Bern 7 Day Itinerary

Bern 7-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Swiss Capital’s Charm

Day 1: Arrival & Zytglogge Tower

  • Arrive at Bern Airport (BRN) or train station (Bern Hauptbahnhof).
  • Check-in at Hotel Schweizerhof Lounge, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • Visit Zytglogge Tower, the symbol of Bern and a historic clock tower with beautiful views of the Old Town.
  • Dine at Restaurant Schwellenmättli, offering traditional Swiss cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore the Old Town & Bear Park

  • Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bern’s Old Town, with its arcaded streets and colorful buildings.
  • Visit the Federal Parliament Building, Zentrum Paul Klee, and the Einstein House.
  • Relax at the Rose Garden overlooking the Aare River.
  • Explore Bear Park (Bärenpark) where you can see the city’s namesake, the Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Dine at Restaurant Sapori, offering a fusion of Swiss and Italian cuisine.

Day 3: Museums & Botanical Gardens

  • Visit the Swiss National Museum to learn about Switzerland’s history and culture.
  • Explore the Kunstmuseum Bern, home to works by famous artists like Paul Klee, Felix Vallotton, and Alberto Giacometti.
  • Stroll through the Rosengarten Botanical Gardens and enjoy the diverse flora and serene environment.
  • Dine at Restaurant Eichholz, offering Swiss and international cuisine in a rustic setting.

Day 4: Day Trip to Interlaken & Jungfraujoch

  • Take a scenic train ride to Interlaken and embark on an unforgettable journey to the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch.
  • Marvel at the stunning views, explore ice caves, and learn about mountaineering history at the Sphinx Observatory.
  • Return to Bern in the evening for dinner at Restaurant Rathausbräu, serving traditional Swiss dishes in a historic setting.

Day 5: Aare River & Zentrum Paul Klee

  • Spend the morning relaxing by the Aare River, enjoying watersports or simply lounging on the banks.
  • Visit Zentrum Paul Klee for an afternoon of modern art appreciation and workshops.
  • Dine at Restaurant Les 3 Ponts, offering French cuisine with a Swiss twist in a picturesque setting.

Day 6: Day Trip to Gruyères & Schaffhausen

  • Take a day trip to the picturesque villages of Gruyères and Schaffhausen.
  • Visit the Château de Gruyères, explore the medieval town, and sample Swiss cheese at La Maison du Gruyère.
  • Marvel at Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, in Schaffhausen.
  • Return to Bern for a farewell dinner at Restaurant Waisenhaus, serving innovative cuisine in a historic building.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend the morning exploring any missed sights or souvenir shopping.
  • Check out from Hotel Schweizerhof Lounge and depart Bern Airport (BRN) or train station (Bern Hauptbahnhof).

Things to Know:

  • Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have cash on hand for smaller establishments.
  • The official language is German, but English is spoken in many places and by most locals.
  • Public transportation is reliable and efficient. A Swiss Travel Pass may be useful if you plan to explore other cities during your trip.
  • Tipping is not customary in Bern; service charges are usually included in the bill.

Tips:

  • Try Swiss specialties like Raclette, Fondue, and Zurcher Geschnetzeltes.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Aare River promenade at sunset.
  • Visit the famous Einstein Statue in front of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) on a clear day for stunning views of the city.
  • Enjoy a traditional Swiss breakfast of muesli, bread, and cheese at local cafes like Café Hiltl or Café du Soleil.