Best of Bern: Walking Tour of Old Town with Expert Guide
Description
Bern is one of the most beautiful and least known capitals in Europe, and this tour is designed to get you the best of it, even if you only have one day. You will visit the must-see places: medieval cobblestone streets declared UNESCO Heritage, 16th century fountains, the most famous astronomical clock in Switzerland and the corners where the history of an entire nation took shape. In two hours you will meet: Why is Bern the de facto capital of Switzerland and what does that mean? The story behind the bear as a symbol of the city -How does the Zytglogge work?, the astronomical clock from the 13th century Bern's connection with Albert Einstein How was the Swiss Confederation formed and why does it matter until today? It’s the perfect tour if it’s your first time in town, if you only have a few hours or if you want to understand Switzerland beyond the postcards.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start the tour in front of the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), learn how Switzerland’s unique system of direct democracy works, why Swiss citizens vote four times a year and admire the most important symbols in front of parliament.
In front of the Käfigturm, in the Bärenplatz you will feel the real rhythm of Bern. This space has been for centuries a meeting point, trade and local life. Between stories of markets and tradition, you will discover why the bear became the soul of the city
Walk the lively Marktgasse, one of the most emblematic streets in Bern’s old town, declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 1983. Under its historic portals, you will discover how this road has been for centuries the center of commerce and daily life. Between decorated fountains and medieval buildings, you will know stories, symbols and the importance of fountains.
Discover the most mysterious monument in Bern: a 16th century fountain with a figure devouring children. Discover the darkest legends surrounding this disturbing monument and why it continues to shock visitors today.
Learn about the most iconic monument in Bern: the astronomical clock tower and learn all about one of the oldest mechanisms in the city. Learn about its history as a city gate, prison and wait for the spectacle of mechanical figures
Discover where Albert Einstein lived and why his stay in the city becomes so relevant to world history.
Admire Berner Münster, Switzerland’s tallest Gothic cathedral, and take a close look at its impressive portal full of symbolism and discover how religious changes transformed not only this city, but an entire country.
Meet the Erlacherhof, one of the most representative palaces in Bern, I tell you a story of power, ambition and transformation. Here lived the elites who controlled the city as a real aristocracy until everything changed. Discover how this building became a symbol of exclusivity and part of the democratic government that defines today’s Switzerland.
Discover why bears have been the symbol of Bern since the 12th century, learn all about their current life and admire Nydegg Bridge and the emerald green waters of the River Aare.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travelers with very reduced mobility (cobblestones along the entire route)
Reviews(19)
I really enjoyed this tour and learn a lot of things because Ms Karina explained every details and it’s with it.
Very informative. Our guide had good knowledge of the city and the city history. She was on time at the meeting point. We enjoyed the tour a lot
Karina is amazing. One of the best free tours I have taken. Super informed, friendly, and nice. We learned a lot; she takes care of her group. We highly recommend her.
Excellent tour of Bern, Karina shares a lot of information in a very pleasant way. You learn a lot about Bern and about Swiss society and its functioning in general. Highly recommended
It was a great experience. Karina made us feel very welcome, she explained the history of Switzerland to us so we could understand many things, from the past and the present. She was affectionate and fun. Totally recommended
Karina is a very friendly guide. She knows Bern and its history very well. It is evident that she is interested in deepening her knowledge of Swiss culture because she has not just relied on the information provided for the tour. She uses vocabulary accessible to all Spanish-speaking cultures. Her diction and volume when giving explanations ensure that one does not lose the thread and interest. 100% recommended.
Karina is very kind, and we loved how she explained everything to us.
This was our first visit to Bern. Karina was very knowledgeable of the birth and growth of Bern. She made sure we were at the right time to experience the astronomical clock. Her enthusiasm and love of Bern was very well expressed. Highly recommended!!
Excellent tour, and the guide was even better!!! Karina gave us the tour, the explanation, and answered all the questions we asked. Congratulations, Viator, for having such excellent and professional guides like Karina.
Karina was fantastic and a lovely person!! She explained a lot of information also answer all questions. The view from Rosengarten was so beautiful!!! She knows her stuff and I can tell her passion towards to her job !! She enjoyed giving us a tour. I joined myself while my partner was at work. My spontaneous decision made my day so much fun and fulfilling ! I would recommend to anyone !! Thank you Karina :)
