Bern travel guide: old town, Zytglogge, Federal Palace and Aare

First orientation

Bern is the Swiss capital

Bern is not Switzerland's largest city, but it is the seat of the federal authorities. For Chinese travellers, Bern fits well between Zurich, Basel, Interlaken and Jungfraujoch.

In town

What to see on a first visit

Old town

The old town is the core: arcades, lanes, fountains and a very coherent historic centre.

Zytglogge

The Zytglogge clock tower is one of Bern's best-known landmarks and a useful point for an old town walk.

Federal Palace

The Federal Palace shows Bern as Switzerland's political centre. Even seeing it from outside is enough for a first impression.

Aare river

The Aare shapes the city. The riverside is very pleasant, but swimming is not something unprepared visitors should copy.

Photos · Original impressions

Bern in photos

Zytglogge clock tower in Bern’s Kramgasse — Zytglogge in Kramgasse. This is where Bern feels like far more than an administrative capital: the old town is genuinely strong.

Roofs of Bern old town — View over the red roofs of the old town. From above, Bern feels like a coherent historic ensemble.

Federal Palace above the Aare in Bern — Federal Palace above the Aare. Swiss politics is not hidden away here; it is visibly part of the city.

Bern Minster and the Aare river — Bern Minster, the Aare and the edge of the old town. One of the strongest views of the city.

Building with clock near Bern station — Around the station, Bern becomes more urban and less postcard perfect. That is also part of the real impression.

Fountain and Bern Minster — Minster and fountain in the foreground. Bern is especially good at combining small details with large architecture.

Nydegg Church, old town and Aare in Bern — View towards Nydegg Church, the Aare and old town roofs. Bern is not loud or flashy; it is quietly strong.

Planning

Half a day to one day

From Zurich

Bern is easy to reach by train from Zurich and can continue naturally towards Interlaken.

From Basel

From Basel, Bern also works well as a stop on the way into Switzerland.

Pace

Bern works best if you do not just take one photo and leave. Let the old town and river set the rhythm.