Tips for a holiday in Bern

A holiday in Bern can be experienced in the capital of Switzerland and perhaps the country's most underrated city. For a city break in decadent Zurich or prestigious Geneva many travellers pack their bags without hesitation, but for a holiday in Bern, people are a little less likely to clap their hands together. However, you will miss out on a picturesque medieval city centre that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. You won't be able to enjoy the stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains or soothing splashing water. Bern is also called 'the city of fountains'; you will find more than a hundred fountains in the city.

Stately Bern is the most rewarding place to experience urban Switzerland. Its compactness means you can explore almost everything on foot, strolling along the cobbled streets and past sandstone buildings and churches with pointed towers. See how lovingly the locals maintain their colourful fountains, frescoes and flower boxes. Turn a corner and you will be gripped by stunning views of the Alps in the distance or the river Aare below. In summer, strong swimmers can join the locals floating along the river, past the parliament building and the city's other architectural riches.

Bern has streets with cosy covered arcades, lively market squares and excellent museums. These range from the grandiose historical museum to the Einsteinhaus, the former home of the city's most famous resident. Albert Einstein worked on his theory of relativity in this Swiss town and you may be able to use his mathematical knowledge when shopping. Bern is not cheap, shopping is all about class and luxury. Expect sophisticated jewellers, exclusive designer boutiques and chic chocolatiers. By the way, the not so expensive but delicious Toblerone chocolate bars were invented in Bern, in 1908.

It may not be the largest city in the country, but you will find a plethora of theatres, cinemas, galleries and music venues. Thanks to its many embassies and a UN agency often with an international clientele. For a culinary holiday, Bern is also the place to be - at the farmers' market, in sweet shops with their tempting shop windows and in traditional or trendy restaurants. Everywhere in the city, craft beer is popping up in new bars. The Altes Tram Depot serves delicious home-brewed beer. Either way, drinks in Bern are almost always served with a great view.

The lovable small city may lack grand majestic buildings and the flair of a metropolis, but it more than compensates with its charm. Spend a few days' holiday in Switzerland's fifth largest city and discover that Bern was not always so modest, stroll through the city feeling like it is 1600 and immerse yourself in the political centre of a modern and prosperous nation.

Sights in Bern

Far from being the largest and most influential city in the country, Bern counts pretty well when it comes to museums and sights. Founded in 1191, Bern has one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe with its medieval bell tower, cathedral, town hall and picturesque arcades. Read more about sights in Bern here

Practical tips for a holiday in Bern

Sleeping in Bern

To stay overnight during your holiday in Bern, you can choose from around thirty hotels. The price of a cheap 2- or 3-star hotel is between CHF 120 and CHF 150 (about €110 to €140). For a mid-range hotel, you'll spend between CHF 150 and CHF 230. There are a few hostels in Bern, but they are not cheap. You can get a bed in a dormitory from around CHF 40. Hotel and hostel prices usually include breakfast and local taxes. You can also stay in a flat or bed & breakfast. If you're interested in seeing more choices, feel free to view more.

Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is one of the best places to stay in the city. The 5-star hotel has been pampering guests since 1859 and has hosted famous lodgers, including Grace Kelly and British actor Peter Ustinov. The interior is glamorous and sophisticated, with 99 luxurious rooms and suites that promise a heavenly night's sleep. From the top floors, there are views of Bern's rooftops and the Alps. This hotel is undoubtedly one of the top hotels at tophotels.com

On the other hand, for travelers seeking a more unique experience, another excellent option to consider is the Alpenblick Bern - Kind Of A Hotel. This hotel offers a different charm from the rest, perfectly balancing rustic allure with modern comforts. It's definitely worth checking out.

The hotel has a state-of-the-art wellness centre and the amazing Sky Terrace on the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a drink with breathtaking 360° panoramic views. The restaurant reportedly serves the best wiener schnitzel in Switzerland. The hotel is right next to Bern's main train station and all guests receive a free ticket for public transport. ► Book a night at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa from 336

Should your budget allow, the Bellevue Palace Hotel is another top address in the city. This 5-star hotel has been around since 1865 and is the official guesthouse of the Swiss government, where foreign heads of state, heads of government, politicians and diplomats are assigned a room or suite. Countless world leaders and monarchs have spent the night here, including Winston Churchill, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela and Britain's Queen Elizabeth. Everything exudes luxury in this opulent hotel, from the chandeliers and ballrooms to restaurant VUE where you dine in a beautiful

Travelling to Bern by train

Bern is located in the heart of western Switzerland and can be easily reached by train. From Amsterdam CS, the train journey takes about 8 hours and 15 minutes, with you first taking a direct train to Basel (6½ hours). From Basel, you can reach Bern in just under an hour. You can also change trains in the German city of Frankfurt. A train ticket to Bern can be bought from around €40. ► Book your train ticket to Bern here with NS International

Bern is also easily accessible by train from other Swiss cities. In an hour, you can travel to Bern by train from places like Zurich, Interlaken and Lucerne. Bern is also the only European city connected to three international high-speed lines: the TGV, the ICE and the Italian Pendolino. For train timetables in Switzerland, check the Swiss railways

Travelling to Bern by plane

Bern does have its own airport, but it is mainly used for business jets and charter flights. The most practical international airport is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. KLM flies direct from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Basel twice a day, a 1-hour-15-minute flight. From the airport, first take a bus to Basel SBB train station (17 minutes) and then a train to Bern (1 hour).