When it comes to city breaks in Europe, the likes of Vienna and Cologne are fine choices but for a picturesque alternative to the most popular destinations, Switzerland's capital city Bern is worth exploring.
Part of our Glacier Express rail holiday that takes in the country's most magical Alpine scenery in October and February, Bern is an underrated beauty spot that is splendid to discover.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive is its attractive location. Unlike so many modern capital cities, with their urban sprawl, Bern remains charmingly compact, making it perfect to explore on foot.
It sits on a peaceful bend in the turquoise Aare River and despite being the Swiss capital, it's Switzerland’s fourth largest city, behind Zurich, Geneva and Basel.
Keeping much of its period character, romantic spires and timber-clad buildings in the Old Town recall its medieval origins and history as an important centre of Renaissance culture.
The best things to do in Bern
One of the city’s most popular attractions is the Zytglogge, a 13th-century tower in the city centre with its elaborate clock.
Each hour, on the hour, a quaint scene unfolds as an incredible mechanical puppet show begins, including roosters, dancing bears, a jester and the Ancient Greek god of time, Chronos, which pop out and perform for the gathered crowds.
Wandering away from the clock, you’ll find plenty more to see and do in the Old Town, where small independent traders and traditional bars full of period features abound.
You’ll also be delighted to discover how green Bern is. Taking a stroll around the city’s parks is lovely in the colder months too, when a fresh coating of snow adds to their elegance and helps you work up an appetite.
Or, if you fancy a more adventurous nature experience, make your way to the BärenPark. Few wild bears remain in Western Europe, but you can see three living together in this specially made, landscaped enclosure.
Feast on hearty dishes
For a bite to eat, Restaurant Rosengarten is an atmospheric location, with log fires outside and classic Swiss dishes like cheese fondue being served.
Famed for its hearty, warming cuisine, Switzerland is probably best known for its fondue but Bern being a German-speaking Swiss canton means you should keep an eye out for fried potato rösti and meat platters with beef and smoked pork sausages.
Traditional bakers are also a highlight of any visit to Bern, where you’ll find hazelnut biscuits such as Haselnusslebkuchen and Meitschibei.
Get cultured
For a dive into history and culture, it’s worth visiting Bern’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, built in 1421. Its 100-metre spire is the the tallest in Switzerland, affording you spectacular views of the city from the top, with the River Aare, Alps and Oberland forming a romantic backdrop.
Then, check out some of the amazing works in Bern’s Kunstmuseum – Switzerland’s oldest art gallery – which features paintings by Picasso, Hodler, Oppenheim and Bern’s own Paul Klee.
After a busy day, you’ll need to unwind and can head to Bernaqua, a huge spa and waterpark with indoor and outdoor pools, giant slides and saunas.
Visit Bern on Good Housekeeping's exclusive tour that includes a ride through the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express.
