Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland and a picturesque city full of attractions. From its lovely Old Town displaying medieval architecture to its world-class museums and restaurants, Bern has many points of interest that make exploring it a delight. Book an accommodation in Bern at the NH Bern The Bristol to begin exploring all that this charming Swiss city has to offer its visitors.
Why stay in NH Hotels in Bern
Conveniently located right in the Old Town, the NH Bern The Bristol is a fantastic choice for where to stay in Bern to explore attractions like the Zytglogge medieval tower, the Bundeshaus (the Federal Palace of Switzerland), and the Bern Historical Museum, the second largest museum in Switzerland.
Staying with NH Hotels in Bern at the NH Bern The Bristol you’ll also be within walking distance of the Bahnhof Bern railway station as well as all the area’s shops and restaurants, including the Williams ButchersTable steakhouse.
The hotel is also in a magnificent historical building from the 1920s with an impressive facade. Its fantastic amenities include a fitness center with views over the Bundeshaus as well as the Bristol Lounge, a stylish bar in the hotel’s lobby. It’s truly an ideal place where to stay in Bern.
How's the weather in Bern
Bern has very pleasant weather throughout most of the year, including very comfortable and warm summers. July is the hottest month of the year in Bern, with average daily high and low temperatures of 25ºC and 14ºC.
The winters, however, get chilly, with the coldest months coming between December and February. These months come with daily high temperatures around 3ºC to 5ºC and daily low temperatures of roughly -2ºC or -3ºC.
What to see in Bern
The Zytglogge medieval tower was built in the early 13th century and remains one of Bern’s most recognizable landmarks and its oldest monument. You can visit it as its clock’s bell rings every hour on the hour and climb to the top of the tower for the panoramic views over the Bern Old Town.
The Bundeshaus, or the Federal Palace of Switzerland, is another of the city’s top architectural marvels. It’s a beautiful Renaissance-style building, with its oldest part being built between 1852 and 1857. Bern’s Budenhaus is fronted by a gorgeous fountain and it’s open to visitors, so you can explore its interior as well.
The Bern Historical Museum, located in a stunning building inspired by 15th-century castles, is one of Switzerland’s most important museums. The artifacts on display at the museum goes as far back as the Stone Age and into the 20th century. It combines with the Einstein Museum, dedicated to the great Albert Einstein, to form the second-largest museum in the country.
If you’re looking for an art museum, Bern also has the hugely impressive and famous Kunstmuseum, which, having been built in 1879, is the oldest art museum in Switzerland. Its extensive collection displays artworks from both Swiss and international artists, including by the likes of Niklaus Manuel, Albert Anker, Pablo Picasso, and Jackson Pollock.
Stroll through the Rosengarten (or the Rose Garden Park), one of Bern’s most peaceful and scenic green spaces. You’ll enjoy seeing its more than 200 types of roses (along with many more species of flowers) and the wonderful views over the city.
The Tierpark Dählhölzli is a fantastic public zoo that you can’t miss, especially if you’re visiting Bern with your kids. It’s located on the bank of the river Aare and features more than 3,000 animals, including owls, wolves, pelicans, bison, puffins, otters, and many more species. It also has plenty of attractions for kids, including a playground and pony rides.
The Bern Cathedral, also known as the Berner Münster, is perhaps the most iconic building in the city. The cathedral’s construction started in 1421 and it displays a gorgeous Gothic architectural style. With an impressive height of 100 meters, it’s the tallest cathedral in Switzerland.
What to eat in Bern?
Bern is home to many local specialties. One of the most representatives is the Berner Platte, which consists of meats like smoked beef, pork belly, bacon and pork ears served together along with other foods like potatoes and sauerkraut. Other typical Bernese dishes include cheese fondue and rösti, which is made by sautéing grated potatoes.
When you stay with NH Hotels in Bern at the NH Bern The Bristol, you’ll be close to many great restaurants. Some of our favorites include Williams ButchersTable, a steakhouse and butcher shop, and Pittaria, which serves Palestinian delicacies.
How to arrive in Bern?
Bern is served by the Bern Airport (BRN), which regularly receives flights from major international destinations including in Italy and Spain. You can reach the city center directly from the airport either by taxi, bus, or train.
You can also arrive in Bern via a direct train from Zurich Airport (75 minutes away) or Geneva Airport (2 hours away). Trains are also available from other Swiss and European cities.
Reaching Bern by road from other important Swiss cities—like Geneva and Zurich—is also an option. Switzerland’s road network is very extensive and well-maintained.
How to get around Bern?
Bern is a compact city and, as such, it is a joy to explore on foot or riding a bicycle. However, you can also make use of the city’s convenient and extensive public transport system, which includes trams, buses, and trolleys.
While it’s not necessary, you can also drive during your stay in Bern. While free parking spaces may be hard to find, you can make us of paid parking spots as well as several parking garages around the city.
Bern is a city full of culture and attractions, ranging from its beautiful architecture to its fascinating museums and its varied culinary offer.
Book a room with NH Hotels in Bern now and get to know this fantastic city.
