Bern-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bern

  • 9:00 AM: Arrive at Belp Airport or take the train from Zurich or Geneva to Bern Hauptbahnhof (main station)
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Bellevue Palace, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Bern’s Old Town
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Bern City Museum (Museum für Geschichte des Gärtners) to learn about the city’s history and its famous gardens
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Restaurant Stucki, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving traditional Swiss cuisine with modern twists
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the historic Zytglogge (clock tower) and walk through the cobblestone streets of Bern’s Old Town
  • 5:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Aare River and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains

Things to Know

  • Bern is a very compact city, making it easy to get around on foot.
  • The Old Town is car-free, so be prepared for pedestrian traffic.

Day 2: More Bern Explorations

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Federal Palace, the seat of Swiss government and a stunning example of neo-Renaissance architecture
  • 10:30 AM: Stop by the Swiss Alpine Museum (Alpin-Sammlung des Schweizerischen Alpenclubs) to learn about Switzerland’s rich mountaineering history
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Restaurant Restaurant zum Schäfli, a cozy spot serving traditional Bernese cuisine
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Bundeshaus (Federal Palace) and take a guided tour of the Swiss Parliament building
  • 4:00 PM: Relax with a coffee or snack at Café du Nord, a charming café with outdoor seating

Day 3: Day Trip to the Bernese Oberland

  • 8:00 AM: Take the train from Bern Hauptbahnhof to Interlaken Ost (approximately 1 hour journey)
  • 9:30 AM: Visit the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen, nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains
  • 11:00 AM: Hike to the top of Schilthorn Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
  • 2:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Schilthornbahn, a mountain restaurant with stunning views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains
  • 4:00 PM: Return to Bern by train

Day 4: More Explorations and Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum), home to a vast collection of natural history specimens
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the charming neighborhood of Kreuzacker, known for its narrow streets, historic houses, and lively atmosphere
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Restaurant Restaurant zum Rössli, a cozy spot serving traditional Swiss cuisine
  • 3:00 PM: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions before departing

Tips and Transportation

  • Getting Around Bern: The city is easily explored on foot, but you can also use the efficient public transportation system (Bern Tramway) to get around.
  • Day Trip to Bernese Oberland: Take the train from Bern Hauptbahnhof to Interlaken Ost for a scenic journey through the Swiss countryside.
  • Getting to and from Airport: Use the Bern Airport shuttle service or take a taxi.

Other Things of Interest

  • Bern’s Gardens: Visit the beautiful gardens of the Museum für Geschichte des Gärtners (see Day 1) for a serene oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Swiss National Library: Visit the impressive Swiss National Library, located near Bern Hauptbahnhof.

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized to fit your preferences.