Two Days in Bern, Switzerland: A Cultural Immersion Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Old City
    Starting Point: Bern Train Station
    Time: 3 hours
    Distance: 1.4 miles

    The Old City of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved medieval architecture, stunning fountains, and beautiful arcades. Begin your cultural immersion itinerary with a visit to the iconic Zytglogge Clock Tower, a 13th-century astronomical clock located in the heart of the old city. Take a stroll through the Kramgasse, the main shopping street with arcade-style shops, before heading to the impressive Bern Cathedral with its Gothic architecture. End your tour at the Einsteinhaus, a museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous physicist Albert Einstein who lived here in 1905.

  2. Day 2: Museums and Galleries
    Starting Point: Bern Train Station
    Time: 4 hours
    Distance: 2.4 miles

    Bern is home to many museums and galleries that showcase its rich cultural heritage. Begin at the Museum of Fine Arts, which displays a varied collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present. Next, visit the Natural History Museum, with a vast collection of Swiss fauna and flora, including exhibits on dinosaurs and meteorites. End your tour with a visit to the Paul Klee Museum, featuring works of the Swiss-German painter, Paul Klee. His art combines elements of cubism, expressionism, and surrealism with a child-like aesthetic.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Zytglogge Clock Tower (30 min, free)
  • Bern Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Einsteinhaus (1 hour, 8 CHF)
  • Museum of Fine Arts (2 hours, 16 CHF)
  • Natural History Museum (1 hour, 10 CHF)
  • Paul Klee Museum (2 hours, 20 CHF)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding meals and transportation): 54 CHF

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can take a side trip to the Gurten, a popular recreational area with a panoramic view of Bern. Alternatively, if you have less time, you can skip the Natural History Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts. For those who appreciate art, visit the Zentrum Paul Klee, which has an extensive collection of the artist's work with special exhibits. Finally, make sure to taste the famous Swiss chocolate from Läderach or enjoy traditional Bernese cuisine at a local restaurant such as Kreuz Bern.

0