All you need to know about Bern Switzerland: for a unique and special experience

• Location: Bern - the capital of Switzerland - is located in the central-western part of it. 

• Weather: Bern's climate is temperate continental, with hot summers and cold winters

• Best time to visit: June, July and August. 

• Features: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its central location makes shopping here a pleasure. 

• Language: Switzerland has 4 official languages: German, Romansh, Italian and French, and English is widely spoken. 

• Currency: Swiss franc, one franc is equivalent to 1.10 US dollars. 

How to get to Bern

Switzerland can be reached as follows: 

• from abroad

 It is approximately 33 minutes from Bern Central Station.

• by the road:

Trains depart with regular connections to major European cities.

The trains are very precise.

Bern is the only European capital connected by ICE, TGV and Pendolin trains, and it is also connected to the EuroCity and InterCity lines.

from Switzerland

• By Plane: Bern Airport can be reached from Zurich, Geneva and Basel airports, and there are airport express trains leaving every half hour.

by the road:

• Trains: Trains leave regularly for major Swiss cities. Basel, Interlaken, Zurich and Lucerne are 1 hour away by train.

• Cars: Bern is accessible from the highways: Geneva - Valais (A12), Zurich - Basel (A1) and Bernese Oberland (A6).

• Bus: It is accessible by the green buses FlixBus or EUROBUS, the bus stops are located near the city center; Which does not waste the traveller's time.

Tourist attractions and activities in Bern

When you go to Bern, we advise you to do the following: 

• Visit the clock tower.
• Don't miss the Roseraie, whatever the season.
• Go to Bern Zoo if you are a fan.
• Take a walk in the old town.
• Don't forget to visit the Einstein Museum.
• Enjoy seeing the exotic fountains.
• Go to Bern Münster Cathedral.
• Don't miss seeing the works of art at the art museum.
• Visit the botanical garden of the University of Bern.

Hotels in Bern

Here are some hotels where you can stay in Bern:

• Hotel Savoy: Rated 4 stars, it offers internet access, family rooms and non-smoking rooms. The rooms have a modern design and air conditioning, there is a TV, safe, telephone and more.

• Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & THE SPA: Classified as a 5-star hotel, it offers Internet access, family rooms, non-smoking rooms, a health centre, restaurant, parking, rooms equipped with a coffee maker, entertainment facilities, etc.

•   Bellevue Palace Bern: It is classified as a 5-star hotel and offers Internet access, family rooms, non-smoking rooms, a fitness center and a restaurant. 

• Novotel Bern Expo: Classified as a 4-star hotel, it offers Internet access, family rooms, non-smoking rooms and a fitness centre. 

• Holiday Inn Bern Westside: rated 4 stars, it offers non-smoking rooms, a fitness center and a restaurant.

Restaurants and food in Bern

Restaurants

Here are the most important restaurants:

• Suder: It offers European and Swiss dishes, and prices range from $20 to $99.

• Ristorante Ottimo: It offers dishes from different countries, and the prices vary between 18 and 34 dollars.

• Casa Novo: offers international dishes and prices range from $30 to $65.

• Bonner: It offers European and Mediterranean dishes, and prices range from $37 to $160.

• Nomi: It offers European, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes, and prices range from $12 to $50.

dishes

Here are the main dishes:

• Brenner Bekasi: Cheese made from whole cow's milk flavored with herbs.

• Bilbernoll: A cheese made from raw cow's milk, which is then shaped into a ball and topped with black pepper.

• Swiss Tilsit: A strong-tasting cheese made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk.

• Rosti: potato pancake with bacon and cheese.

• Emmentaler: Cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk.

Getting around Bern

Here are the ways to get around Bern:

• Public transport: The public transport network is excellent in Bern, with a night bus service running on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays on 24 lines.

• Taxis: Taxi companies include Taxi Bern, Nova Taxi and others, and provide transport services for people with special needs.

• Car Rental: The minimum age to rent a car is 19, but varies by rental company and car model, and additional charges may apply for those under 25.

• Bicycles: Bicycles are widely used in Bern; It can be hired by the hour or by the day, and a bike can be reserved online at outlets and stations.

• Bus: Bus tickets can be purchased at all stations and Bern Mobil buses offer a strong network that covers all parts of the city.

Interesting information about Bern

• Currency exchange: It is advisable to avoid currency exchange in hotels or airports. Hidden charges apply.

• Credit Card: Can be used in most places, but cash is preferred in villages and smaller settlements.

• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are plentiful in Bern, but much less common in urban areas.

• Shopping: Markets are often open 9am-9pm on weekdays, Saturday 8am-5pm, and closed on Sundays, with Spitalgasse and Marktgasse being the most popular markets.

• Important numbers: Here are the most important numbers:

• Dash: 117 and 112.
• Extinction: 118.
• Ambulance: 144.

Advice before going to Bern

Here's what:

• buy Swiss watches in their original stores; To avoid buying fake watches at an exorbitant price.

• Do not exceed the speed while driving, which is 50 km/h, and it can reach 80-120 km/h on highways.

• be specific.

• Tip taxi drivers and workers in restaurants and cafes no more than 10-15%.
• You need an international standard driver's license to drive a car.