Bern 6 Day Itinerary

Bern, Switzerland 6-Day Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Bern Airport (BRN) or Zürich Airport (ZRH), and make your way to the city center. The easiest way is by train, as Bern has a well-connected train station.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Bundeshaus (Federal Palace of Switzerland), the seat of the federal authorities. Don’t forget to check out the clock tower!

    • Zentralbahnplatz: Enjoy lunch at this popular square, with eateries like Racines, offering Swiss and international dishes.

  • Evening: Explore the Altstadt (Old Town), wander around Marktgasse and soak in the medieval charm. Have dinner at a local restaurant, such as Bärenhaus.

Day 2: Museums & Parks

  • Morning: Visit the Zentrum Paul Klee, dedicated to the works of Swiss artist Paul Klee. Then head to the Haus zum Kirschgarten, housing works from the Romantic period to modern art.
    • Lunch: Grab a bite at Restaurant Rosengarten within the Zentrum Paul Klee.
  • Afternoon: Relax in Rosengarten Park or take a stroll around the Bundesplatz. Visit the Swiss Parliament Building and watch parliamentary sessions (when in session).
    • Dinner: Enjoy Swiss cuisine at Bruno Schulte, located near the Rosengarten.
  • Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the Aare River, enjoying the illuminated fountains.

Day 3: Bernese Oberland Day Trip

  • Morning: Take a train to Interlaken, and from there, embark on a day trip to the scenic Bernese Oberland, including Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) or Grindelwald.
    • Lunch: Have lunch in Interlaken or at a mountain restaurant during your tour.
  • Afternoon: Return to Bern and unwind near the Aare River or explore more of the city’s hidden gems.
    • Dinner: Dine at Restaurant Waisenhaus for traditional Swiss dishes in a historical setting.

Day 4: Day Trip to Lucerne

  • Morning: Travel by train to nearby Lucerne (Luzern). Visit the Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and Jesuit Church.
    • Lunch: Savor Swiss specialties at Restaurant Pfister in Lucerne’s old town.
  • Afternoon: Continue exploring Lucerne, or opt for a boat tour on Lake Lucerne. Return to Bern in the evening.
    • Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant in Bern, such as Kornhauskeller.

Day 5: Relaxation & Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Bear Park, home to Bern’s famous bears. Then, spend some time shopping for Swiss watches and chocolates along Bahnhofstraße.
    • Lunch: Try out Confiserie Sprüngli for Swiss pastries and chocolate or grab a quick bite at Leonard Schweizer Küche.
  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at leisure. You might want to revisit your favorite spots or relax in one of Bern’s many parks.
    • Dinner: Savor Italian cuisine at Ristorante Pizzeria La Luna or try out Hofbräu Stuben, which serves both Swiss and international dishes.

Day 6: Farewell Bern

  • Morning: Spend your last hours in Bern, grabbing coffee at a local café (try Kambly) or browsing the bustling Christkindlimarkt (if it’s wintertime).
  • Departure: Make your way to the airport or train station for your journey home.

Tips & Additional Information

  • Swiss public transportation is well-organized and reliable. Don’t hesitate to use trains, buses, trams, and boats during your stay.
  • Switzerland can be pricey, but you can find affordable options for food and activities. Look out for student or group discounts.
  • Swiss French, German, and Italian are the official languages in Bern. English is widely spoken too.
  • Be sure to try local dishes like Raclette, Fondue, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, and Berner Platte during your stay!