Bern

Tourist Attractions in Bern

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Bern. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

21 Attractions

★4.5 Average rating

8 Categories

About Bern

Bern enchants visitors with a timeless medieval heart set along the looping Aare River, where rose-red rooftops and arcaded streets invite slow wanderings. The UNESCO-listed Old Town preserves marvels like the astronomical Zytglogge clock tower and the soaring Bern Cathedral, while intimate courtyards, fountains, and shops reveal Swiss charm at every corner. Museums range from the celebrated Einstein House to modern art hubs, and lunch or sunset on the riverbank offers cheerful al fresco moments. Beyond the city, lush hills, Bear Park, and easy access to the Bernese Alps make day trips tempting, rounding out a distinctly alpine yet cosmopolitan Swiss experience.

Swiss Museum of Transport — Museum, rated 4.6/5

1

Museum

Swiss Museum of Transport

4.6 ★★★★★ 14,404 reviews

Nestled in Bern, the Swiss Museum of Transport is a sprawling, interactive exploration of how people move, from trains and planes to automobiles and ships. A must for curious travelers, it combines preserved vehicles with immersive simulations, rare documents, and hands-on displays that unravel the technology and history behind everyday journeys. Visitors can board vintage carriages, explore a dedicated aviation hall, ride simulators, and enjoy films in the planetarium and cinema. Smoothly organized and family-friendly, the museum offers inspiring insights into Switzerland’s engineering prowess and a memorable day out.

Haldenstrasse 44, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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Rosengarten Bern — Garden, rated 4.7/5

2

Garden Park

Rosengarten Bern

4.7 ★★★★★ 5,933 reviews

Rosengarten Bern is a sun-drenched hillside oasis overlooking Bern with a superb collection of roses set against sweeping views of the city and the Aare river. Created on the site of an old fortress garden, the terraces weave a tranquil path through hundreds of rose varieties, complemented by herb and ornamental beds, a charming café, and informative plaques about plant species. Visitors wander meandering paths, pause at scenic viewpoints, and enjoy seasonal blooms from spring to autumn, making it a perfect, photogenic retreat just minutes from Bern’s medieval streets.

Alter Aargauerstalden 31B, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Parking Cards accepted

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Dählhölzli — Zoo, rated 4.6/5

3

Zoo ParkSports Activity Location

Dählhölzli

4.6 ★★★★★ 6,892 reviews

Dählhölzli, Bern’s riverbank zoo, sits beside the Aare in a leafy, easy-to-walk area just downstream from the iconic bear park. It’s a compact yet well‑curated sanctuary that highlights naturalistic habitats for a diverse range of species, from playful otters and inquisitive penguins to wolves and monkeys. Visitors can enjoy scenic strolls, informative talks, and family-friendly exhibits that emphasize conservation and education. Expect well-maintained enclosures, shaded paths, and close encounters with staff who bring wildlife stories to life, making this a relaxed, rewarding stop for a day of Bernese exploration.

Tierparkweg 3, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Bernina Express, rated 4.7/5

4

Tourist attraction

Bernina Express

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,570 reviews

The Bernina Express is a dramatic panoramic train journey that threads alpine scenery between Chur (or Davos/St. Moritz) in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. It’s not a single station but a route celebrated for soaring viaducts, steep climbs, and UNESCO-listed landscapes across the Bernina Massif. Travelers ride in glass-domed cars for uninterrupted views of glacier-fed rivers, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks at the pass above 2,000 meters. The ride lasts several hours, with seasonal panoramas, making it a highlight for rail enthusiasts and anyone craving dramatic Alps scenery.

Bahnhofpl. 1, 7000 Chur, Switzerland

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Cathedral of Bern — Religious site, rated 4.6/5

5

Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Cathedral of Bern

4.6 ★★★★★ 6,367 reviews

The Cathedral of Bern, or Bern Minster, is the city’s grand Gothic landmark and the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. Begun in the 15th century, its soaring spire and intricate exterior announce Bern’s medieval ambitions, while the richly carved portals and serene interior reward careful observation. Visitors can tour the nave, inspect the striking stained glass, and climb the narrow stair to a balcony that crowns the tower with sweeping views over the Bear City’s medieval rooftops and the Aare river. It’s a highlight for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.

Münsterpl. 1, 3000 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Restroom

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BearPark — Zoo, rated 4.4/5

6

Zoo Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

BearPark

4.4 ★★★★★ 17,613 reviews

BearPark in Bern is a compact yet captivating city zoo perched beside the Aare River, centered around its iconic resident, the Bern Bear. Visitors can expect well-designed enclosures that echo the surrounding Swiss landscape, informative exhibits, and daily bear-watching moments from elevated viewing decks. Beyond bears, the park hosts a variety of smaller species, lush pathways, and kid-friendly zones that spark curiosity about wildlife conservation. Situated just a short walk from Bern’s medieval old town, BearPark offers a convenient, family-friendly stop that blends nature, education, and Bern’s distinctive charm.

Grosser Muristalden 4, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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Zytglogge — Historic site, rated 4.6/5

7

Historic site Historical LandmarkCultural LandmarkHistorical Place

Zytglogge

4.6 ★★★★★ 5,415 reviews

The Zytglogge is Bern’s iconic medieval clock tower, a UNESCO-listed marvel that has kept time since the 13th century. Beyond its astronomical clock, visitors marvel at the ornate façade, the 17th-century astronomical calendar, and the ancient mechanical clockwork that still chimes hourly. Guided tours reveal winding staircases, the awe-inspiring mechanism, and the legend-filled history of Bern’s old town. Expect atmospheric lanes, panoramic views from the surrounding city walls, and a sense of stepping back in time as the crowd gathers to hear the bells mark each hour.

Bim Zytglogge 1, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Parking

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Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum — Museum, rated 4.6/5

8

Museum History Museum

Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,584 reviews

The Bernisches Historisches Museum, one of Switzerland’s premier history museums, houses an extensive collection spanning ancient artifacts to modern Swiss life, offering visitors a sweeping chronicle of the nation and its regions. Adjacent the Einstein Museum shines a focused tribute to Albert Einstein, detailing his time in Bern, his groundbreaking papers from 1905, and the scientific context that shaped his work. Expect immersive galleries, archival documents, multimedia displays, and compelling stories that connect local Bernese history to global science. It’s ideal for curious travelers seeking culture, heritage, and a brush with genius.

Helvetiapl. 5, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Bundesplatz, rated 4.6/5

9

Tourist attraction

Bundesplatz

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,534 reviews

Bundesplatz is Bern’s grand central square, framed by the sandstone façades of the Federal Palace, the Bern Clock Tower, and lively arcades. It’s the political heart of Switzerland, hosting official ceremonies and the iconic Zähringer fountain in summer bloom, while the ambient chatter of locals and visitors adds a timeless charm. Visitors can linger on the wide pavement, photograph the ornate fountains, and take in the city’s medieval roofscape from the surrounding terraces. In winter the illuminated arcades and holiday markets create a cozy, postcard-perfect atmosphere.

Bundesplatz, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Restaurant Rosengarten — Market, rated 4.4/5

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Market RestaurantObservation DeckSwiss RestaurantEuropean Restaurant

Restaurant Rosengarten

4.4 ★★★★★ 6,138 reviews $$

Perched in Bern’s Rosengarten, the Restaurant Rosengarten combines a scenic hillside setting with a welcoming, food-forward menu. Visitors come for panoramic views of the medieval old town, the Aare river, and the surrounding Alps on clear days, as well as for quality Swiss and seasonal dishes served in a cozy, sunlit dining room and on a spacious terrace. Expect light lunches, hearty regional specialties, good coffee, and pastries, plus vegetarian options and kids’ choices. It’s easy to reach from the city center and a refreshing stop after a stroll through Bern's parks.

Alter Aargauerstalden 31b, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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Münsterplattform Bern — Park, rated 4.7/5

11

Park

Münsterplattform Bern

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,157 reviews

Münsterplattform Bern is a sun-soaked public park perched above Bern’s historic city center, offering sweeping views of the cathedral, the Aare river, and the medieval rooftops below. This green respite blends grassy terraces, shady trees, and charming stairways, inviting strolls, picnics, and photo-worthy panoramas. Visitors can wander along pedestrian paths, admire verdant plantings and seasonal flowers, or simply rest on benches to soak in the city’s UNESCO-listed skyline. It’s a tranquil launchpad for exploring Bern’s Old Town, giving travelers a serene, scenic foothold before continuing their Swiss discoveries.

Münsterplattform 9, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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22- Museum of Communication — Museum, rated 4.6/5

12

Museum Cultural Center

22- Museum of Communication

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,298 reviews

The Museum of Communication in Bern invites visitors to trace how humans send and share information, from mail and telegraphs to radio, television and the digital age. Housed in a modern, engaging building, the museum combines historic artifacts with interactive displays that bring communication to life for all ages. Expect hands-on stations, evocative archives, and immersive installations that illuminate the social impact of communication technologies, alongside changing exhibitions and family-friendly workshops. A visit offers both a compelling timeline of media evolution and practical insights into how we connect today, making it a must for curious travelers.

Helvetiastrasse 16, 3000 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Parliament Building — Landmark, rated 4.6/5

13

Landmark Government Office

Parliament Building

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,249 reviews

The Parliament Building in Bern, or Bundeshaus, is the grand seat of Switzerland’s Federal Assembly and Federal Council, perched along the Aare river in the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Its neoclassical facade and stately dome reflect centuries of Swiss governance, making it a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers. Visitors can join guided tours or watch sessions from public galleries when Parliament is in session, and, for sweeping city views, ascend to the dome when open. Its blend of political life, design, and panoramic terraces makes Bern feel truly alive.

Bundesplatz 3, 3003 Bern, Switzerland

Dogs allowed

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Botanical Garden of University of Bern — Garden, rated 4.7/5

14

Garden Botanical GardenMuseum

Botanical Garden of University of Bern

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,442 reviews

The Botanical Garden of the University of Bern is a serene urban oasis offering a living panorama of global flora. Set on well-kept grounds with glasshouses for tropical, subtropical, and alpine plants, plus a herb garden and seasonal displays, it invites botany lovers and casual strollers alike. Visitors explore winding paths, informative labels, and shaded benches beneath centuries-old trees, learning about plant diversity, conservation, and research linked to the university. It’s a peaceful, educational escape close to the city center, ideal for family outings, photography, and reflective nature walks.

Altenbergrain 21, 3013 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed

Entrance Restroom

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Zentrum Paul Klee — Museum, rated 4.4/5

15

Museum Art Museum

Zentrum Paul Klee

4.4 ★★★★★ 2,735 reviews

Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern is a striking, sunlit museum dedicated to the life and work of Swiss painter Paul Klee. Set in a distinctive brick-and-glass architecture by Renzo Piano, it houses the largest collection of Klee’s works, spanning early sketches to late abstractions, alongside rotating exhibitions that illuminate his influences and era. Visitors can wander through intimate galleries, enjoy immersive media installations, and gain insights into avant-garde movements. With its riverside setting, excellent café, and family-friendly programs, the museum offers a rich, accessible encounter with a pivotal Modernist voice.

Monument im Fruchtland 3, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Naturhistorisches Museum Bern — Museum, rated 4.5/5

16

Museum

Naturhistorisches Museum Bern

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,124 reviews

The Naturhistorisches Museum Bern is Switzerland’s premier natural history museum, housed in a grand historic building in the heart of Bern. It stunningly presents the diversity of life on earth through extensive fossil collections, biodiversity displays, minerals, and interactive galleries. Visitors can marvel at dinosaur skeletons, ancient mammal specimens, and vibrant dioramas that bring ecosystems to life, while learning how science classifies and protects our natural heritage. It’s a perfect stop for families and curious travelers alike, offering kid-friendly stations, short films, and a calm, informative pace after wandering the medieval streets surrounding the city.

Bernastrasse 15, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday2:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Kunstmuseum Bern — Museum, rated 4.4/5

17

Museum Art Museum

Kunstmuseum Bern

4.4 ★★★★★ 1,465 reviews

Kunstmuseum Bern, Switzerland’s oldest art museum, houses an encyclopedic collection spanning from the 15th century to contemporary works, anchored by acclaimed Swiss artists and an outstanding collection of van Gogh and Picasso. The building, a modernist masterpiece with expansive light-filled galleries, enhances the viewing experience, while changing exhibitions and the renowned Bührle collection curatorial blocks promise fresh discoveries with each visit. Expect immersive atmospheres, quiet contemplation, and educational programs for families and scholars alike, plus a central, easy-to-navigate location near Bern’s historic Old Town and Bear Park.

Hodlerstrasse 8, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Käfigturm — Historic site, rated 4.5/5

18

Historic site Historical LandmarkEvent VenueHistorical Place

Käfigturm

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,036 reviews

Käfigturm, a palatial medieval tower in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town, rises as a sentinel of the city’s history and architecture. Once part of the early defense line, its stepped, turreted silhouette now houses an atmospheric cultural venue and a small museum explaining Bern’s medieval guilds and civic life. Visitors can climb the narrow stairway for panoramic views of the Aare bends and Bern’s rooftops, and explore the tower’s arcaded facade and vaulted rooms. It’s a compact, evocative glimpse into Bern’s past, alongside contemporary exhibitions and events.

Marktgasse 67, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Monday2:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SundayClosed

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Einstein House — Museum, rated 4/5

19

Museum

Einstein House

4 ★★★★★ 3,075 reviews

Nestled in the charming Old Town of Bern, the Einstein House preserves the apartment where Albert Einstein lived and worked from 1903 to 1905, the period that yielded his pivotal Annus Mirabilis papers. Visitors step into a meticulously restored 19th-century residence, presented with original furnishings, photographs, and exhibits that illuminate Einstein’s daily life, his groundbreaking theories, and the social context of the era. The museum offers a concise, immersive timeline, reflective spaces, and a rooftop view of Bern’s UNESCO-listed skyline, making it a must for science lovers and curious travelers alike.

Kramgasse 49, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Kindlifresserbrunnen — Historic site, rated 4.5/5

20

Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Kindlifresserbrunnen

4.5 ★★★★★ 849 reviews

The Kindlifresserbrunnen, or Child-Eater Fountain, is a 16th‑century stone sculpture in Bern’s Old Town that towers above the square with a hooded ogre gripping a child. Dating from around 1546, its creator remains unknown, but the carving’s stark, unsettling visage makes it one of the city’s most talked‑about landmarks. Visitors can marvel at the bold, allegorical imagery that sparks legends about elves, monks, or mercantile power, while appreciating Bernese baroque artistry. A short stop here rewards curious travelers with a mythic photo opportunity and a sense of medieval mystery.

Kornhauspl. 18, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

Entrance

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Waisenhausplatz, rated 4.3/5

21

Tourist attraction

Waisenhausplatz

4.3 ★★★★★ 817 reviews

Waisenhausplatz, a charming square in Bern's medieval Old Town, anchors the city’s social and architectural heart with a fistful of history and bustle. Surrounded by pastel façades, arcades and the soaring 15th-century Zähringerbrunnen fountain, it’s an inviting launch pad to the bear pit, cathedral precincts, and the UNESCO-listed Klösterli district. Visitors linger over outdoor cafés, wander the arcades for Swiss crafts, and enjoy lively market atmospheres that ripple through the day. Expect a vivid microcosm of Bern’s heritage, charm, and everyday Swiss urban life.

Waisenhauspl. 26, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

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