Your Guide to 24 Hours in Bern
I had been to every major Swiss city: Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva, Basel, the Swiss Alps… the only thing that was left on my list after all this time – was Bern.
Arriving at Bern bhf in October 2021
And man… did it not disappoint.
View of Bern, Switzerland in October 2021
Is the Train Ride Between Lausanne and Bern Pretty?
Yes, like almost all train rides in Switzerland – the train ride from Lausanne to Bern is absolutely stunning…
Views of Swiss Villages on train; October 2021
View of Lake in Switzerland en route to Berne; October 2021
Is Berne Worth Visiting?
Yes, Bern is worth visiting, and in fact – I would dare to say that Bern is one of the most underrated Swiss cities.
Bern is by far the most distinct Swiss city of them all. With an old downtown reminiscent of Munich, a commercial scene like a miniature Vienna, and rolling hills reminiscent of the Swiss Alps – this Swiss city has a little bit of something for everyone.
So, what are you to do if you’ve only got 24 hours in Bern?
Here’s what I think no trip to Bern is complete without:
How to Spend One Day in Bern
1. Explore the Old Town
Old Town Bern in October 2021
Like I said before, this is the most special Swiss city of them all as it’s very unique. I wasn’t able to compare it to another one that I’ve been to.
Parliament Building in Bern, Switzerland
It has a Munich-like little downtown with corners of trees and mountains. There was a beautiful open market near their Parliament building (called Bundeshaus) full of fresh produce, cheese, and breads.
One of the many clock towers in Bern
There are also a lot of cute cafes and antique shops!
Wandering around Bern; October 2021
Bern has a special character that’s worth exploring downtown.
2. Take a Tram Ride in Bern
For me, no Switzerland trip is complete without a tram ride. When you take it all the way to the Gurten funicular, you’ll see little snippets of the city from an utterly artistic angle…
Fall foliage in Switzerland on train; October 2021
… which brings me to…
3. Snap a Picture at the top of the Gurten
Me at the top of Gurten in Bern, Switzerland in October 2021
Is It Worth Going up the Gurten in Bern?
I don’t think the Gurten has the prettiest views of Bern, but I think it’s worth taking the trip up to the top.
Ultimately, I think this view is too high up to appreciate the autumn foliage and intricate buildings and clock towers of Bern, but definitely is something worth doing.
View from the top of the Gurten in Bern; October 2021
There’s a little loop to discover, a toboggan to ride, and another tower to hike up – but beware, this tower reactivated my previous fear of heights!
View from the top of the Gurten in Bern; October 2021
Inside Coop in Bern; October 2021
Don’t buy your chocolate elsewhere. Don’t spend your precious Swiss Francs eating out. Just go into coop, grab something fun – and you’ll thank me later.
So many fun vegan things to try in Switzerland’s coop!
The vegan dark chocolate sea salt truffles and the raspberry quinoa chocolate bars are both to die for.
Coop vegan chocolate in bed; October 2021
5. Relax in the Rosengarten
The Rosengarten was my second favorite thing I did in Bern. It’s quite a hike up – bring comfortable shoes and be ready for a steep uphill walk.
Rosengarten in Bern in the fall; October 2021
But obviously, it’s worth the view once you reach the top!
View from the Rosengarten cafe in Bern, Swizterland; October 2021
6. Just Walk Around
Discovering Bern by foot is a great way to go!
Is Bern Easy to Walk Around?
Yes, despite it’s occasional steep inclines – Bern is very walkable.
As the local at the front desk of the hostel told me, Bern is very small. Most Swiss cities are, but this one is one of the most walkable - besides Lucerne.
House in Bern, Switzerland; October 2021
It’s fun to just go in circles and see which clock tower you end up next, to sit on a step and people watch, and take pictures of what you come across!
Street view of Bern; October 2021
7. Watch the Sunset
I came to Bern specifically for the autumn foliage… and it did not disappoint.
Stunning autumn foliage in Bern; Octboer 2021
And when the sun burnt off a golden filter to the sky…
Sunset in Bern; October 2021
… hearing French, German, and English softly in the background with birds chirping away to their nests for the night…
Flowers in Bern, Switzerland; October 2021
… well, that was the most damn magical part of this Swiss city.
View of rolling hills in Bern, Switzerland; October 2021
I highly recommend adding Bern to your Switzerland itinerary!
Want to see my trip to Bern in action? Watch my vlog below!
Not sure where else to go in Switzerland? I’ve been all over the country!
Click here to read what I recommend most.
Last updated: June 27, 2025