Bern, Switzerland
Boat Trips
Bern, Switzerland
Boat Trips
All Boat Tours
Best Things To Do
1. Explore Bern’s Old Town
Explore Bern’s historic center, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Stroll along Kramgasse and enjoy the lively market stalls, cafes, and shops. The picturesque Aare River adds to the town’s allure.
2. Bern’s Top Museums
Discover Bern’s rich cultural scene through its diverse museums. The Einstein Museum highlights the life of Albert Einstein, while the Museum of Communication and the Natural History Museum offer fascinating exhibits on their respective subjects.
3. Visit Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is ideal for scenic boat trips and outdoor adventures. It also serves as a gateway to the stunning Swiss Alps, offering numerous hiking and exploration opportunities.
4. Visit Grindelwald
Known for its outdoor activities, Grindelwald is a village that provides access to Europe’s highest train station at Jungfraujoch. Enjoy skiing, explore the Glacial Gorge, or hike numerous trails amid breathtaking alpine scenery.
5. Charming Thun
A picturesque town perfect for a day trip from Bern, Thun boasts the impressive white castle and Schadau Castle. A leisurely cruise on Lake Thun or the Aare River offers a unique perspective of the area.
6. Experience a Swiss Chocolate Tour
Indulge in Bern’s chocolate heritage with a guided tour through historical sites and local chocolatiers. Learn about the evolution of chocolate-making while sampling some of Switzerland’s finest treats.
7. Rose Garden Display
Escape to the Rose Garden, a tranquil park filled with vibrant roses and other colorful blooms. This serene spot offers panoramic views of Bern and is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
8. See the Federal Palace
The Federal Palace is Bern’s iconic government building. Free guided tours provide insights into Switzerland’s political history and the workings of its parliament.
9. Bern Münster’s Tower Views
Dominating the Old Town, the Bern Münster is a must-see cathedral with a striking tower offering spectacular city views. Climb to the top for a panoramic perspective of Bern.
10. See Bear park
Visit the Bear Park, home to three bears enjoying a spacious, natural environment. This modern facility replaces the old bear pit and offers a more humane setting for the animals.
Best Things To Do
1. Explore Bern’s Old Town
Explore Bern’s historic center, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Stroll along Kramgasse and enjoy the lively market stalls, cafes, and shops. The picturesque Aare River adds to the town’s allure.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking; the Old Town is best explored on foot.
2. Bern’s Top Museums
Discover Bern’s rich cultural scene through its diverse museums. The Einstein Museum highlights the life of Albert Einstein, while the Museum of Communication and the Natural History Museum offer fascinating exhibits on their respective subjects.
Check museum opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets online to avoid long queues.
3. Visit Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is ideal for scenic boat trips and outdoor adventures. It also serves as a gateway to the stunning Swiss Alps, offering numerous hiking and exploration opportunities.
Book boat trips and alpine excursions in advance during peak seasons for the best experience.
4. Visit Grindelwald
Known for its outdoor activities, Grindelwald is a village that provides access to Europe’s highest train station at Jungfraujoch. Enjoy skiing, explore the Glacial Gorge, or hike numerous trails amid breathtaking alpine scenery.
Check weather conditions before heading to Jungfraujoch, as visibility can be affected by cloud cover.
5. Charming Thun
A picturesque town perfect for a day trip from Bern, Thun boasts the impressive white castle and Schadau Castle. A leisurely cruise on Lake Thun or the Aare River offers a unique perspective of the area.
Combine your castle visit with a boat tour for a full experience of Thun’s natural beauty.
6. Experience a Swiss Chocolate Tour
Indulge in Bern’s chocolate heritage with a guided tour through historical sites and local chocolatiers. Learn about the evolution of chocolate-making while sampling some of Switzerland’s finest treats.
Join a tour with tasting included to fully appreciate the quality and variety of Swiss chocolate.
7. Rose Garden Display
Escape to the Rose Garden, a tranquil park filled with vibrant roses and other colorful blooms. This serene spot offers panoramic views of Bern and is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Visit during the blooming season for the best floral displays, usually from May to October.
8. See the Federal Palace
The Federal Palace is Bern’s iconic government building. Free guided tours provide insights into Switzerland’s political history and the workings of its parliament.
Tours are popular; consider arriving early or booking in advance to secure a spot.
9. Bern Münster’s Tower Views
Dominating the Old Town, the Bern Münster is a must-see cathedral with a striking tower offering spectacular city views. Climb to the top for a panoramic perspective of Bern.
The climb is steep and narrow; wear suitable clothing and footwear for the ascent.
10. See Bear park
Visit the Bear Park, home to three bears enjoying a spacious, natural environment. This modern facility replaces the old bear pit and offers a more humane setting for the animals.
Arrive in the afternoon for the best chance to see the bears active and exploring their habitat.
Top Tips
1.
Swiss Travel pass
The Swiss Travel Pass provides unlimited free travel on trains, buses, and boats across Switzerland, making it a convenient option for exploring the country.
2.
Official Languages
Bern is officially bilingual with both German and French being recognized languages, so knowing a few phrases in either can be helpful.
3.
Book Accommodation Early
To save on accommodation costs, it’s advisable to book your stay well in advance due to high demand and pricing.
4.
Where to Stay
The historic center of Bern is the most convenient area to stay, offering close proximity to the city’s major attractions and activities.
5.
Public Transport Options
Bern boasts an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and trains, which make navigating the city easy and convenient.
6.
When to Visit
Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Bern, with pleasant weather perfect for exploring and enjoying nearby hiking trails.
7.
Safety Tips
Bern is a very safe city with low crime rates; however, it’s wise to remain cautious at night and be aware of pickpockets in busy areas.
8.
Public Bathroom Fees
Public restrooms in Bern typically require a small fee, so carrying some CHF in coins is recommended for convenience.
9.
Tipping Practices
Tipping in Bern is not expected but is appreciated, as staff are well-compensated. Small tips are a nice gesture for good service.
10.
Currency Used
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), which is close in value to the Euro. Be prepared to use CHF for all transactions.