Discover Bern 2026

Set on a bend of the Aare river, the medieval old town with about six kilometers of arcades and sandstone facades is one of the best-preserved historic city centers in Europe and was declared a World Heritage Site as early as 1983.

The city has kept bears as a living heraldic animal since the 16th century, and in the modern Bear Park on the banks of the Aare, visitors can observe the animals in a naturally designed open enclosure that closely reflects the city's history.

The medieval tower once served as the western city gate and houses an astronomical clockwork from the 15th century, whose mechanical figure show draws numerous onlookers just before the hour strikes.

As the seat of the Swiss government and parliament, the magnificent Federal Palace towers over the Aare, and free guided tours offer insights into the National Council chamber and the country's direct democratic tradition.

Bern-Belp Airport serves only a few destinations, so most visitors arrive via Zurich or Geneva and travel directly by train to Bern's central station in under an hour.

Set on a bend of the Aare river, the medieval old town with about six kilometers of arcades and sandstone facades is one of the best-preserved historic city centers in Europe and was declared a World Heritage Site as early as 1983.

The city has kept bears as a living heraldic animal since the 16th century, and in the modern Bear Park on the banks of the Aare, visitors can observe the animals in a naturally designed open enclosure that closely reflects the city's history.

The medieval tower once served as the western city gate and houses an astronomical clockwork from the 15th century, whose mechanical figure show draws numerous onlookers just before the hour strikes.