Great protagonists of the Bernese cultural scene, lesser-known places and lots of new things. Below we show you what the federal capital has to offer this year. Get ready and gear up for a new travel experience!
The Swiss Capital and its offerings
Since 2005, the Paul Klee Center, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, has been one of the most interesting museums in Bern. Allowing the three hills of glass and steel integrate perfectly into the landscape on the outskirts of the city surrounded by greenery, a perfect place to build a bridge between nature and art.
This is precisely Paul Klee Center aims for through the exhibition “Fruchtland“, which in 2023 foresees the cultivation of spelled in the fields located behind the building. With the motto “Everything grows”, inspired by the name of the summer exhibition, the intense relationship that Klee had established with the various aspects of nature is presented.
Also, In the city, many museums are concentrated in a single district. Which can be reached by first crossing the historic center and then the Kirchenfeld bridge over the Aare river. Immediately after the bridge, on the left, you can see a modern building.
We are talking about the Kunsthalle Bar, a walking sculpture which, in addition to craft beer produced in Bern and delicious appetizers served as an aperitif, also offers a splendid view of the Cathedral and the historic centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Many Beers of Bern
Another bar, to be precise a pop-up bar, opens its doors in the summer in the park of the Bern History Museum, a few steps from the renowned and award-winning Museum of Communication. Speaking of beer and museums: the “Beer at the museum” event series takes place in the federal city from mid-January to the beginning of March. What is it about?
Every Thursday, various cultural institutions also open their doors in the evening, allowing you to combine a visit to the various exhibitions with a beer after work.
For the occasion, one of the nearly 200 (micro)breweries in Bern, the BrauKunst, has decided to produce a special beer. But the so-called nectar of the gods can be sipped all year round in the city’s restaurants and bars. Here you find the list of our 13 favorite bars to stop for a beer.
One last suggestion relating to the universe of museums:
leaving the city limits you can go to Burgdorf, another town founded by the Zähringer which is located in the Emmental and which houses the Franz Gertsch Museum.
The large-scale works of the recently deceased artist are displayed in a modern building, while behind the ancient walls of the history-steeped Burgdorf Castle. There is not only a museum, but also a restaurant and a youth hostel.
Further information: Advice on museums to visit in Bern
175 years of the federal city of Bern
This year marks the 175th anniversary of an important historic event. In 1848, with the entry into force of the Swiss federal constitution, Bern was elected federal capital. For this reason, the Federal Palace, the seat of the Swiss government, is located in Bern.
Unlike what we are used to seeing in other capitals however,
the area surrounding this building is accessible to all. On the Federal Terrace, benches allow you to relax while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Gurten, Bern’s local mountain, the Aare River and the snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Alps. The Federal Square hosts 26 fountains – one for each canton – which refresh young and old in summer. In addition to the weekly market, other events are also held here on a regular basis.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2023
Stay KooooK Bern City:
in December 2022 a new hotel was inaugurated in the heart of the historic center of Bern, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site: it is the Stay KooooK Bern City.
The hotel has 85 rooms (from single to family) with ingenious solutions that offer maximum comfort, including a shower that allows guests to feel at home. The large common room is the ideal meeting place. In the dining room, guests can cook together and the room guarantees moments of fun and sharing for young and old. The roof terrace is another place not to be missed!
Ibis Styles Bern City:
Also at the end of 2022, a new centrally located hotel was also opened in Bern: the ibis Styles Bern City. The property is located a few minutes’ walk from the train station and therefore from many attractions that characterize the federal city.
The new hotel has 154 rooms furnished in a design style with air conditioning and comfortable Sweet Bed by ibis Styles beds. In addition to applying affordable prices, this hotel also offers barrier-free rooms. The reception is open 24 hours a day and, in addition to the breakfast room, the hotel offers guests a bar and a terrace.
Bern now also has an NH:
The Bristol hotel belongs to the NH Group and with this structure the multinational hotel chain has opened its first hotel in German-speaking Switzerland.
The 4-star NH Bern The Bristol is centrally located between the train station and the Federal Square and comprises 100 rooms and suites. The hotel was reopened in 2018 after major renovations.
Stay KooooK Bern City:
in December 2022 a new hotel was inaugurated in the heart of the historic center of Bern, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site: it is the Stay KooooK Bern City.
The hotel has 85 rooms (from single to family) with ingenious solutions that offer maximum comfort, including a shower that allows guests to feel at home. The large common room is the ideal meeting place. In the dining room, guests can cook together and the room guarantees moments of fun and sharing for young and old. The roof terrace is another place not to be missed!
Ibis Styles Bern City:
Also at the end of 2022, a new centrally located hotel was also opened in Bern: the ibis Styles Bern City. The property is located a few minutes’ walk from the train station and therefore from many attractions that characterize the federal city.
The new hotel has 154 rooms furnished in a design style with air conditioning and comfortable Sweet Bed by ibis Styles beds. In addition to applying affordable prices, this hotel also offers barrier-free rooms. The reception is open 24 hours a day. In addition to the breakfast room, the hotel offers guests a bar and a terrace.
Bern now also has an NH:
The Bristol hotel belongs to the NH Group and with this structure the multinational hotel chain has opened its first hotel in German-speaking Switzerland.
The 4-star NH Bern The Bristol is centrally located between the train station and the Federal Square and comprises 100 rooms and suites. The hotel was reopened in 2018 after major renovations.
Curated by Elijah Lucio