Bern Unesco World Heritage Site Walking Tour
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Bern Unesco World Heritage Site Walking Tour

Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The old town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Legend states that Duke Berchthold of Zahringen named the city after the first animal he killed during a hunting expedition: it was a Bear!

Here you will enjoy a medieval air of the city with its Renaissance fountains, narrow streets and historic towers... and not only!

During our tour we will:

- taste the best, according to the version of the last few years, the country's chocolate. And it's not about Toblerone, who, by the way, is also from Bern.

- We will see a very unusual restaurant, it is better to book a table in it in advance, where the French invaders died drowning in wine.

- Find out where Bernese gin is produced (you can learn how to cook it, for extra money, by prior arrangement)

- take a picture at three monuments to Einstein.

- We will visit a perfume studio where you can make your perfect perfume (for extra money, by prior arrangement).

Available options

Bern Unesco World Heritage Site Walking Tour

What's included

Guiding Services

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The Bern Münster Cathedral is the most impressive and important late medieval church in Switzerland.
From the Swiss capital’s 101-metre high cathedral you may admire the magnificent view over the old city, of the Aare river, the Alps and the Matte.

2
Stop 2

Zytglogge, the 15th century astrological clock in Bern. The tower was built in the 13th century and was part of the fortress wall of the Cityland has served the city as guard tower, prison, clock tower, center of urban life.

3
Stop 3

Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1903 to 1905 and developed his Theory of Relativity in this house. Albert Einstein rented this flat from 1903 to 1905 and lived there with his wife Mileva and son Hans Albert. They are some voices that Mileva and Albert have worked on the theory of relativity together, but her name was not on the work, nevertheless he gave the Nobel Prize in full to his then ex-wife.

4
Stop 4

Bern was chosen as the Federal Capital of Switzerland in 1848 thanks to its central location between the German- and French-speaking parts of the country. The parliament building was completed in 1902. In the central hall, under the cupola between the two assembly rooms, there are numerous symbolic depictions of Swiss history.
Curiosity. During the summer, you can see the 26 water fountains in Parliament Square represent the 26 cantons of Switzerland.

5

One of the Bernese fountains depicts an ogre devouring defenceless, half-naked children.Its Kindlifresserbrunnen. There are various theories about the significance of this fountain, the most plausible of which is that the fountain was built for an educational purpose and that the monster was meant to scare little children. The most popular theories are three. And the most truthful one is even more horrific than the scarecrow for children.

6
Stop 6

Käfigturm as well as the clock tower were built at different times as Bern's fortification system. In the past Käfigturm was where criminals were interrogated and locked up!
Bernese, as befits the Swiss, lovers of order, have documented and preserved in the so-called "Tower Books" information about murders, thefts and other crimes, as well as interrogations, confessions and sentences.
Have you ever been to the Musée Dorcet in Paris? Perhaps the painting "The Tin Man" by the Swiss artist Hodler caught your eye. They say he was born in this tower.

7

Now is a very special restaurant, it is better to book a table in it in advance, where the Napoleons invaders died drowning in wine.

8
Stop 8

You will learn why did the inhabitants of the Matte district – the oldest part of the city develop their own languageabout special Matten-Berndeutsch (a mixture of French, Hebrew, German and other languages) part of the city.

9

Just next to the Rose Garden - Bears lives.
Here we will learn the story why this animal is the symbol of the city.

What's not included

Bern Cathedral tower 5 CHF; Einstein house 7 CHF

Available languages

Guide guide
RU UK EN IT

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

The Schweizerhof Bern is located opposite the central Bern railway station at Bahnhofpl. 11, 3001 Bern

About Bern

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval old town and vibrant cultural scene. With its charming arcades, picturesque fountains, and stunning views of the Alps, Bern offers a unique blend of history, nature, and modern Swiss life.

Top Attractions

Old Town of Bern

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring medieval architecture, arcades, and charming streets.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore

Bear Park (BärenPark)

A park along the Aare River where Bern's famous bears live in a natural habitat.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Bern Cathedral (Münster)

A stunning Gothic cathedral with a tower offering panoramic views of the city.

Architecture 1-2 hours CHF 7 for tower climb

Swiss Parliament Building (Bundeshaus)

The seat of the Swiss Federal Assembly, featuring impressive architecture and guided tours.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (guided tours may require booking)

Einstein Museum

A museum dedicated to Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern, showcasing his life and work.

Museum 1-2 hours CHF 12

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rösti

A crispy potato pancake, often served as a side dish or main course with various toppings.

Dish Vegetarian, can be made gluten-free

Fondue

Melted cheese served in a pot over a portable stove, dipped with bread.

Dish Contains dairy, gluten (bread)

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, typically served with Rösti.

Dish Contains dairy, meat

Bernese Platte

A hearty meat platter featuring various cuts of pork, sausages, and other accompaniments.

Dish Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians

Popular Activities

Paragliding in Interlaken Hiking in the Alps Skiing in the nearby ski resorts Boat trips on the Aare River Visiting the Rosengarten Enjoying a spa day Visiting museums and galleries Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

June to August, December to January

Summer offers pleasant weather and outdoor activities, while winter brings festive markets and skiing opportunities. Both seasons see higher tourist volumes.

15-25°C (summer), -5-5°C (winter) 59-77°F (summer), 23-41°F (winter)

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: German
  • Widely spoken: English, French, Italian
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Bern is a very safe city with low crime rates. However, always be aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
  • • Be cautious of distractions and common scams

Getting there

By air
  • Bern Airport • 7 km from city center
  • Zurich Airport • 120 km from city center
By train

Bern Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Bern Bahnhof

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and frequent service with easy-to-use ticket system.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi Bern, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Altstadt) Länggasse Bümpliz

Day trips

Thun
30 km from Bern • Half day to full day

A charming medieval town with a beautiful castle, scenic lake, and historic old town.

Interlaken
45 km from Bern • Full day to overnight

A popular adventure sports hub nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by the Alps.

Gruyères
60 km from Bern • Half day to full day

A picturesque medieval town known for its cheese, chocolate, and the famous HR Giger Museum.

Festivals

Berner Buskers Festival • June Christmas Markets • December Gurtenfestival • July

Pro tips

  • Use the Bernmobil app for real-time public transport information
  • Visit the Clock Tower for a unique experience and panoramic views
  • Explore the city's hidden courtyards and passages for a glimpse into its medieval past
  • Try local specialties like Rösti and fondue at traditional restaurants
  • Take a boat trip on the Aare River for stunning views of the city
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook