Bern
Bern
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is often overshadowed by its flashier Swiss siblings like Zurich or Geneva, but this UNESCO World Heritage city has plenty of charm on its own. The medieval old town dates back to the 12th century and features stunning architecture with its iconic arcaded walkways that stretch for miles, keeping shoppers dry during rainy days – pretty smart design for medieval times!
The city sits on a peninsula created by the winding Aare River, which locals love to float down during summer months. The turquoise waters are surprisingly clean and offer a refreshing escape from hot days. Bern also has an interesting connection to Albert Einstein, who developed his theory of relativity while living here. You can visit his former apartment which has been converted into a museum.
One quirky fact about Bern is that it's named after a bear, and the city has kept live bears in a central pit since the 16th century. Today, the bears enjoy a much more humane riverside enclosure. The city's symbol can be found everywhere from fountains to flags.
With its perfectly preserved old town, fantastic museums, and relaxed atmosphere, Bern offers a authentic Swiss experience without the tourist crowds you'll find elsewhere. The Swiss capital runs like clockwork – literally, as the famous Zytglogge medieval clock tower puts on a show every hour that has been entertaining people for centuries.
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Things to do in Bern
Top things to do in Bern by www.thecrazytourist.com
Where to stay in Bern
Best hotels in Bern:
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Best Western Plus Hotel (luxury hotel)
The Best Western Plus Hotel in Bern is close to the main train station, just a quick 5-minute walk away. The location is really convenient - you're within easy reach of all the main sights like the Parliament building and the famous Zytglogge clock tower.
The rooms are modern and comfortable, with nice touches like Nespresso machines and free mineral water. I especially liked the anti-allergenic bedding - always a plus for sensitive sleepers. The bathrooms are spacious and well-equipped too.
One of the highlights is the rooftop bar, which has awesome views over the city. The restaurant serves up tasty traditional Swiss dishes if you want to dine in. And the free public transport pass for Bern is super handy for getting around. All in all, it's a solid choice if you're looking for a centrally located hotel with good amenities in Bern.
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Hotel Marthahaus (medium range hotel)
Hotel Marthahaus in Bern is a cozy spot in a quiet neighborhood not far from the city center. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with a homey feel. What really stands out is the friendly staff - they go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and help with anything you need.
One of the best things about staying here is the excellent breakfast spread each morning. There's a great variety of fresh food to fuel up for a day of exploring Bern. The hotel also has a shared kitchen that guests can use, which is handy for making snacks or light meals.
While the rooms are on the smaller side, they're kept spotlessly clean. The location is super convenient too - it's an easy walk to the train station and Old Town. Overall, Hotel Marthahaus offers good value in an expensive city, especially with the free public transport pass they provide. It's a solid choice for travelers looking for a pleasant, no-frills place to stay in Bern.
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Best hostels in Bern:
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Backpackers Hotel Glocke (hostel)
Backpackers Hotel Glocke is close to all the main sights - you can literally see the famous Zytglogge clock tower from the front door. The location can't be beat if you want to explore the city on foot.
The hostel has a laid-back vibe with a big common area where you can hang out, cook meals in the shared kitchen, or catch a movie in the evenings. The rooms are simple but clean, with options for private rooms or dorm-style bunks. And the staff are really friendly and helpful with tips on what to see and do in Bern.
One of the best perks is that guests get free public transport around the city. So you can easily hop on a tram or bus to check out attractions a bit further out. Overall, it's a great budget-friendly base for exploring Bern's charming old town and beyond.
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Youth Hostel (party hostel)
The Youth Hostel in Bern is located just a 5-minute walk from Parliament and the Aare River, it puts you right in the heart of the action. The hostel reopened in 2018 after a major renovation, so the facilities are modern and fresh.
One of the best things about this place is the outdoor space. There's a quiet garden with a terrace where you can relax, play some outdoor chess, or just soak up the sun. Inside, the common areas have fun amenities like table tennis and foosball to keep you entertained. The rooms are simple but clean, with options for private or shared bathrooms.
The free breakfast buffet is a nice perk to start your day of sightseeing. And the location can't be beat - you're super close to the popular Marzili swimming area on the river, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Overall, it's a comfortable and affordable base for exploring beautiful Bern.