One Day in Bern: Clock Towers, Cathedrals, and River Views
Most travelers rush past Bern on their way to the Alps, but Switzerland’s capital city is one of the country’s most underrated gems.
With its medieval Old Town, cobbled arcades, and turquoise river bends, Bern feels both historic and laid-back — the perfect stop between Zermatt and Zurich.
I spent just a day here as part of my Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days of Scenic Trains, Lakes, and Alpine Adventures, and it turned out to be a highlight. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Bern.
Bern Old Town – A UNESCO Treasure
Bern’s Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, and it’s easy to see why. Walking through its arcades feels like stepping back to the Middle Ages.
The streets are lined with sandstone buildings, colorful fountains topped with quirky statues, and lively markets.
Bern was founded in 1191 and, according to legend, named after the first animal the duke hunted here, a bear (Bär in German).
The best way to explore is to simply wander: shop under the 6 km of covered arcades (Europe’s longest), stop at a café, and let the history sink in.
Zytglogge – The Clock Tower with a Show
The Zytglogge is Bern’s most famous landmark, a medieval clock tower with an astronomical clock built in the early 1400s. Every hour, a small “puppet show” of mechanical figures (including a crowing rooster, dancing bears, and a jester) entertains the crowd.
Albert Einstein lived just a few steps from the Zytglogge when he worked at the Bern Patent Office. It was during this time (1903–1905) that he developed his theory of relativity!
Tip: Arrive a few minutes early to snag a good spot before the figures start moving.
Münster Cathedral & the Federal Palace
From the clock tower, it’s a short stroll to the Bern Münster (Cathedral of St. Vincent), the tallest cathedral in Switzerland.
Its Gothic spire towers 100 meters high, and if you climb the 344 steps, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the Old Town and River Aare.
Not far away is the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), home to the Swiss Parliament. While you can only tour inside with advance booking, the square outside is always lively with fountains and locals enjoying the sun.
👉 Tip: If you’re traveling in summer, you might catch open-air concerts or political rallies happening right in front of the Bundeshaus.
Bear Park & River Aare Walk
No visit to Bern is complete without seeing the Bear Park, a spacious riverside enclosure where brown bears, the city’s symbol, live in a natural setting.
Kids especially love this stop, but it’s also a reminder of how deeply the bear is tied to Bern’s identity.
From here, follow the River Aare.
Its water is an unbelievable shade of turquoise, and in summer, locals float down the current in swimsuits or drybags.
Even if you don’t dive in, the riverside walk gives you postcard-worthy views back at the Old Town’s skyline.
👉 Trivia: The Aare River is considered one of the cleanest city rivers in the world, and swimming here is a UNESCO-recognized tradition.
Cafés & Dinner in Bern’s Old Town
Bern’s Old Town has no shortage of cozy cafés and restaurants tucked under its arcades. For lunch, try a light plate of rösti (Swiss potato pancake) or pastries at Kornhauskeller, a former grain cellar turned into a grand dining hall.
For dinner, Old Town bistros serve Swiss classics with a rustic charm. If the weather is good, grab an outdoor table with views of the sandstone buildings glowing at sunset.
👉 Tip: For chocolate lovers, Bern is also the birthplace of Toblerone — the triangular chocolate bar inspired by the shape of the Matterhorn. You’ll find special editions in local shops.
Suggested 1-Day Flow in Bern
Morning
- Arrive in Bern and start exploring Old Town arcades.
- Visit the Zytglogge clock tower show.
Afternoon
- Climb the Münster Cathedral tower.
- See the Federal Palace and relax in Bundesplatz.
- Head to the Bear Park and stroll along the River Aare.
Evening
- Dinner in a cozy Old Town bistro.
- Optional: riverside walk as the Old Town lights come on.
👉 See how Bern fits into the bigger journey in my Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days of Scenic Trains, Lakes, and Alpine Adventures
Final Thoughts – Bern’s Underrated Magic
With its blend of medieval architecture, political history, and riverside charm, Bern is more than just a stopover.
Even one day gives you enough time to soak up its atmosphere from watching the Zytglogge’s dancing bears to spotting the real ones in the park.
If you’re traveling Switzerland by train, don’t skip Bern. It’s the perfect bridge between the high peaks of Zermatt and the cosmopolitan energy of Zurich.
