Berne is full of history and museums. It also has quite a bit of public art, all of which is marked on a walking map which is available from the tourist office in the train station for free.
Berne Historical Museum, Helvetiaplatz 5, ☎ +41 (0)31 350 77 11, . Monday closed. Switzerland's second largest historic museum, combining under one roof one of the country's most important ethnographic collections together with the Bernese historical collections from prehistory to the present day. �
Bundeshaus (Federal Palace of Switzerland), Bundesplatz 3, . The Swiss House of Parliaments is a representative building dominating the Square. Constructed by the end of 19th century. Free guided tour when the Parliament is not in session. During session only access to the spectators ranks.Free. �
Einsteinhaus, Kramgasse 49, ☎ +41 (0)31 312 00 91 (), . 10AM to 5PM (4PM Saturdays) March to October, 1PM to 5PM (Noon to 4PM Sat) March and February. Einsteinhaus is closed on Sundays in March and February. It's completely closed in January. Albert Einstein rented this small flat with his wife during his years working at the Swiss patent office. Their first child, Hans Albert, and the special and general theories of relativity were born here, where Einstein's writing desk overlooked the busy street and its lovely clock-tower. There are numerous photos and original documents from Einstein's life, work, and speeches.CHF 6/4.5 Adults/Students.. �
Invasion of Berne -- successful!, . As you explore, you may notice these small alien graffiti mosaics. GAME NOT OVER was declared by the anonymous Parisian artist "Invader" in 1998. Since then, space invaders have been reappearing on the walls, bridges and roofs of cities across the world, most famously on the Hollywood sign and in several locations in the Louvre. Two additional Swiss cities have been invaded: Geneva and Lausanne. Those with 10 EUR, a longer visit, and a weird sense of humor might consider ordering a map and doing the space invader tour. �
Kunstmuseum (Museum of fine Arts), Hodlerstrasse 12, ☎ +41 (0)31 328 09 44, . Closed on Mondays. The Museum of Fine Arts Berne is known for its collection of works of painters such as Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Hodler and Meret Oppenheim. It is the oldest art museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection and houses works covering eight centuries. �
Swiss Alpine Museum, Helvetiaplatz 4, ☎ +41 (0)31 350 04 40, . A museum showing the full variety of the Swiss mountains. �
Tierpark Dählhölzli (Zoo), Tierparkweg 1, ☎ +41 (0)31 357 15 15, . Summer: 8AM - 6:30PM, Winter: 9AM - 5PM. Berne's zoo is located along the Aare river, with many outdoor enclosures that actually integrate the river. �
Zentrum Paul Klee, Monument im Fruchtland 3 (Bus No. 12 to the end of the line), ☎ +41 (0)31 359 01 01, . 10-17 except closed Mon.. The Paul Klee centre which is in a modern wave-shaped building presents the world's most important collection of works by Paul Klee (rotating exhibition drawn from 4000 works, or 40% of his oeuvre). If you plan on visiting, then the CHF20 "Berne card" validated for that day (show it at the ticket counter to receive a complimentary pass) is totally worth its price - you'll spend about that for bus round trip and the ticket alone.CHF16 ('08). �
Zytglogge, . The Clock Tower near the center of the old town, built around the turn of the 13th century, is a great thing to see. On the hour, every hour throughout the day, there is a stunning display of early animatronic technology. The locals are proud to tell you it's "the longest running act in show business". A few minutes before the hour, it begins with a little song and some drumming by a jester on top. On the hour, bears and an old bearded king get into the act. It's great for kids to see. The clock tells time too, as well as the month, day, sign of the zodiac and phase of the moon. There are guided tours inside the tower that will let you have a look at the clockwork while the show is displayed outside. It can be booked at the tourist office and is definitely worth it if you love mechanics.Free. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Berne
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Berne - updated Apr 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Berne hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
Berne Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
