Bern

7 sights and activities in Bern

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  1. Einstein's House

  While he was working at Bern's Swiss patent office, Albert Einstein rented an apartment here with his wife. It's said that this is where his general theory of relativity was born!

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  2. Gorge Canyoning

  The Saxeten Gorge is in the Bernese Uplands. Canyoning involves getting across canyons in whichever way you see fit - rappelling, swimming, and so on! There are also opportunities to kayak around the waters.

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  3. Paul Klee Center

  This unusual, wave-shaped building houses original, interesting, and wonderful works by German-Swiss painter Paul Klee.

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  4. Zytglogge

  There's a reason the Swiss are famous for their clocks! The Zytglogge dates from the 13th century and boasts an entertaining puppet show on the strike of every hour...

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  5. Jungfraujoch

  Although roughly a couple of hours out from Bern, visiting the glacial pass of the Jungfraujoch - a UNESCO site - and admiring the majestic view while inhaling the clean Swiss air is an essential way to spend a day.

• 6. Helvetiaplatz Museums

  "Helvetia" is Switzerland's Latin-derived patron, so it's fitting some of its capital's best museums are to be found at Helvetiaplatz. The Historical Museum and the Swiss Alpine Museum show pieces of history from the Stone Age to the present day.

• 7. SC Bern

  Would you have guessed that Bern has its own ice hockey team - and also the highest average audience turnout outside the NHL? Come show your support at the second-biggest stadium in Europe.

Frequently asked questions about Bern

Planning Your Visit

• Safety

  Bern is generally a safe place, but normal caution is to be exercised - keep your valuables hidden away and don't leave your belongings unattended!

• Souvenirs

  Make sure you don't miss out on any of that tasty Swiss chocolate - just wander the central streets of Bern and you'll find more varieties than you ever thought possible!

• Getting around

  Bern has a steady network of buses and trams - maps are available from any local tourist office.

• Local lingo

  The country of Switzerland counts no less than four official languages - German is the language of Bern, but just a drive away and you could be speaking French, Italian, or even Romanch!