Exploring Bern City: Swiss Capital Private Walking Half-Day Tour
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Exploring Bern City: Swiss Capital Private Walking Half-Day Tour

Active
(16 reviews)
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a captivating journey through the UNESCO-listed city of Bern with our exclusive 3-4 hour private walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this personalized experience delves into the heart of Bern's historic charm. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, marvel at the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, and discover hidden gems known only to locals. Explore the rich cultural tapestry of this Swiss capital, as your private guide shares fascinating stories and insights. With a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests, this tour promises an intimate and enriching encounter with the captivating city of Bern.

Available options

Bern city tour

Bern city tour<br/>Pickup included

What's included

local guide operated by Swiss Travel Guide for your party only
all taxes, fees and handling charges
all transportation fees for tram and bus (transfer between the points)

Detailed itinerary

1

The rose garden is a park northeast of the old town in the Schosshalde district of Bern.
The gardens are popular with both locals and tourists. It is popular as a vantage point with a good view of the old town, has a restaurant, a large children's playground and a library with a reading garden.

2

The bear park replaces the old bear pit used for keeping brown bears, in which species-appropriate keeping was no longer possible. The facility is located on the opposite bank of the Aare from the old town in the Bärenpark district, which is named after him, and is part of Bern Zoo

3

The Nydeggbrücke connects the area around the old town of Bern with the opposite bank of the Aare at the bear pit.

4

The quarter is located on a peninsula in the Aare below the actual old town directly on the river bank. It is geographically and topographically clearly separated from the rest of the city

5

The Mattelift is an electric passenger elevator that connects the cathedral platform in Bern with Badgasse, 31.5 meters below, in the Matte district.

6

The Minster Platform is a rectangular terrace in front of the Bern Minster on the slope to the Aare.

7
Stop 7

The reformed Bern Minster was dedicated to St. Vincent of Zaragoza in the late Middle Ages and is the largest and most important late medieval church in Switzerland. It was built in the Gothic style and is one of those Gothic churches that could only be completed in the 19th century after the advent of historicism.

8

The Bern town hall at Rathausplatz 2 is the historic town hall of Bern and is still the political center of the city and canton of Bern.

9
Stop 9

The Zytglogge is a landmark medieval tower in Bern, Switzerland. Built in the early 13th century, it has served the city as guard tower, prison, clock tower, centre of urban life and civic memorial. Despite the many redecorations and renovations it has undergone in its 800 years of existence, the Zytglogge is one of Bern's most recognisable symbols and the oldest monument of the city, and with its 15th-century astronomical clock, a major tourist attraction. It is a heritage site of national significance, and part of the Old City of Bern, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

10
Stop 10

The Federal Palace is the building in Bern housing the Swiss Federal Assembly (legislature) and the Federal Council (executive). It has a total length of more than 300 metres (980 ft) consisting of a central assembly building and two wings (eastern and western) housing government departments and a library.

11

The University of Bern does not have a single large campus on the edge of the city, but has consistently pursued the principle of a university in the city. Most institutes and clinics are still in the Länggasse, the traditional university district adjoining the city centre, within walking distance of one another.

What's not included

food and drinks
personal expenses during the tour

Available languages

Guide guide
DE EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7
14 reviews
5★
13
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1★
1
Tripadvisor 3.0
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
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1★
1

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
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

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

Adults
Age 17-99
1
Childs
Age 6-16
0
Infants
Age 1-5
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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