48 hours in Bern – Weekend Edition
Bern In Less Than 48 Words
Bern is among the few cities to be declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Not only is it beautiful –flanked by Swiss hills and the Aare River – it is also historic. Look no further than its medieval center comprised of 15th century buildings and cobbled streets.
The Bundhenhaus lit colorfully at night (Photo by twicepix)
First 24 Hours
Arrival at the spectacular city of Bern via the Bern Airport, located near to the Swiss town of Belp. From there, take a bus from the airport terminal to the station of Bahnhofplatz near the city center. It will set you back a mere Sfr15 for a one-way ride, with the journey taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. An alternative is a taxi from the terminal’s taxi booths, although this will definitely cost much more.
Bern sits on a peninsula, almost completely surrounded by the Aare River, and traveling around the city often requires the use of its railways and buses. Learn more about the city at its main tourist center near the Bahnhofplatz station. It is usually open daily between 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. and offers a street map, which will come in handy. You can also purchase the BernCard, which will allow you free access to the city’s museums, as well as free travel on its buses and trams. It will only set you back Sfr27 for a full 48 hours.
CHECK IN: Get your bearings back at Bern’s finest hotels
As one of the most historic cities in Europe, only the finest and design-inflected hotel will do. At the heart of the city is the Bellevue Palace (Kochergasse 3 – 5; 031 320 45 45; website) which has a gorgeous view overlooking the river and the Alps. It boasts of a traditional design combined with modern amenities. Its central location in the city has made Savoy Hotel (Neuengasse 26; 031 311 44 05; website) makes it another good option, apart from its spacious rooms and friendly staff.
The Bellevue Palace, Switzerland's most luxurious 5-star hotel (Photo from Google images)
Novotel Bern Expo (Am Guisanplatz 2; (+41)31/3390909; website) is an excellent choice if you want to have a quick access to tourist sites. It has very clean and comfortable rooms and is reasonably priced. Ideal for business stopovers, Holiday Inn (Riedbachstrasse 96; 031 985 24 00; website), on the other hand, is located by the train transport. Excellent facilities and modern design are the high points of Hotel Allegro (Kornhausstrasse 3; 031 339 55 00; website) .
BERN CATHEDRAL: Take in the views
Once properly settled, you can commence your 48-hours visit to Bern by taking it the views at the top of the Bern Cathedral (Münsterplatz, 3011 Bern). It is the tallest of its kind in Switzerland, standing at 328 feet tall. It is open daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., except on Mondays. Its stained-glass windows and one of the most complete Late Gothic-era statue collections in the continent are the cathedral’s treasures. Inside, you can see its ancient altars and choir stalls, as well as a massive organ.
However, the highlight of a visit to the cathedral is the bell tower. You will only need to brave 254 steps to reach it; additional 90 steps lead you to a higher platform. If the climb has not yet taken your breath away, then the views surely will: a 360-degree view of the cityscape and the Alps. You will need to shell out Sfr4 to be permitted access to the tower.
OLD CITY OF BERN: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The whole of Bern’s old city district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a leisurely walk along its cobbled streets will surely yield a slew of monuments and historical sites to delight the eyes. From the Bren Cathedral, you can head directly to the nearby tower of Zytglogge. It is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, standing at 179 feet high. Its great bronze bells ring once every hour, as well as its two clockfaces. A guided tour is available for groups.
The Bellevue Palace, Switzerland's most luxurious 5-star hotel (Photo from Google images)
Next, walk to the Federal Palace (Bundesplatz Bern), where the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council are housed. See its unique 64-meter high dome upon which a mosaic depicting the 22 cantons that had comprised the city can be spotted. Pass along the Untertorbrücke, a stone arch bridge connecting the old city to the Schosshalde neighborhood. It is one of the oldest bridges in the city, and offers nice views of the Aare River. Conclude your visit to the old city’s fountains crowned with Renaissance statues.
Historical Museum of Bern: Learning experience
Learn more about the city’s history and culture by visiting its museums. One of the most popular is the Historical Museum of Bern (Helvetiaplatz 5). It is a neo-Gothic historical museum housing treasures from the Swiss-French battles of the late 15th century. You can reach it by riding a train at the Bern Railway Station all the way to the Helvetiaplatz station. Entrance is free for BernCard holders.
Statues exhibited at the Bernisches Historisches Museum (Photo from Google images)
You can also check out the Einstein Museum (Kramgasse 49 Bern 3000), the apartment of science’s greatest genius, where he came up with the groundbreaking theory of relativity at the age of 26. Another worthy stop is the Museum of Fine Arts (Hodlerstrasse 8-12 Bern 3007), which contains the largest collection of Paul Klee works and other 20th century artists hailing from the city.
DINNER TIME: Indulge in fine food
Conclude your first 24 hours in Bern by recharging at the superb restaurants all over the city. Tourist drawers include Altes Tramdepot (Grosser Muristalden 6; 031 368 14 15; website) which offers great beer selection and delicious meals at reasonable prices, plus fantastic views overlooking the river. Equally captivating is Metzgerstuebli (Muenstergasse 60; 031 311 00 45) for its great service, quality dishes, and fine wine selection.
Altes Tramdepot (Photo by McWhite)
Blauer Engel (Seidenweg 9b; 031 302 32 33; website) is ideal for a romantic date while Asstorant Haberbuni (Konizstrasse 175; (41)319725655) and Buener (Kasernenstrasse 31; +41 31 333 15 15; website) are recommended for families and groups for their top notch cuisine.
Next 24 Hours
After taking in a massive dose of culture and history, take a breather by heading to the 864-meter high Gurten, a mountain found in southern Bern. You can reach it by riding the tram 9 to the Gurtenbahn station. Then, walk the rest of the way to the mountain. Once there, enjoy a leisurely stroll along its woods and pastures, where you’ll likely spot a few birds and cows. You may also grab a quick bite at the two restaurants there, or head to its adventure playground.
BERN ZOO: Take a wildlife tour
Bern Zoo (Tierparkweg 1, 3005 Bern), located by the banks of the River Aare near the old city, is a fantastic destination for animal and nature lovers. It covers an area of around 15 hectares, where you can see some 3,000 animals of different species. Its highlight is the Bärengraben, or the Bear Pit, prominently featured in the city’s coat of arms. If you want to see actual bears, head out to nearby BärenPark.
Flamingos at Bern Zoo (Photo by dan81ss)
SPITALGASSE: Shop till you drop
Bern is also a city of chic buys. You can find over 6 kilometers of shopping arcades that line the Old City sector. Of these, the streets of Spitalgasse and Marktgasse are the main shopping hubs in the city. At Spitalgasse, you can find Globus (Spitalgasse 37), a popular shopping mall where you buy fashion accessories, cosmetics, and luxury food. An alternative is Loeb (Spitalgasse 47-57) filled with fashion boutiques and chic shops. The streets of Bundesplatz, Bärenplatz, Parliament Square, and Münstergasse are known for their crafts, flower, food, and flea markets.
NIGHTLIFE: Let’s party
End your second day to Bern with a bang by indulging in the hedonistic pleasures afforded by its bars and clubs. Mocambo (Aarbegergasse 61; 31-311-5041) is known for its three bars playing live music on weekends and DJ tunes on weekdays, complete with a revolving stage and mirror-lined walls. Arlequin Bar (Gerechtigkeitsgasse 51; 31-311-3946) is favorite hangout of the Bern intellectuals, and is known for its laid back ambience. Belle Epoque (Gerechtigkeitsgasse 18; 31-311-4336), on the other hand, offers an intimate setting as it is located inside the Belle Epoque Hotel, designed in the Art Nouveau style.
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