Discover Bern Canton | A Visitor's Introduction to The Canton of Bern

Why is the Bern Canton Worth a Visit?

The Bern Region is worth visiting because it offers everything that makes Switzerland iconic—all in one place. From the UNESCO-listed old town of Bern to the dramatic alpine landscapes of the Jungfrau area, this region delivers cultural depth, breathtaking views, and a wide variety of activities year-round. It’s where historic streets meet modern galleries, where yodelling festivals coexist with extreme sports, and where a day could begin with a train ride through green pastures and end at a glacier’s edge.

The region’s transport network makes it easy to explore, and its range of attractions suits all types of travellers—families, solo adventurers, couples, and groups. Whether you're captivated by cowbells and chalet villages or drawn to world-class skiing and mountaineering, the Bern Region rewards visitors with authentic, awe-inspiring moments at every turn.

Bern Canton Highlights: Things to See and Do in the Bern Region

Bern Old Town (Altstadt)

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its beautifully preserved mediaeval Old Town. Winding cobbled streets, arcaded shopping galleries, Renaissance fountains, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower all make Bern a joy to explore on foot. Don’t miss the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), where you can watch Swiss democracy in action, and the Bear Park, a nod to the city’s namesake.

The views from the Rosengarten over the Old Town and the Aare River are especially lovely at sunset, and the riverside is popular for summer swimming and picnics.

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

One of the most popular day trips in Switzerland, Jungfraujoch is reached via an extraordinary train journey from Interlaken through Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg. At 3,454 metres above sea level, it’s Europe’s highest railway station. Visitors can step out onto a glacier, walk through an ice palace, and gaze at the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps. The journey is as stunning as the destination and is a true bucket-list experience.

Lauterbrunnen Valley

This storybook valley is home to 72 waterfalls, including the mighty Staubbach Falls, which plunges nearly 300 metres beside the village. Lauterbrunnen’s beauty has inspired poets like Goethe and Tolkien, and it's not hard to see why. The valley is flanked by towering cliffs and snow-draped peaks, with traditional wooden chalets and flower-covered meadows completing the scene. Nearby, you can explore Trümmelbach Falls, a series of glacier-fed waterfalls hidden inside the mountain.

Interlaken

Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is the region’s outdoor sports capital and a hub for exploring the Bernese Oberland. It’s the launching point for activities like paragliding, skydiving, jet boating, and hiking, and it provides excellent connections to places like Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Harder Kulm. While the town itself is quite touristy, its surroundings are absolutely stunning.

Take the funicular up Harder Kulm for panoramic views over the lakes and mountains—including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau trio.

Grindelwald

Set at the foot of the Eiger’s north face, Grindelwald is a classic alpine village that’s a favourite for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. In winter, it offers access to the Jungfrau ski region, and in summer, it’s a hiker’s paradise. Try the First Cliff Walk, a dramatic suspension bridge with jaw-dropping views, or take the Eiger Trail for a close-up look at the famous mountain.

Grindelwald also connects with the Eiger Express gondola and train routes leading up to Jungfraujoch.

Thun

A picturesque town on the shores of Lake Thun, Thun combines historic architecture with lake and mountain views. Its hilltop castle, cobbled streets, and wooden bridges make it a scenic spot for a day trip or overnight stay. The Schadau Park and Art Museum Thun offer relaxing alternatives to more action-packed parts of the region.

From Thun, you can take boat cruises across the lake or hop on a train to Bern in just 30 minutes.

Lake Brienz and Giessbach Falls

Lake Brienz is the lesser-known but arguably more dramatic of the two lakes flanking Interlaken. Its turquoise waters and rugged cliffs create a cinematic backdrop, and the Giessbach Falls, accessible by historic funicular from the lake shore, add a magical touch. Combine this with a stop at the Grandhotel Giessbach—a beautiful Belle Époque hotel—and a lakeside walk for a tranquil half-day trip.

Emmental Region

Famous for its rolling green hills, traditional farmhouses, and of course Emmental cheese, this quieter corner of the Bern Region offers a different kind of Swiss charm. Visit a cheese dairy in Affoltern im Emmental, enjoy scenic walks or e-bike rides through flower-covered meadows, and stop at viewpoints like Lueg Hill for panoramic vistas. It's perfect for travellers wanting a more rural, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Gstaad and the Saanenland

Known for its luxury chalets, celebrity sightings, and upmarket ski resorts, Gstaad is a glamorous corner of the Bern Region. But beyond the glitz, it’s also a beautiful base for hiking and relaxing. The nearby villages of Saanen and Rougemont are quieter and filled with traditional charm. In winter, the area is part of the Glacier 3000 ski domain, while summer brings festivals, alpine walks, and gourmet experiences.

Biel/Bienne

Switzerland’s largest bilingual city, Biel/Bienne is located on the language border between German and French regions. It’s known for its watchmaking industry and as the gateway to the Three Lakes Region. The Old Town has a relaxed, bohemian feel, and the Omega Museum and Swatch headquarters highlight the town’s horological heritage. Take a boat ride across Lake Biel, visit the St. Peter’s Island nature reserve, or explore the nearby Jura Mountains.

Kandersteg and Oeschinensee

A hidden gem in the Bernese Alps, Kandersteg is a quiet alpine village with access to one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain lakes: Oeschinensee. Reached via a cable car and short hike, the lake is framed by dramatic cliffs and snow-capped peaks, with boat rentals and lakeside grilling spots adding to the charm. It’s less crowded than many nearby spots and ideal for hiking, swimming, or just soaking in the view.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

The Bern Region is well-served by public transport. Bern, the regional hub, is just 1 hour by train from Zurich and 1 hour 20 minutes from Geneva. From Bern, regular trains and buses connect you to destinations like Interlaken, Thun, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. The Swiss Travel Pass makes it easy to hop on and off trains, boats, and mountain cableways throughout the region.

Driving is also possible, but parking in towns like Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken can be limited, and many alpine areas (like Wengen and Mürren) are car-free and only accessible by train or cable car.

Parking

If you're driving, look for P+Rail options in larger towns, and use public transport to reach alpine destinations. Places like Lauterbrunnen have large parking terminals where you can leave your car before boarding the mountain trains. Bern and Thun both have modern underground parking, though it’s not cheap.

Dining

The Bern Region is a great place to sample both Swiss-German and alpine cuisine. In Bern, try Restaurant Kornhauskeller, set in a magnificent vaulted cellar, for local classics like Berner Platte (a meat and sauerkraut platter). Interlaken and Grindelwald offer fondue, rösti, and hearty alpine fare in rustic settings.

For more refined tastes, Gstaad has several Michelin-starred restaurants. Local cheese and chocolate are widely available, and many mountain huts serve up surprisingly good meals alongside epic views. Be sure to try Meringues mit Nidle (meringue with cream), a regional dessert in the Oberland.

Shopping

In Bern, you’ll find unique boutiques and souvenir shops under the 6km of arcades lining the Old Town—perfect for wet weather browsing. Look for Swiss watches, artisanal crafts, and local foods. Thun and Interlaken have more tourist-focused shops, while markets in places like Emmental sell handmade goods and regional delicacies.

For chocolate, head to Läderach in Bern or local confiseries across the region. Kambly biscuits, from nearby Trubschachen, are another tasty souvenir.

When to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Waterfalls at their fullest, flowers blooming in the valleys, and fewer crowds.

• Summer (July–August): Peak season for hiking, festivals, and alpine lakes. Warm days and clear skies in the mountains.

• Autumn (September–October): Golden colours, wine harvests, and quieter trails.

• Winter (December–March): Skiing, snowshoeing, and Christmas markets. Top resorts include Grindelwald, Wengen, Gstaad, and Adelboden.

Each season offers something special, so the best time depends on your interests.

Local Events

Zibelemärit (Bern Onion Market – November): A lively folk market with onion braids, crafts, and confetti fights in Bern’s Old Town.

Gurtenfestival (July): One of Switzerland’s biggest open-air music festivals, held on Bern’s local hill.

FIS Ski World Cup (January): Held in Adelboden, this international event draws top skiers and thousands of fans.

Alpabfahrt (Late summer): Watch as cows decorated with flowers return from mountain pastures to the valley—a festive and very Swiss tradition.

Exploring Beyond the Bern Region

If you have time, the Bern Region makes a great base for visiting nearby gems:

• Lucerne (1 hour): With its iconic wooden bridge and lake views.

• Zermatt (2.5 hours): Home of the Matterhorn and top skiing.

• Gruyères (1.5 hours): For cheese, chocolate, and a mediaeval castle.

• Fribourg (1 hour): A beautiful bilingual town with Gothic architecture.

The Bern Canton is Switzerland in miniature: mountains, lakes, old towns, alpine villages, and world-class outdoor experiences. Whether you’re soaking up the culture in Bern, climbing glaciers in the Jungfrau, or sipping hot chocolate by a mountain lake, this region offers a travel experience that’s as diverse as it is unforgettable. It’s a place where every turn reveals something new—and where you'll want to return again and again.