

With regard to the areas to be preferred, the medieval historic centre and the Breitenrain, one of the oldest districts of the city, have the best conditions to visit the capital on foot and enjoy the essentials of Bern in a few minutes.