Bern

The federal city, its medieval centre a UNESCO site on a peninsula in a loop of the green Aare: six kilometres of stone arcades, painted fountains, the Zytglogge clock tower with its hourly figures, the Minster, the Federal Palace and the bear park below the Nydegg bridge. Einstein worked out special relativity in a flat on Kramgasse, now a small museum. An hour from Zurich and Interlaken, so it fits as a half day between them.

Highlights

• Zytglogge clock tower at the hour
• Six km of arcaded streets
• Bern Minster tower
• Federal Palace
• Bear Park
• Einstein House
• Rose Garden view over the old town
• Summer swims in the Aare (strong current, locals only to start)

Things to do

• Old Town arcades, fountains and the Zytglogge at the hourMorning · 2h 30m
• Bern Minster and its towerMorning · 1h
• Federal Palace and the BundesterrasseAfternoon · 1h
• Einstein House on KramgasseAfternoon · 1h
• Bear Park and Rose Garden viewEvening · 1h 30m

Tours & tickets

When to go

Best time: May – September

• Swiss National Day — 1 August is the national holiday: bonfires on the hills, fireworks and lantern parades, and brunch on farms. The biggest display is over the Rhine Falls on the evening of 31 July; book the viewing tickets and trains ahead.
• Christmas markets — From late November to just before Christmas: Basel's on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, Zurich's in the station hall and on Sechseläutenplatz, Montreux Noël along the lake. Weekend crowds; mulled wine and raclette stalls.