3 Days in Berne: Timeless Swiss Charm

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by Michael

May 7, 2024 · 2 min read

Berne 3 Days Itinerary

Embark on a captivating 3-day journey through the historic and picturesque city of Berne. Begin your adventure at the majestic Cathedral of Bern, a historic church that sets the tone for your exploration. Spend your first day delving into the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where the past comes alive, and marvel at the precision of the Clock Tower - Zytglogge. Conclude day one with a visit to the iconic Parliament Building, a symbol of Swiss democracy. Day two offers a cultural treat at the Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum, followed by a serene visit to the Bear Pit and the lush Rose Garden, perfect for a tranquil retreat. Test your ice-skating skills at the Öffentlicher Eislauf PostFinance-Arena to end the day with some active fun. The final day takes you to the enchanting city of Lucerne, where you'll witness the historic Chapel Bridge and the poignant Lion Monument. Soak in the natural beauty of Lake Lucerne before ascending to Rigi, a mountainous haven offering panoramic views and a fitting climax to your Swiss travel tale.

Top 6 Hotels in Berne
TOP 1
Swissôtel Kursaal Bern
Swissôtel Kursaal Bern
hotelStar
4/5
61 reviews
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TOP 2
Novotel Bern Expo
Novotel Bern Expo
hotelStar
4/5
40 reviews
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TOP 3
Hotel Ambassador
Hotel Ambassador
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4/5
50 reviews
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Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
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4/5
122 reviews
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Bellevue Palace
Bellevue Palace
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64 reviews
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Moxy Bern Expo
Moxy Bern Expo
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3 Days in Berne Itinerary: Day 1

1

The Cathedral of Bern

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Begin your Bernese journey with a visit to the iconic Cathedral of Bern, a majestic historic building that stands as a testament to the city's rich religious heritage. Spend an hour marveling at its stunning architecture and the intricate details that adorn its facade. Nestled in the heart of the city at Münsterplatz 1, this church is not just a place of worship but a symbol of Bern's medieval past.

Attraction Info

  • Münsterplatz 1, 3000 Bern
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open on Mon-Sat,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sun,11:30am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Mille Sens
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Swaad
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Krone Bern
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2

UNESCO - Bern Old Town

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Next, immerse yourself in the charm of the UNESCO-listed Bern Old Town. Allocate three hours to wander through its cobblestone streets, surrounded by historic buildings and churches that tell the story of a bygone era. Located at Kramgasse 40, this area is a living museum, where every corner reveals a piece of Bern's illustrious history.

Attraction Info

  • Kramgasse 40, 3011 Bern
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
  • Open 24 hours
3 min,0.24 km
3

Clock Tower - Zytglogge

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Continue your historical exploration at the Clock Tower - Zytglogge, an emblematic timekeeper that has been overseeing Bern since the 13th century. Dedicate an hour to this unique attraction, which combines historical buildings with a museum experience. Situated at Bim Zytglogge 1, it offers a glimpse into the city's medieval times and the ingenuity of its early inhabitants.

Attraction Info

  • Bim Zytglogge 1, 3011 Bern
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
5 min,0.4 km
4

The Parliament Building

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Conclude your day at The Parliament Building, where the past meets the present. Spend an hour at this historic site located at Bundesplatz 3, and witness the grandeur of Swiss democracy. The building's impressive architecture and the significance it holds in the Swiss political landscape make it a must-visit for those looking to understand the country's heritage and governance.

Attraction Info

  • Bundesplatz 3, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
4.4/555 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent55 Reviews
Mattenhof-Weissenbuhl
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|0.12km from The Parliament Building
4.3/5100 Reviews
4.3/5Excellent100 Reviews
Rotes Quartier
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|0.14km from The Parliament Building

3 Days in Berne Itinerary: Day 2

1

Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum

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Begin your second day in Bern with a journey through time at the Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum. Nestled in the heart of the city at Helvetiaplatz 5, this museum offers a two-hour exploration of Bern's rich history and a special tribute to one of its most famous residents, Albert Einstein. Delve into a world where historical artifacts and the story of the genius physicist coalesce, providing an enlightening experience for history buffs and science enthusiasts alike.

Attraction Info

  • Helvetiaplatz 5, Bern 3005, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open on Tue-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Mille Sens
Mille Sens
4.8/5 · 25 reviews
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Treff Cafe Restaurant
4.7/5 · 6 reviews
0.8 km from attraction
Jack's Brasserie
Jack's Brasserie
4/5 · 1 review
0.9 km from attraction
Swaad
Swaad
5/5 · 3 reviews
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Kornhauscafé
Kornhauscafé
4.5/5 · 17 reviews
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The BEEF Steakhouse & Bar
The BEEF Steakhouse & Bar
5/5 · 5 reviews
0.6 km from attraction
19 min,1.37 km
2

Bear Pit

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After immersing yourself in the intellectual legacy of Einstein, take a brief, refreshing stroll to the Bear Pit. Just a half-hour visit to this unique landscape garden at Grosser Muristalden 6 allows you to witness Bern's heraldic animals in a naturalistic habitat. The Bear Pit, or Bärengraben, is more than just an attraction; it's a symbol of the city's heritage and a charming spot for families and nature lovers to enjoy.

Attraction Info

  • Grosser Muristalden 6, 3006 Bern, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
10 min,0.57 km
3

Rose Garden

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Continue your day amidst the blooms and tranquility of the Rose Garden. Located at Alter Aargauerstalden 31B, this picturesque landscape garden promises an hour of serene beauty with its vibrant array of roses and panoramic views of Bern. It's the perfect place to unwind and capture stunning photographs against the backdrop of the city's medieval architecture.

Attraction Info

  • Alter Aargauerstalden 31B, 3006 Bern, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
14 min,1.06 km
4

Öffentlicher Eislauf PostFinance-Arena

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Conclude your day's adventure with an invigorating three-hour session at the Öffentlicher Eislauf PostFinance-Arena. Glide across the ice at Mingerstrasse 12, where the thrill of skating combines with the joy of lively music and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time, this experience adds an exciting twist to your Bernese itinerary.

Attraction Info

  • Mingerstrasse 12, 3014 Bern, Switzerland
  • Open on Mon-Thu,8:00am-12:00pm,2:00pm-5:00pm;Open on Fri,8:00am-12:00pm,2:00pm-4:00pm
3.8/541 Reviews
3.8/541 Reviews
Berne
|0.34km from Öffentlicher Eislauf PostFinance-Arena
3.7/577 Reviews
3.7/577 Reviews
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3 Days in Berne Itinerary: Day 3

1

Chapel Bridge

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Begin your last day with a brief yet memorable visit to the iconic Chapel Bridge, a historical wooden bridge that has stood the test of time. As the first stop of the day, this military bridge offers a picturesque start with its stunning reflections on the water and the opportunity to capture the essence of Luzern in just 15 minutes. The Chapel Bridge is not only a testament to the city's past but also a perfect prelude to the day's journey through history and beauty.

Attraction Info

  • Kapellbrücke, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 15-30 minutes

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Burgerstube im Hotel Wilden Mann
Burgerstube im Hotel Wilden Mann
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Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern
Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern
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Stadtkeller Swiss Folklore Restaurant
Stadtkeller Swiss Folklore Restaurant
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Wirtshaus Taube
Wirtshaus Taube
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18 min,1.19 km
2

Lion Monument

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A mere stone's throw from the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument stands as a poignant tribute carved into rock. Dedicate a contemplative 10 minutes to this powerful monument, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution. The Lion Monument is a silent yet profound reminder of bravery and sacrifice, etched into the heart of Luzern.

Attraction Info

  • Denkmalstrasse 4, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 10-15 minutes
  • Open 24 hours
32 min,21.86 km
3

Lake Lucerne

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After the solemnity of the Lion Monument, it's time to embrace the serene beauty of Lake Lucerne. Spend an hour strolling along the shores or taking a leisurely boat ride, enveloped by the picturesque landscape of an ancient town setting. The lake's tranquil waters and the surrounding alpine scenery offer a peaceful respite and a chance to reflect on the journey thus far.

Attraction Info

  • Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour

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4

Rigi

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Conclude your three-day adventure with a breathtaking ascent to Rigi, a majestic mountain that promises awe-inspiring views and a rich tapestry of monuments and museums. Allot three hours to fully immerse yourself in the natural grandeur and cultural heritage that Rigi offers. As you stand atop its summit, let the panoramic vistas serve as a fitting finale to your unforgettable exploration of Berne and its surroundings.

Attraction Info

  • 6410 Arth, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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Top Things to Do in Berne-2024

TOP 1
UNESCO - Bern Old Town
UNESCO - Bern Old Town
4.6/5 · 139 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,755 review
Highlights:
The old town of Bern was built at the end of the 12th century, which brings together the essence of medieval European architecture and is listed as a world cultural heritage. The original wooden buildings here were destroyed by several fires in the Middle Ages and were later rebuilt as stone buildings. Walking through it, historical sites can be seen everywhere, showing the historical features of that time. The mysterious medieval city walks from Shunzheng Street to the bend of the Ahr River and crosses the bridge to this older part of Bern. Bright streets paved with cobblestones, arcades connected to each other on both sides of the streets, ancient houses with red tiles and white walls, colorful column fountains with allusions, 16th-century clock towers and Gothic buildings built in 1421. The cathedrals, etc., are all antique and full of the mystery of the Middle Ages. There are many street fountains on the streets of the old town, so Bern is also called "Spring City". Most of these street fountains were built in the 16th century. Each fountain has a statue of a fountain column, and each sculpture here tells a legend or fairy tale, which is fascinating. The collision of classic and modern There is also a world-renowned arcade. There is a sidewalk in front of the ground floor of the buildings along the street. The top of the sidewalk extends outwards to form a unique corridor. Today's arcades are filled with shopping malls, fashion stores, jewelry stores, antique stores, watch stores, handicraft stores, sweets stores, coffee shops and restaurants, etc. Walking in the arcades, you can feel the fusion of classical culture and modern business. breath.
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TOP 2
The Cathedral of Bern
The Cathedral of Bern
4.5/5 · 78 review
Highlights:
Bern Cathedral, built in 1421, is a Christian church with three narrow passages and a model of late Gothic architecture in Switzerland. Its tower is 100 meters high, which is the tallest building in Switzerland, and you can enjoy the medieval street view of Bern from the tower. The main attraction of the church is the magnificent relief created by Erhart Küng on the front of the church. In addition, the stained glass skylights and the beautifully carved choir seats in the church are all worth seeing. There is also a pipe organ composed of 5404 brass pipes built in 1726. It is the largest pipe organ in Switzerland and can be heard during regular concerts or Christmas. From the top of the tower, you can reach the top of the tower through 344 steps spiraling up from the church door, overlooking and overlooking the snow-capped Bernese Oberland peaks in the distance.
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TOP 3
Clock Tower - Zytglogge
Clock Tower - Zytglogge
4.7/5 · 116 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,828 review
Highlights:
This giant clock tower built in the 13th century can be said to be the city symbol of Bern and one of the more famous attractions in the old town. It was originally part of the West City Gate, but the appearance we see now is what it was rebuilt after a fire in the 15th century. Despite numerous renovations, this ancient clock tower is still telling the time, and it's amazing the mechanical workmanship. There is a set of multi-functional astronomical clocks on the clock tower. In addition to displaying the time, seasons, and horoscopes, there will also be a wonderful doll timekeeping show every 4 minutes before the hour. Whenever the puppets come out from the top of the gorgeous clock tower in rotation, they attract a large number of tourists to stop and watch.
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TOP 4
Jungfrau
Jungfrau
4.8/5 · 1,022 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,270 review
Highlights:

• Jungfraujoch is one of the peaks in the Alps. The peak of the mountain is covered with ice and snow all year round, but the bottom of the mountain is covered with green grass and beautiful scenery.

• The Jungfrau Mountain Railway will lead tourists to the Jungfrau Railway Station, a railway station 3,454 meters above sea level

• Take the lift to reach the Sphinx Observation Deck at the summit, which is about 3571 meters above sea level.


△ Climb the Jungfraujoch! Drive to the charming town of Interlaken and immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery along the way. Admire the legendary Jungfraujoch in Switzerland, which was blessed by angels.


△ Take your trip on the train, and enjoy the scenery along the way.


△ During the snow season, feel the beauty of nature in the white world and enjoy the thrills and excitement of skiing.

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TOP 5
Bear Pit
Bear Pit
4.4/5 · 83 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,565 review
Highlights:
Bern has the reputation of "Bear City", and the representative one is Bear Garden. Now Bern has spared no expense to build a modern bear park, where the baby bears can not only climb, fish and play, but also return to the original bear park to rest when they are tired. The history of the Bear Garden is because according to the legend, a prey shot by the Emperor Baiheshut V will be used as the city symbol of Bern, and when the bear is shot, it will be used as the symbol of this beautiful city. For 800 years, Xiongyuan has been well preserved as a witness of history, and you can still see simple and cute bears here.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

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Berne 3 Days Itinerary