Advice

Time for a quick break in your tour to highlight some other great sights you won’t want to miss in Berne. First up is the Rosengarten, a former cemetery turned rose garden that offers a peaceful park to stroll through, and one of the best panoramic views over the old town. Another favourite with locals is the Gurten, a lovely green hill just outside the city that you can reach for free by funicular. At 858 meters high, it offers sweeping views over Berne and the surrounding valley, stretching from the Alps to the Jura. If you’re up for a bit of exploration and you enjoy biking, don’t miss the Grünes Band. This 59-kilometer loop weaves through the towns around Berne and is perfect for electric bikes. In summer, the Marzili pool is a must-visit! This open-air public pool in a green riverside setting is completely free and doubles as the starting point for swimming in the Aare, a Berne tradition. Heads up, this is for strong swimmers only! You’ll find stairways leading down to the river at various points, just hop in and let the current carry you along. If the weather isn’t ideal or you’re in the mood for some culture, Berne also has one of Switzerland’s top museums covering history, archaeology, and ethnography, with over 500,000 objects dating from the Stone Age to today. Art lovers should definitely check out the Paul Klee Center, a striking museum shaped like a wave in the hillside and home to the largest collection of Klee’s works. You’ll find paintings, watercolors, sketches, personal items, photos, and even his collections of minerals and plants, offering a fascinating glimpse into his creative world. If you're thinking of exploring beyond the city, the region around Berne is full of fantastic day trip ideas. Hike the Witch’s Trail at Schwarzsee, visit the cheese-making village of Emmental and find out why there are holes in the cheese, take a boat ride on Lake Burgäschi, climb to the top of the Hohwacht observation tower for a dramatic view of the valley, or enjoy the stunning scenery of the Napf Valley, whether in snowshoes or trainers. With all this, you'll have plenty of adventures to enjoy if you choose to stick around a little longer.