Bern: interesting places, prices, reviews. The city of Bern - basic information about the capital of Switzerland Cheap flights to Bern

Bern is considered to be the capital city of Switzerland and has quite good facilities - the entire Old Town is protected by UNESCO as a universal heritage. Therefore, its attractiveness for tourists is not discussed!

So… How to get to Bern?

Bern-Belp Airport is located ten kilometers southeast of the city itself. It is small, but it receives flights from Paris, Cologne, Munich... And in the season (summer) also from London or, for example, Barcelona. However, this is not very convenient due to the very small number of regular flights. Tourists arriving this way will have to transfer to the city S-Bahn, a regular bus route or a taxi - the first two ways to get to Bern are relatively inexpensive, the latter will cost about the same as a 2nd class train ticket to Zurich.

And therefore, most tourists, however, use Zurich airport, located about 160 km southwest of Bern, and then get to the federal city of Switzerland by train (InterCity, twice an hour, up to 1.5 hours on the way, more details on the website: www.sbb. ch).

You can also get there by train from Geneva airport (about 125 km) or from another large city in Switzerland, for example, from Basel. Or not Switzerland: it's quite simple, although expensive. For example, a trip from the Gare de Lyon in Paris will take about 5 hours and cost from 200 euros for two (www.raileurope-world.com/city/bern).

The least popular method is suitable for avid motor tourists: come by car. For example, along the E-25 highway from Geneva.

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How to get to Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, the “gateway” to the alpine part of the country and simply a beautiful medieval city. For a moment, the old center of Bern is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. All this together makes Bern an attractive place to visit for tourists and travelers.

The most convenient way to get to Bern is from Zurich, which is located 126 km north of Bern. Zurich has a large international arrival airport, with direct flights from Russia and other European countries. You can check flight schedules using special search engines. Aviasales , Buruki and others similar.

You can get from Zurich to Bern by train, this is the most popular mode of transportation. The convenience is that trains run directly from the airport (if you immediately need to go to Bern upon arrival), or from the railway station in the center of Zurich. Trains on the route run in the early morning throughout the day. There are up to 3 flights per hour. Travel time from Zurich to Bern is about 1-1.5 hours. You can check train schedules and ticket prices on the website .

You can also get from Zurich Airport to Bern by private transfer. The difference between it and a taxi is that the driver with a sign will already be waiting for you by the time of your arrival, and there will be no need to look for a car on the spot. The transfer really helps out at night when public transport is not working. You can book transfer services in advance on various international services, such as, and others.

A good option for getting from Zurich to Bern on your own is to rent a car. This option is quite popular among tourists, as it gives a certain freedom of movement. In addition, renting a car is indispensable if you plan to actively explore Swiss natural attractions, which can be difficult to reach by public transport.

The easiest way to find car rental offices is at Zurich Airport; 7 different suppliers have offices here, including such well-known ones as Hertz, Sixt, Avis and others. Here you can choose a car of any class. You can also rent a car at car rental offices in the center of Zurich or Bern. You can book a suitable car in advance through international services Rentalcars, and others.

Bern Hotels

Bern is a fairly compact city, and most accommodation options are located very close to the city center. The main types of accommodation in Bern are hotels of all star categories, bed and breakfasts, there are a small number of apartments for rent, guest houses and even a few hostels for budget travelers.

TheBristol 4*— is located in the old city center, close to the main attractions of Bern. The train station and bus stop are within walking distance. The hotel has rooms of varying sizes. Some of them include breakfast included; in other cases, breakfast is available at an additional cost (buffet). You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com .

Hotel Allegro Bern 4* — located in the city center. The hotel has several restaurants, a bar, terraces for relaxation, and a fitness center. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge. Paid parking is available. The hotel offers rooms of varying sizes. Breakfast can be either included in the price or available for an additional fee (check when booking). You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com .

HotelJardin 3*— the hotel is located a few kilometers from the city center, directly accessible by tram. The hotel has rooms of varying sizes, including family rooms. Breakfast is included in the price. Free private parking is also available. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com .

HotelAlpenblick 3*— the hotel is located a kilometer from the historical center, in a quiet area of ​​the city. There is a public transport stop nearby. The railway station can be reached in 10 minutes. The hotel has a restaurant, fitness room, and terrace. Parking spaces are available for an additional fee. Breakfast is included in the room price. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com .

Martin Abegglen/Views of Bern

Sights of Bern

The basis of Bern's cultural attractions are squares, fountains, unusual statues and medieval churches. There is also a unique monument in the city in its own way - this is a huge clock mechanism, which has long been considered an unspoken symbol of the city. Walking around the historical center of Bern is quite convenient in any weather, since there is a developed network of covered galleries that provide shelter from rain or snowfall.

The central composition of the city is considered Clock tower with astronomical clock Zytgloggeturm. The tower itself was built in the early Middle Ages, but the clock appeared here later - only in the 16th century. A few minutes before the start of the new hour, the mechanism demonstrates the wonders of technical thought - a small performance of a mechanical rooster, bears and other fairy-tale creatures.

Pedro/Clock Tower

Walking around Bern, you can come across quite a lot of unusual statues, many of which are part of the fountain complex. For example, such popular statues as “Child Eater”, “Bear in a Helmet”, “Samson”, “Venner”, “Fountain of Justice”, “Fountain of Moses” and others. Each of these fountains has its own long history (most of the fountains were installed in Bern back in the Middle Ages).

While exploring Bern, it is impossible not to notice the tower Berne Cathedral, which is 100 meters high and is considered part of the tallest Cathedral in Switzerland. The cathedral has an observation deck, but you will have to climb on foot. From the top there are views of the city and the local Aare River. Among other religious buildings in Bern it is worth noting Niddegkirche church(built in the early 14th century), city ​​hall(built in the 15th century), Church of St. Peter and Paul(built in the 19th century) and others.

CucombreLibre/Bern Cathedral

There are quite a lot of museums of various types (historical, archaeological, artistic) in Bern, but one that stands apart is apartment-museum of A. Einstein. Here the famous scientist rented housing and, it is believed, it was here that he created his immortal “Theory of Relativity.”

In addition to its own attractions, Bern is also an excellent base from which to explore the Swiss Alps. One of the most popular tourist destinations is a trip from Bern to neighboring Bern. Interlaken is located 56 km from Bern; you can get here either by train (about 50 minutes on the road) or by car (following highway No. A6).

Interlaken is considered a surprisingly picturesque town. It is located between two lakes and is connected to the mountain villages in the surrounding area by special cable and cogwheel railways. What is definitely worth seeing in these places is Jungfrau mountain, Unterseen village, lookoutHarderKulm, Beatus Caves, Reichenbach Falls and other attractions.

xiquinhosilva/Interlaken

Most of these beautiful places are scattered around the area, so a rented car will come to the rescue. If you prefer public transport, then many attractions are connected by rail and cable cars. One day is not enough to see all the beauties of Interlaken and the surrounding area. If you are going here only for one day without an overnight stay, then it makes sense to choose 2-3 attractions that are most interesting to you and think in advance about how you will move between them.

Another alternative where to go from Bern is the town of Lucerne with its postcard views and picturesque attractions. Lucerne is located approximately 100 km from Bern and lies on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Lucerne boasts both ancient architecture and beautiful natural views. In the immediate vicinity of Lucerne are the famous mountains Pilatus and Rigi. Read more about .

To sum up, we can say that Bern is a destination in itself for many tourists, because... has a large number of medieval monuments that are known throughout the world. The historical center of Bern is self-sufficient, but the compactness of the city allows you to see not only cultural beauties in a short time, but also explore the picturesque surroundings; it is not for nothing that Bern is considered the “gateway” to the Alpine part of the country.

Thomas/Parliament of Bern

I fell in love with Bern, or rather its historical center, at first sight. The charming streets, not like the typical streets of medieval European cities, are decorated with flowers that locals grow in pots on their windowsills and colorful fountains. When nimble trams and trolleybuses run along the pavements among pedestrians without interfering with each other, and joyful red and white flags flutter everywhere, it seems that Bern is the happiest city.

Perhaps this feeling in Bern appears because the city stands on a high mountain and looks at the amazingly beautiful river - the proximity to the sun piercing the Bernese sky allows you to relax and enjoy the regularity of life in this city, watching passers-by at a table in a cafe near the cathedral.

The Swiss capital is charming. The green crowns of the trees harmonize with the red tiles of the houses, as if in a fairy tale. And the time spent here is remembered as a fabulous adventure.

By plane

Due to the city’s favorable location, you can fly in and then quickly get to Bern from three cities: Zurich, Geneva and Basel. From Russia, there are direct flights to Zurich and Geneva from Moscow and St. Petersburg (six times a week, St. Petersburg - once), operated by Aeroflot and Swiss airlines. Plane tickets to Switzerland cost about 250–300 EUR. You can compare flight prices and choose a convenient option for yourself, for example.

The airport is located 10 km from the city and is well accessible by public transport. A special shuttle takes travelers to Belp railway station, and from there you can take a tram to the city center. You can also rent a car at the airport; Budget and Sixt have offices here.

By train

Bern's main train station is located in the heart of the Old Town. The train journey ends with an exit to the lively historical square to the Church of the Holy Spirit, which already sets the mood for the Swiss capital.

Trains to Bern are frequent. They depart from Geneva once every half hour, and from Zurich you can leave almost every 15–20 minutes. There are also several flights per hour from Basel. The duration of the trip from all the cities listed will be approximately one and a half to two hours, and you can find a non-stop flight. Train tickets will be much cheaper if you buy them in advance on the website: the standard price is about 30 EUR, and with a discount you can spend 10–12 EUR.

By bus

Getting around Switzerland by bus is not very convenient - buses are mostly regional and run between small towns within the same region. To get from one major city to another, you will have to make many transfers. For example, on the way from Geneva you need to change 15 buses and travel almost the whole day, from Zurich - 19 buses in 10 hours, and from Basel - 18 buses in 18 hours. You can view the current schedule on the website of the Swiss PostBus. Buses arrive at different points in the city, but the main terminal is located in the same place as the train station.

If you are traveling to Switzerland by bus from neighboring countries, then you can get to Bern as follows: you need to get to Zurich from Strasbourg using Eurolines and then take the train to Bern (on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 27 EUR, four s half an hour on the way).

By car

It is very easy for travelers to get to Bern by car - the city is surrounded by a network of motorways. There are several options:

By ferry

Bern is located on the Aare River, but, unfortunately, it is impossible to reach the city itself along it. In the vicinity of Bern there are cruises with access to the Rhine, which I will talk about later.

Clue:

Bern - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Bern is an excellent destination for a trip at any time of the year; there are summer, winter, and mid-season entertainment here. The city sees the most tourists in the summer and around Christmas; at this time, accommodation prices rise by 10–15%. Summers in the city are not very hot, but winters are quite mild and dry.

In my opinion, the most pleasant time in Bern is in early spring, when the greenery on the mountains is fresh and lush, and in mid-October, when the vegetation becomes bright, like in a kaleidoscope. During these periods, there are not many tourists in the city: you can calmly walk and enjoy the local beauty without touching other people’s selfie sticks.

Bern in summer

Summer in Bern is not hot, but very pleasant. The average temperature in July is about 18–19 °C, but it feels warmer, so you can, in principle, go out light for an evening walk in the city center. During the summer months there are quite a lot of tourists in Bern compared to other seasons, but there is a place for everyone in the city.

A cool bonus of a summer trip is the opportunity to swim in Ara right within the city. However, local residents climb into the water in early autumn, and then run home barefoot along the pavement.

Bern in autumn

Autumn in Bern is warm and beautiful, especially September. At the end of October - beginning of November it begins to get colder and the temperature drops to +8–10°C. At this time, the tourist flow in the city becomes weaker, so this is a good time for those who do not mind bad weather, but like free streets. Bernese nature is also very beautiful in autumn.

Bern in spring

It becomes warm in Bern at the end of April - beginning of May, when the temperature rises to +15–16 degrees. Before that, the weather can be changeable and rainy, but at the end of spring the city becomes very beautiful, and you can admire the fresh greenery.

Bern in winter

It doesn’t get very cold in Bern, the temperature rarely drops below −1–2°C, and in winter it can be very beautiful on sunny and snowy days. It is optimal to visit Bern in winter as a trip from the ski resort, since there are few tourists here in winter, but there is still plenty of entertainment.

Bern - weather by month

Clue:

Bern - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Bern is officially divided into six districts, I have roughly outlined them on the map below.

Each district has its own official number and certain characteristics. I'll tell you a little about each of them.

Whatever area you decide to stay in, it’s better to think about finding housing in advance. You can compare prices in different hotels and inns, and the most convenient way to book the room you like is at.

What are the prices for holidays?

One day in this wonderful Swiss city will cost quite a lot. Here are approximate prices for housing, food and entertainment in Bern:

• a night in a hotel for two - from 100 EUR in a 3-star hotel to 450 EUR in five-star grand hotels;
• walking tour organized by the official Bern tourist office - from 14 EUR per person;
• taxi ride - from 8 EUR per ride, and then according to the meter at the rate of 3.5 EUR/km;
• travel by public transport - daily ticket about 8 EUR;
• lunch in a cafe - from 17 EUR per person;
• ticket to the museum - 10–25 EUR for an adult visitor;
• a quick snack with food from the supermarket (bun, bottle of water, chocolate, coffee) - about 10 EUR.

In order to save money (especially if you are going to spend several days in Bern) you can do the following:

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub Swiss Franc, CHF

Main attractions. What to see

In Bern, I really enjoyed just wandering the streets and finding places marked as must-sees. It’s also great to just spy on how people live in the Swiss capital. There are quite a few cafes in the Old Town where, sitting at a table with a cup of coffee, you can watch people rushing about business or students sitting right on the pavement by the fountain. Therefore, be sure to plan a long enough walk around the Old Town to experience its rhythm and charm.

If you want to go to museums, you should definitely think through the route so that it runs from one bank of the Are to the other through the old city - this way you will be able to see everything along the way and not waste time on a separate excursion around the center. By the way, it is almost impossible to get lost in the center. It is built on an elongated “nose” in a bend of the river, so the streets are parallel to each other and are easy to navigate on your own, without a guide.

Top 5

Bern is a cool city with many different interesting places. But most importantly, don’t miss these attractions:

Beaches. Which ones are better

Choosing the best beach in Bern is not easy. Firstly, there are only three of them, and secondly, each of them provides a unique opportunity to swim in Are with views of the sights from the UNESCO list.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are several dozen churches in Bern. It is unlikely that you will be able to get around them all in one trip - unless, of course, you set such a goal for yourself in the first place.

In addition to the Berne Cathedral, which I wrote about above in the “Top 5” section, it’s definitely worth a look French church(aka Predigerkirche), built at the end of the 12th - beginning of the 13th century. This is the oldest church in the city, and if you're lucky, you can attend a choir or organ concert there. The church is located in the Old Town at Predigergasse 3.

Tourists may also be interested in several more Bern churches and cathedrals:

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are more than 20 museums in the city, so you can find entertainment for every taste. In my opinion, the must-sees include the following:

I will also list other museums:

• Berne Art Gallery, Helvetiaplatz 1;
• Berne Museum of Fine Arts, Hodlerstrasse, 8 - 12;
• Collection of Antique Classics, Hallerstrasse 12;
• Abegg Foundation, Werner Abeggstrasse 67;
• Swiss Theater Collection, Schanzenstrasse 15;
• Bern History Museum, Helvetiaplatz 5;
• Swiss Arms Museum, Bernastrasse 5;
• Natural History Museum Bern, Bernastrasse 15;
• Berne Museum of Psychiatry, Bolligenstrasse 111;
• Museum of Communication, Helvetiastrasse 16;
• Salvation Army Museum and Archives, Laupenstrasse 5;
• Berne Cinematheque, Sandrainstrasse 3;
• Kornhausforum, Kornhausplatz 18;
• Robert Walser Centre, Marktgasse 45;
• Bern University of the Arts, Fellerstrasse 11;
• Exhibition halls of the Institute of Technology and Design, Schänzlihalde 31.

Tourist streets

It is difficult to identify the main tourist streets in the historical Old Town - travelers will be interested everywhere. However, the most important ones are, perhaps, Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse, following each other and passing through the very middle of the elongated center. They are very similar, so you may not notice where one street ends and another begins. And this happens at the intersection with Kreuzgasse.

To make it clear that you shouldn’t think too much about where the streets change, I’ll show you how similar they are. The top photo shows the Krammgasse and the bottom photo shows the Gerechtihkeitsgasse.

What to see in 1 day

If you come to Bern for just one day, it makes sense to build a circular route. For example, I did just that at the very beginning, and then I could choose where I most wanted to walk.

So, let’s say you arrived at Bern train station in the morning - it’s worth starting your acquaintance with the city from the historical center.

1. We leave the station onto Löbegge Square and look around, amazed at the liveliness of this seemingly small city. Having examined the Church of the Holy Spirit, we go around it to the right and along Spitalgasse we move into the old town, paying attention to the typically Bernese architectural design - gallery sidewalks passing under the houses and separated from the roadway by arches.
   
   

In 10 minutes you will come out to the Prison Tower. Take a look at the museum or just walk under the arch in it - one of the entrances to the city used to be here.




2. Once you pass under the gates of the Prison Tower, you will find yourself in the very heart of the city, on Marktgasse. Take a slow stroll along it to the Clock Tower (Zytglogge), but beware of the trams - they are fast and almost silent! On Marktgasse, also pay attention to the numerous bright medieval fountains (I wrote about them in more detail above). Each of them is unique and tells a little tale.

   
   
   

3. Having taken a good look at the fountains and figures on the astronomical clock, we continue to move along Kramgasse to the east, admiring the Swiss flags and ancient buildings. After twenty minutes of steady walking you will reach the Nideggasse and the bridge over the Are via the Gerechtichkeitstrasse, also decorated with many fountains. Cross the bridge and go down to the right to Bear Moat. Spend about 40 minutes in the park watching the animals and people walking around.

   
   

4. Having had enough of a walk by the water, we go back up and go to the Paul Klee Center. If you wish, you can view the exhibition in 40–50 minutes or simply walk around the Center, admiring the unusual building made of metal and glass.

   Around lunchtime we return to Nydagg Bridge and cross Are. This time, turn left off the bridge and go towards the Berne Cathedral - it is clearly visible from here. In 5-7 minutes you will find yourself at the entrance to the cathedral. It will take about 40 minutes to explore it, and additional time may be required to climb the bell tower. In total, the cathedral will take about an hour.

   
   

5. After visiting the cathedral, return to Münstergasse, Junckergasse or the parallel Kramgasse to find a nice cafe and have lunch.

   
   

6. At the intersection of Kreuzgasse and Postgasse, five minutes from the square in front of the cathedral, you will find the town hall building. Look at the coats of arms under the cornice. There is also the Church of Saints and Paul, which you can visit if you want to relax a little in peaceful tranquility. It will take you about 20 minutes to do everything.

   
   

7. After looking at all the beauties of the town hall, at about three to four o'clock in the afternoon, walk along Postgasse in the direction of the station. You will come to a former granary, the Kornhouse house. Life is in full swing around it, and inside is no less interesting - you can drink a cup of coffee in a real medieval cellar. After visiting the Cornhouse, turn south to see the Federal Palace.

   
   

8. You can get to the square in front of the Federal Palace from the Kornhaus along Theaterplatz, past Zytglogge, and turn right at the intersection with Amthausgasse - in front of the casino building. Going out to the Federal Palace and the building of the Swiss National Bank, admire the austere and majestic ensemble of the square, play with the jets of the fountain that flow directly from the ground at the most unexpected moments, and go to the Bundesterrasa under the arches of the palace.

   
   

9. After walking around the Bundesterrasse, return to the Bundesgasse and Christofelgasse to the train station. From here you can go shopping and dine at Westside Mall. It is convenient to get there by tram number 8 - the journey will take about half an hour.

What to see in the area

Bern is located in a wonderful region - in the vicinity of the city you can take a boat ride on the Are River, explore caves, feel like a Swiss farmer or walk in the mountains.

Food. What to try

The most famous Bernese dish is called Berner Platte, Bernese plate. This is an assortment of meat and sausages, which includes, among other things, smoked beef tongue, smoked pork belly, tongue sausages and pig ears. All this is served with cabbage stewed with juniper, pickled turnips, green beans and boiled potatoes.

In November, you should definitely try the Zibelechueche onion pie - it is prepared during the Zibelemärit fair.

Those with a sweet tooth will love the Bernese Haselnusslebkuchen - hazelnut gingerbread. It is baked without flour or water, and the dough is made from ground nuts, sugar and egg whites. You can often find souvenir gingerbread cookies with images of bears.

In general, speaking about food in Bern, it must be said that here you can find a restaurant or cafe for every taste: there are establishments with traditional Swiss cuisine, and with Mediterranean, European, Indian and so on. Prices in restaurants are quite high - for lunch (main course, drink, dessert) you will need at least 40 EUR per person.

To feed yourself, you can go to chain grocery stores - for example, Migros, Coop or Aldi.

It is also worth visiting the city food market if possible. It is organized in the city center on many streets (Waisenhausplatz, Bärenplatz, Bundesplatz, Schauplatzgasse, Gurtengasse, Bundesgasse, Münstergasse). At the market it is interesting to look at regional goods and watch how local ones are traded. You may also be able to save on vegetables and fresh meat, but it depends on your luck.

Market opening hours:

• January - November, Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 to 16:00;
• April - October, Thursdays from 9:00 to 20:00.

In November - December, instead of a market, a large Christmas market opens. I write more about it in the “Holidays” section.

Budget

• Äss-Bar Bern at Marktgasse 19;
• Bohnenblust Cafe at Moserstrasse 50;
• Bahnhof-Weissenbuhl at Chutzenstrasse 30;
• Hier Und Jetzt at Bubenbergplatz 10;
• 7-Stube at Zeughausgasse 9.

Mid-level

• Süder at Weissensteinstrasse 61;
• Altes Tramdepot at Grosser Muristalden 6;
• Klosterli Weincafe at Kloesterlistutz 16;
• Metzgerstuebli at Muenstergasse 60;
• Volkshaus Bern at Zeughausgasse 9.

Expensive

• Kornhauskeller at Kornhausplatz 18;
• Wein&Sein mit Haerzbluet at Muenstergasse 50;
• Mille Sens at Spitalgasse 38;
• Cinematte at Wasserwerkgasse 7.

Holidays

When it comes to holidays, Bern is a very diverse city. Sports events, art festivals, and carnivals take place here. I’ll tell you about the most famous annual events:

Safety. What to watch out for

Bern is a quiet and very safe city. You can walk here at night calmly, and it will even be a little boring. However, do not forget about the usual tourist hazards: watch your bags and pockets on public transport, as well as in crowded places (especially if you are traveling to Bern during the tourist season).

Things to do

Bern is an interesting city not only for lovers of culture, history and the arts, but also for those who are not averse to trying something unusual. For example, fly in a hot air balloon, ride a bicycle on rails or go on a hike accompanied by goats.

Shopping and shops

The most attractive place for shopping in Bern is, of course, the shopping arcades in the Old Town. Locals call this complex of arched streets "Lauben", which literally means "vaulted gallery", and since the 12th century, along six kilometers of trade, six days a week in all weathers. On Sundays, shops are only open at the central railway station.

Bern has several large shopping centers that will be of interest to art lovers.

Bars. Where to go

Most of Bern's bars are located in the Old Town, which gives them their special charm. Being in a Bernese bar makes you feel both sophisticated and relaxed. This is probably due to the fact that local establishments serve regional drinks (for example, Gourmet Berner schnapps), wine and beer and take their time, enjoying life with live music.

Bars are open mainly from Thursday to Saturday from five o'clock in the evening until half past two at night. For Berners, going to a bar is primarily about spending time in a pleasant company, which is why there are not many DJ bars and themed establishments. But almost everywhere you can sit comfortably with a group and choose a drink to your liking.

To go to a bar as a couple you will need at least 20–25 EUR. Prices for a glass of wine start from 6.5 EUR per 100 ml, beer - from 6 EUR per 250 ml, cocktails - from 8.3 EUR.

I think it is very nice to visit the following places:

• Matte Brennerei & Cocktail Bar, Mühlenplatz, 5
• abflugbar, Gerechtigkeitsgasse, 50
• Allegro Bar, Kornhausstrasse, 3
• Bellevue Bar, Kochergasse, 3 - 5
• Cafe-Bar Turnhalle, Speichergasse, 4

Clubs and nightlife

Bern's nightlife is very diverse; there are clubs here to suit every taste: there are jazz parties, rock clubs, and lively dance floors. Clubs often have age restrictions for entry - you must be at least 20 years old. Night fun usually begins at 22:00–23:00 and can last until the morning, most often until three to half past four.

Admission to clubs is often free (in some places only until 23:00) unless there is a special event on that day that requires separate tickets. The price of entrance tickets to paid events depends greatly on the organizers, the lower threshold is 10 EUR. In most cases, tickets for club events can be purchased in advance on the website.

To have a good time and dance, I recommend visiting:

• Club BM1, Aarbergergasse, 28
• Bierhübeli, Neubruckstrasse, 43
• Bonsoir, Aarbergergasse, 33/35
• Dampfzentrale, Marzilistrasse, 47
• Club Du Théâtre & Düdü Bar, Hotelgasse, 10
• Le Ciel - Club Bar Lounge, Bollwerk, 31

Extreme Sports

There are many ways to recharge your adrenaline in Bern - rock climbing, river rafting, extreme hiking, and even helicopter flights are available here. I'll tell you where to go and what to do:

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Typical Swiss souvenirs are quite common in Bern - fondue sets, watches, flags and the like. To take with you the memory of the city, it is worth buying something related to bears, because they are the local heraldic symbols.

For example, a bright Bernese flag is suitable as an interior decoration - a small canvas costs from 20 EUR.

In addition to the flags, I advise you to bring nut gingerbread and onion pie, which I wrote about above in the section on food. These delicacies definitely cannot be found anywhere other than Bern. Treats cost from 4 EUR per package.

How to get around the city

If you plan to see the Old Town, it is best to travel around it on foot - it is small and you can get around it in a few hours.

To travel longer distances, you can use the public transport network - for example, buses or, which is faster, trams. Tickets for them can be bought at the stations from machines, which make it very easy to understand which ticket you need, or at the Libero kiosk at the main station. Tickets are sold in different denominations: single trips, day tickets, long-term passes.

It is also worth remembering that if you stay in Bern overnight, you are entitled to a free public transport pass for the entire duration of your stay, I wrote about it above.

Another cool option is free bike rental. From October to May, you can use the Bern rollt service and rent a child's or adult's bicycle free of charge for four hours (after that - one CHF per hour). To do this, you will need a deposit of 18 EUR (20 CHF) and a document (identity card) for one bicycle.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis in Bern, compared to other European cities, are quite expensive. For example, a trip from the airport to the city center will cost about 47 EUR (50 CHF).

Landing costs an average of 6 EUR, each next kilometer at the standard rate is 2.7 EUR (3 CHF). Payment is usually made by meter, but it is better to check the possibility of paying with a card when ordering.

You can order a taxi by many telephones or via the Internet; a list of companies can be found.

Trams

It can be said that there are two types of trams in Bern, operated by the same company. Electric trams connect the city center with the suburbs and more distant settlements, and regular trams run around the city.

The network of lines is very extensive, it is convenient to use if you want to walk in Bern not only around the Old Town (it is more convenient to walk around it). You can see the line diagram.

Buses

Externally, city buses are very similar to trams - they are also bright red and belong to the same transport company. The bus network, like the tram network, is very developed in Bern. The lines cover the entire city, and tickets purchased for public transport (if you don't have the city pass I mentioned above) are also valid on buses.

It is convenient to travel this way if you are not staying in the city center. In other cases, it’s easier to walk - you can wait longer for the bus than end up riding it. You can view the schedule and coverage of bus lines on the website.

Transport rental

Many international car rental agencies operate in Bern - Avis, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar. Most rental offices open until 6:00 pm and are closed on Sundays, which can make returning the car difficult. Unfortunately, not all offices provide a 24-hour reception service.

On average, a car rental per day costs from 35 EUR, and formally a car can be rented from the age of 17, however, young clients may face refusal under the pretext of lack of cars. The most favorable conditions are offered to drivers aged 30 to 70 years with at least 5 years of driving experience. To rent a car, you will need an ID, license and credit card.

You can compare prices from different rental companies and find a profitable option. However, do not forget about the additional costs and inconveniences associated with a car - in the historical center of Bern it is either inconvenient, or nowhere, or impossible, and a liter of gasoline costs about 1.3 EUR.

For those who decide to go to Bern by car, I strongly advise you to pay attention to the network of ten city ones - it will greatly save both time and nerves in searching for a free place. On the website you can not only see where there are free spaces, but also calculate the cost of parking. A whole day in the parking lot will cost about 30 EUR.

When planning your route, it is worth considering that the streets in the city center are often one-way, and you can circle for a long time to get to the desired place.

Bern - holidays with children

Bern is a real haven for children. Unfortunately, I visited it as an adult, but if I were a child, I would definitely ask my parents to take me to the following places:

Ski holiday

Bern would not be Bern if it were not located in a region where skiing is a must in winter.

There are five places in the Bern region where you can slide down the mountain on shiny snow. These are the parks and slopes:

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Anything to add?

Like all Swiss cities, Bern is a real paradise for tourists who value a comfortable and, most importantly, safe holiday. It is in terms of safety that in 2011 Bern entered the top three cities on the planet.

Bern is one of the German-speaking cities in Switzerland. Most of the city's residents, of whom there are about 300 thousand (the population of the entire agglomeration), speak this language, or rather its Bernese dialect.

Bern is considered one of the cleanest cities in Europe in all respects, since most of its generally small territory is occupied by public gardens and parks, and the entire central part of the city is completely closed to road transport.

The Swiss, who are very sensitive to their cultural heritage, have kept the appearance of their city practically unchanged since the Middle Ages. This picture can be seen in other cities of Switzerland, be it Lausanne, Zurich or Geneva - in these cities you can wander through the streets, the difference from the medieval ones is only in their almost sterile cleanliness. Absolutely anyone who purchases cheap air tickets to Switzerland using the website www.site can be convinced of this.

Sights of Bern, or what to do and see in the Swiss capital

Due to the fact that Switzerland has been neutral for several centuries in all wars and conflicts occurring on the planet, the historical part of the city has not been subjected to any destruction and all historical buildings have been preserved here in almost their original condition.

The main attraction of the capital of Switzerland is, of course, the unique astronomical clock located on the clock tower. Four minutes before the start of each hour, the figures located on them “arrange” a wonderful performance. This amazing attraction is located in Old Bern, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List for almost thirty years.

Here, in the Old Town, is the Berner Münster, whose construction took a surprisingly long time - about five hundred years. The main bell of this Gothic cathedral reaches 2.47 m in diameter.

Since Bern is a very small city, all the main Bern sights located close to each other. So you don't have to go far to see the city's oldest bridge, the Nydeggkirche, which has remained virtually unchanged since 1490.

Bern is rightfully considered the city of fountains. There are about a hundred of them in the Old Town alone. Some of them are very, very significant, not only because their age is approaching half a century, but also because of their sculptural forms, be it the “Samson” or “Justice” fountains.

Speaking about Bern, one cannot fail to mention the amazing museum, where everyone can see numerous patents for such very important inventions of mankind as the zipper or ski bindings. The museum is located at the IGE Institute.

Of course, it is impossible to list all the attractions of this ancient city, so you should definitely buy cheap Moscow-Bern air tickets and see everything with your own eyes.

Bern transport system

Intracity transport of the city of Bern

Tram, bus and trolleybus services in Bern are subject to the main rule - punctuality. Transport here operates with truly Swiss precision and is in full compliance with the schedule. The cost of a travel ticket for a 30-minute trip on any transport is about 4 CHF.

Bern train station

The city's railway stations serve almost 150,000 passengers every day. From here you can get to all large and small cities in Switzerland, as well as Rome, Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Copenhagen, Prague, Madrid and Vienna.