Bern Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Your expert guide will show you the city's highlights and hidden gems. On this walking tour you will be able to see a lot of places within a short timeframe. Apart from explaining the sights, your guide can provide insight into the history and culture of the city and the country in general. The focus of this tour is to see the city through the eyes of a local. This private tour can be customized according to your personal preferences. Sightseeing points to visit can be agreed upon in advance or discussed when meeting up. Therefore, the sightseeing points listed below in the itinerary are just an example of what is possible. Your guide can suggest other sightseeing points that better suit your interests. This tour has two options for guides: a local guide or a professional tour guide. Please be aware that a local guide does not have detailed historical knowledge. If profound knowledge is important to you, you should book the tour option with a professional tour guide.
Available options
3-hour tour (with tour guide)
Duration: 3 hours: Book this option for a complete overview of the city. This option is with a professional tour guide.<br/>Pickup included
3-hour tour (with local guide)
Duration: 3 hours: Book this option for a complete overview of the city. This option is with a local guide (not a professional tour guide).<br/>Pickup included
2-hour tour (with local guide)
Duration: 2 hours: See some of the major attractions and hidden secrets. This option is with a local guide (not a professional tour guide).<br/>Pickup included
2-hour tour (with tour guide)
Duration: 2 hours: See some of the major attractions and hidden secrets. This option is with a professional tour guide.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Walking tour (fully customizable and private)
Local guide (Swiss or expat) or professional tour guide (depending on your choice)
Detailed itinerary
1
Bern’s Old City has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, wowing visitors with its impressive sandstone buildings and incomparable charm. Also typical for the city are its quaint alleys and the six kilometres of arcades.
2
Stop 2
The Parliament Building in Bern is the heart of Switzerland’s democracy: the parliament holds its meetings under the grand dome, the west and east wings house parts of the federal government and administration.
3
Stop 3
Bern’s typical streets, lanes and buildings have exciting stories to tell, and in the midst of them all in the Old Town one of the city’s best-known landmarks stands high above the rest: the Zytglogge (Clock Tower). Once a city gate, the Clock Tower now attracts spectators from all over the world.
4
The Dreifaltigkeitskirche in the immediate vicinity of the parliament is the oldest Catholic church in the region of Bern.
5
Stop 5
In the past, Käfigturm was where criminals were interrogated and locked up, today it is a space for political discussions. The former city gate at the upper end of Marktgasse is an important landmark of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bern and home of the Polit-Forum Bern (Political Forum Bern).
6
Stop 6
The Bernese Minster has the highest church spire in all of Switzerland and is one of the most important landmarks of the capital. There are 344 steps to reach the viewing deck – but the wonderful panorama from the Old City to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland is absolutely worth it.
7
The magic of cherry blossom in spring, around 250 varieties of roses in bloom in summer, a blaze of colour in the autumn months and the cosy fondue veranda of the Rosengarten restaurant in the winter season make a visit to the rose garden something special at any time of year.
8
The Bern bear pit is an attraction that is known far beyond the borders of Switzerland. Since 2009, the Bern bears have primarily had a modern, 6,000 square meter park at their disposal, which they reach through a tunnel – the BärenPark.
9
It seems that “all” of Bern meets up at the Marzili. On peak days, over 10,000 visitors descend upon what is considered to be the most beautiful riverside pool in Switzerland, right below the Parliament Building.
10
The Botanical Garden thrills the hearts of plant lovers and is popular both among nature fans and those who simply want to unwind in a peaceful setting.
What's not included
Tickets for public transport (not necessary as it is a walking tour)
Tickets for attractions with entry fees such as museums
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
VI
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
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1★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meet your guide at the entrance of Loeb department store.
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
