It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Bern, Switzerland.
The 13th-century Zytglogge once served as a guard tower, prison and now clock tower. The 179-foot tower features the great hour bell ringing by a wooden bell-striker. The tower also includes an astronomical clock, the dial of which is built in the form of an astrolabe. Guided tours are offered inside the tower. © Valeria Cantone | Dreamstime.com
Bern is often nicknamed the City of Fountains, as it holds more than 100 public fountains within its Old City alone. Explore the unique and quirky fountains found throughout the city, from the Ogre Fountain in Granary Square to the Justice Fountain in Gerechtigkeitsgasse to the Bagpiper Fountain in Spitalgasse. There’s even one called the Child Eater Fountain, and it’s just as you’d expect it to look. © Britvich | Dreamstime.com
Located on the southwestern edge of the Old City, the Federal Palace is the seat of the government of Switzerland. Built in the 19th century, the building takes on a Swiss cross layout. Still used today for government affairs, the building features a grand fountain and offers guided tours. © Justin Black | Dreamstime.com
Bern sits on the Aare, a tributary of the High Rhine. Some parts of the city perch 196 feet above the river. Many bridges cross the waterway, offering outlooks along the river. Locals in Bern often swim in the river in warmer months. © Arsty | Dreamstime.com
The Old City of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage site, its founding dating back to the 12th century. Within the Old City, you’ll find Münster Cathedral (built in the 15th century), the Zytglogge clock, the oldest bridge in Bern (1256) and countless public fountains originally built as a public water supply. Bern, Switzerland. © Sorin Colac | Dreamstime.com
In the southernmost part of the canton of Bern lies the Bernese Oberland. The Bernese Oberland constitutes the Alpine region of the canton and northern side of the Bernese Alps. Here, you’ll find Niederhorn, the peak of the Emmental Alps in the Bernese Oberland. Reachable by cable car, the peak sits 6,440 feet above sea level. Niederhorn sits a little more than an hour from Bern. © Jiri Hrebicek | Dreamstime.com
Bern is home to the Bear Pit, an enclosure of brown bears. Also known as BärenPark, the origins of bears in the city goes back to the 12th century. Today, the Bear Pit is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. © Inna Felker | Dreamstime.com
Read This Next
The Best Way to See Denali: Fly-In Travel
Destinations / North America
Feb 26, 2025#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedTravel Goods
Feb 24, 2025Bring This Pickleball Set on Your Next Trip
We’ve all heard of it by now: pickleball, the sport that’s kind of like a mix of tennis, table tennis and badminton.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Trends / Health & Wellness
Feb 21, 2025Check Out This Retreat for the “Wellness Curious”
If you quickly grew tired of hearing about Dry January, but you’re still open to the idea of improving your health, so long as it’s not an all-or-nothing approach, consider a new retreat from FTLO Travel. Designed for the “wellness curious,” this retreat, dubbed the Mindfulness and Margaritas retreat, blends wellness and fun for a perfectly balanced, moderate experience.
Trends
Feb 21, 2025Black Tomato Launches Platform Centered Around Emotions
Luxury travel operator Black Tomato recently unveiled The Pursuit of Feeling, a new platform redefining travel by focusing on the powerful emotions it evokes. With the company celebrating 20 years, it's looking to get back to its founding philosophy: You may not know where you want to go, but you know how you want to feel. This new platform does just that.
Sponsored Content
Unveiling Europe’s Treasures with AmaWaterways River Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with AmaWaterways, recognized as Best River Cruise Line by Cruise Critic. What sets AmaWaterways apart is its commitment to offering you the luxury of more. With up to eight daily included excursion options, you have the freedom to tailor your journey to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast or an architecture aficionado, there's something for everyone on the meticulously crafted itineraries. You will also be treated to a range of exquisitely prepared meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine and beer during lunch and dinner, an array of complimentary host-led fitness classes, and so much more.
Hotel
Feb 21, 2025Stay Gold Offer at The Chatwal, New York Celebrates “The Outsiders” on Broadway
New York City-bound travelers can step into the 1960s world of the Broadway musical The Outsiders with a stay in the Stay Gold Suite at The Chatwal, New York, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Are you a Ponyboy or a Sodapop? Regardless, the suite’s details, from an in-room record player to black-and-white photography, will please fans of The Outsiders book, movie and musical.
ShareThis