Europe24 April 2022 6 min read

Bern – the picturesque capital of Switzerland

Bern, Switzerland

Although it’s only the fifth largest city in Switzerland, Bern is the Swiss capital. There’re not the usual frantic and hectic activities associated with capital cities here. Bern has an understated grandeur all of its own.

Like Basel, Bern is also tourist-friendly. The day before our arrival I received from the hotel our booking code with which to download the BernWelcome app, which then gave us each a pass for free public transport during our stay. It’s perfect for sightseeing!

Hotel Ambassador

Although Hotel Ambassador is located in the suburbs, it’s easily accessible. At the tram stops outside Bern Railway Station, we caught Tram No 9 (towards Wabern) which took us to Schönegg in just over 5 minutes, and there it was, the hotel just across the road opposite the tram stop!

Talk about room with a view! Our room at the back of the hotel was not just comfortable and quiet, but the view from the large floor-to-ceiling glass window was fantastic, with far off views of the iconic landmarks and snow-capped mountain!

Sightseeing in Bern

Old City Bern is well worth the UNESCO World Heritage Site status attained in 1983. A day trip could cover the most popular sites of this well-preserved part of the city. However at least a couple of days are essential to really appreciate the laid back charms of this bewitching city with medieval architecture and where bridges and aquamarine waters are never far from sight. It is best explored on foot, too, as all the major tourist attractions are close to one another and the way from one to the other was as photo-worthy as the destinations!

Gerechtigkeitsgasse & Kramgasse

Gerechtigkeitsgasse and Kramgasse are the two main streets in Old City Bern which have retained much of its medieval character, flanked by arcades housing shops and cafés with public fountains in the middle, adorned by colourful statues. Of course there’s the iconic 800-year-old Clock Tower (Zytglogge)

There’re so many statue fountains dotted around in this “City of Fountains”, I soon lost count of them and the will to photograph more!!

Rathaus & Rathausplatz

The current Rathaus, built in the 1400’s, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

*Berner Rathaus with Church of St. Peter and St. Paul*

Views from Kirchenfeldbrücke (Kirchenfeld Bridge)

The first views of River Aare as we crossed Kirchenfeldbrücke on our first day made us want to see more of it!

Rosengarten (Rose Garden)

We headed for Rose Garden after breakfast the next day. When we got there we were greeted not by a field of roses, but “a host of golden daffodils”! The beginning of April is too early for roses after all.

The Rose Garden terrace afforded a fantastic panoramic view of River Aare and Mattequartier, a historic section in the Old City of Bern

*View from Rosengarten (Rose Garden) with Berner Münster (Bern Minster) in the background*

At the exit towards Aargauerstalden there’s one of the 4 Einstein benches in Bern and some beautiful cherry trees in blossom. How could I refuse such a photo opportunity!?

*1 of 4 Einstein benches in Bern (Rose Garden)*

Berner Münster (Bern Minster)

This Gothic cathedral, built in the 1400’s, with its 100-metre high spire is the highest in Switzerland. This impressive landmark can be seen from almost everywhere in the Old City; it’s to visitors like a lighthouse to passing ships!!

I was happy to pay 5 Swiss francs to climb to the top alone. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, tickets could only be sold to at least 2 persons. So my partner reluctantly (and valiantly) climbed the 254 steps up to the lower viewing platform with me.

My solo climb up the further 90 steps to the upper spire was richly rewarded by some spectacular views of the city and the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Highlands

Munstergasse / Münsterplatz

*Münsterplatz* – *there’re a lot of random seats like these in the public squares in Bern*

Münsterplattform (Minster terrace)

The Minster terrace was a popular place for residents and tourists alike. Whilst breathtaking view of the Aare river, the Alps and the Matte neighbourhood attracted the tourists, the ground was a place for meeting and playing for the local at weekends

Bernisches Historisches (Bern Historical Museum)

The main building was built at the end of 1800’s, modelled on medieval castles, but the new extension was completed in the 2000’s. The Einstein Museum is also located on this site.

Unfortunately we arrived either too late or too early to visit the museum itself and had to content ourselves with looking around the really charming grounds. The outline of the main building framed the skyline of Bern beautifully

*Bernisches Historisches / Einstein Museum* *(There’s another Einstein bench just in front of the entrance)*

*Bernisches Historisches / Einstein Museum*

*At the courtyard of the museum – there’re the random chairs again!*

Bundeshaus (Federal Palace) & Bundesplatz

The Federal Palace that houses the Swiss federal parliament is another prominent feature of the Bernese skylines. The view from the terrace commanded another view of the Old City

*View of River Aare from Bundeshaus terrace*

*View of snow-capped mountains from Bundeshaus terrace*

*The Parliament building from Kleine Schanze on the other side of Parliament garden*

Barengraben (the bear pit)

The bear is a symbol of Bern. Legend has it that a bear was the first animal to be caught when city was founded in the 1100’s and that the city was so named because of it

*A bear roaming around in the bear pit next to the Nydeggbrücke*.

The ultimate experience in Bern – a walk along both banks of River Aare

From the Aargauerstalden exit of the Rose Garden, we headed for Nydeggbrücke (Nydegg Bridge) which opened up a charming vista so typical of Bern. Strolling along the bank unfolded a series of postcard images featuring Nydeggkirche (Nydegger Church) and bridges prominently

The next morning we crossed Dalmazibrücke and walked along the other bank of River Aare. From the path leading up to the elevator to the Minster terrace, seeing the iconic buildings like Bern Minster and Bundeshaus reflected on the turquoise crystal clear water was well worth an extra day in Bern!

Spot the difference of 2 views of this mural on one of the buildings along the bank of River Aare!!

Finally, to wrap up this blog with the essentials, here is another addition to my magnet collection to add to that of Basel https://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=10935 and Colmar https://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=10993

… and images of my enjoying the trip!!

*View of the History Museum from Bundeshaus* *terrace*

Switzerland Hotel Ambassador UNESCO Bern

Bern, Switzerland