Venues to visit in the city of Bern

In 2008 Bern received a new, striking entrance to the Old Town. Besides the remodeling of the existing construction, the redesigning of the Christoffel underpass, the square's surface and the guidance of the public transport, its most striking feature is its expansive undulated glass roof - the Baldachin.

The Baldachin is a steel-glass-construction. With the transparent design, attention was paid to retain the visibility of the Citizens’ Hospital and the Holy Ghost Church and still retain their effect as outstanding historical buildings.

Not only as a beautiful appearance – it also serves on rainy days as a protective roof.

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
The capital of Switzerland has many charms. Its quaint old town is framed by the Aare Riverand offers spectacular views of the Alps.

With its 6 km of limestone buildings andmedieval arcades,its Renaissance fountainswith colorful figures, and its beautiful cathedral surrounded by picturesque rooftops, Bern, founded in 1191, is truly a gem of medievalarchitecture in Europe.

Eleven places are on the roster of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Convince yourself of the uniqueness of these places by visiting them.

UNESCO World Heritage ticket

Attractive offers associated with Switzerland’s natural and cultural treasures
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City tour “Eating out in old Bern”

A Bern patrician takes the group on a culinary journey through the city of Bern of yesteryear.
Rosina Sinner, a Bern patrician, goes on a shopping trip. Meat, bread and spices are on her list. On the way to the market, butcher and baker, she reveals a recipe or two and shares stories about eating and drinking habits in times past. In Zunfthaus zu Metzgern – which is perhaps the oldest restaurant in Bern – Rosina Sinner then asks guests to take a seat and enjoy the dishes from way back when.

The famous “Bernese attitude to life” is hard to put into words; it’s something you have to experience for yourself. And where better to do this than on the banks of the Aare? Take a stroll along the river and soak up the relaxing and friendly atmosphere for which Bern is famous. If you prefer to live life at a faster pace, why not try a jog along the river instead? Or simply sit and watch the world go by on the terrace at Casa Novo. Located on the banks of the river, this restaurant serves GaultMillau-awarded cuisine. And for dessert, look no further than where the locals themselves go: Gelateria di Berna. This ice cream parlour is universally considered to be the home of the best ice cream in the whole of Switzerland

This has its benefits not only in rainy weather, but also in high summer, when the shade is cool and pleasant. Speciality stores, boutiques, galleries and emporia filled with curiosities all make for happy window shopping. Bern’s museums, meanwhile, ensure that the city has plenty to inspire culture fans, too.

The Rose Garden is a large park with a wonderful view of the Old Town and Aare Loop. The park is home to 220 different types of roses, 200 types of irises and moor beds with 28 different types of rhododendrons.

From 1765 to 1877 the Rose Garden served as a cemetery. Since 1913 the Rose Garden has been a public park resplendent with the rich beauty of flowers and a pond. From 1956 to 1962 the park was redesigned, introducing rhododendrons and azaleas as well as an iris garden.

A pavilion and reading garden provide a place to relax. The restaurant Rosengarten is a great place to while away the time, and it offers a view of the rows of houses in the Old Town.

The expansive Bundesplatz is a lively meeting place for young and old alike. The Parliament Building, the centre of Swiss democracy, rises loftily from behind the square. The parliament and the Swiss federal government meet under its mighty dome.

Up until 2003, however, the Parliament Square was a dreary, crowded parking area. The square then underwent a radical transformation and neither trees nor parked cars have obstructed the view of the Parliament Building ever since. A 180-square metre rectangle covered with dark slabs of Vals gneiss lends an elegant touch to the square.

In addition to the weekly markets, which are held every Tuesday and Saturday, the square provides a setting for political demonstrations, concerts, state receptions and sporting events.