CH · Canton of Bern · 46.95°N 7.45°E

bern

Sandstone arcades, a medieval clock tower and river bends around the old town.

Best time
May–September is best for walking and the river; in high summer, locals swim in the Aare. December has Christmas markets; January–February is cold and quiet.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly with one stop to Zurich, usually via Singapore, Dubai or Istanbul, about 15–17 hours all in. The train from Zurich airport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Switzerland is 6 hours behind KL in summer and 7 in winter.
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CH · Canton of Bernbern46.95°N 7.45°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Sandstone arcades, a medieval clock tower and river bends around the old town.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingBernCH, Canton of Bern
KLbern
≈ 10,074 km from KL, as the crow flies
Federal Palace of Switzerland, Bern

Photo: Flooffy · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Switzerland's capital is a small, unhurried city whose medieval old town sits in a tight loop of the green Aare river. Six kilometres of covered arcades run along its streets, with painted fountains down the middle.

Makan

  1. RöstiThe farmhouse potato dish comes from Bern; the language divide between German- and French-speaking Switzerland is jokingly called the Röstigraben.Map ↗
  2. Berner HaselnusslebkuchenBern's hazelnut gingerbread, often stamped with a bear.Map ↗
  3. TobleroneThe triangular chocolate bar was invented in Bern in 1908.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Old-town arcades and the ZytgloggeSandstone arcades with cellar shops below, and a medieval clock tower whose figures put on a little show just before the hour.Map ↗
  2. Bear ParkBern's bears, the city's emblem, live in a riverside enclosure at the end of the old town.Map ↗
  3. Rose GardenA short climb above the bear park for the classic view over the river bend and the red roofs.Map ↗
  4. Bern MinsterThe Gothic cathedral, with Switzerland's tallest church spire and a terrace above the Aare.Map ↗
  5. Aare swimOn summer days, locals jump in upstream and float down to the Marzili baths. The current is strong, so it's for confident swimmers.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The old town is a 10-minute walk from the station and easy to cover on foot.
  • Kebab shops and Turkish restaurants are the easiest halal option; the famous Berner Platte is a pile of pork and sausages.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.