Bern's cathedral is Switzerland's largest church building and a fantastic example of late gothic architecture. Entrance is free, but for a fee it’s possible to climb the rocket-shaped cathedral spire. It is the dominant structure in Bern's Old Town, which was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983.
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Things to see in Bern
Tourist offices
Tourist Information Centre
Address: Bahnhofplatz 10A, Bern, 3011, Switzerland
Tel: +41 31 328 1212
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 0900-1800.
www.bern.comLocated at the main train station, offering everything from hotel reservations and tour bookings to audio guides and souvenirs.
Das Berner Münster (Cathedral of Bern)
Opening Times: Apr – mid Oct: Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1130-1700.
Mid Oct – early Apr: Mon-Fri 1200-1600, Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1130-1600.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: Yes
Address:
Münsterplatz 1, Bern, 3000, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 31 312 0462
Website:
http://www.bernermuenster.ch
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
The 'Clock Tower' was built in the 13th century and was Bern's first city gate to the west. The famous astronomical calendar clock was created in 1530. Its mechanical figurines are set in motion on the clock's east side every hour. Join one of the tourist office's guided tours (at 1430 daily, none during winter months) to visit the interior. Booking in advance is recommended.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address:
Bim Zytglogge 1, Bern, 3011, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 313 281 212
Website:
http://www.zeitglockenturm.ch/en/
Bernisches Historisches Museum (History Museum)
With half a million items dating from the Stone Age to the present day, this museum spans a colossal breadth of different eras and subjects. There are high-quality temporary exhibitions too, as well as a separate museum dedicated to the life and work of Einstein.
Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-1700
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Helvetiaplatz 5, Bern, 3005, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 31 350 7711
Website:
http://www.bhm.ch
Einstein House
Albert Einstein rented this city flat from 1903 to 1905, living there with his wife and son while working at the local patent office (and developing the odd earth-shattering theory or two). It features furnishings from the period, as well as photos and texts. A film gives an overview of Einstein's life.
Opening Times: Daily 1000-1700 (01 Feb-21 Dec); closed on national holidays.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address:
Kramgasse 49, Bern, 3011, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 31 312 0091
Website:
http://www.einstein-bern.ch
Kunstmuseum Bern (Museum of Fine Arts)
Bern's Museum of Fine Arts has one of the finest collections in Switzerland, spanning eight centuries. The collection of modern art from the 19th and 20th centuries (Impressionism, Cubism, Expressionism, Blauer Reiter, Surrealism) is particularly impressive, but works from the Italian Trecento and Swiss art from the 15th century onwards are also absorbing.
Opening Times: Tues 1000-2100, Wed-Sun 1000-1700
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Hodlerstrasse 8-12, Bern, 3011, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 31 328 0944
Website:
http://www.kunstmuseumbern.ch
Swiss Alpine Museum
With exhibits focusing on different aspects of mountain life, Bern’s Swiss Alpine Museum has stood on Helvetiaplatz for more than 80 years. Culture, art and science all feature, and there are temporary exhibitions too.
Opening Times: Tues - Sun 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Helvetiaplatz 4, Bern, 3005, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 31 350 0440
Website:
https://www.alpinesmuseum.ch/en
Zentrum Paul Klee
Set in an extraordinary, wave-like modern building, designed by Renzo Piano, this gallery contains the world's most important collection of works by Paul Klee, displayed through various temporary exhibitions. There are also art workshops for children and adults.
Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Monument im Fruchtland 3, Bern, 3000, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 31 359 0101
Website:
http://www.zpk.org
Botanic Gardens
The Bern Botanical Garden contains the Alpinum, which features a big selection of alpine plants and Swiss flora and fauna. Six other show houses focus on tropical and subtropical vegetation; the Palm House focuses on plants usually cultivated in humid tropical areas; the Fern House contains plants from tropical mountain forests whilst the Steppe House is dedicated to vegetation found in semi-deserts.
Opening Times: Showhouses
Mar–Sep daily 0800-1730; Oct–Feb daily 0800-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address:
Altenbergrain 21, Bern, 3013, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 31 631 4945
Website:
http://www.boga.unibe.ch/
Gurten
At 864m (2,835ft) above sea level, Gurten isn't really much of a mountain by Swiss standards. But it works a treat as Bern's own mountain playground. It offers a wide range of entertainment and cultural activities, concerts and games. The park is a great local recreation space with plenty of children's activities, a miniature railway and an observation tower.
Opening Times: Daily 24 hours
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Bern, 3084, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 031 970 3333
Website:
http://www.gurtenpark.ch
The BearPark
The Bernese have long had a thing for bears – they gave rise to the city's name and coat of arms – and the animals themselves have been kept here since the 16th century. A new BearPark replaced the old bear pits in October 2009, enabling the city's three bears – Finn, Björk and their daughter Ursina – to lead a more normal existence. Guided tours are available.
Opening Times: Daily 24hrs. Keepers are present daily between 0800-1700.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Grosser Muristalden 6, Bern, 3006, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 31 357 1525
Website:
http://www.tierpark-bern.ch
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